February 2021 Volume 3

MEMBERS SPEAK

Members Speak By Ashleigh Walters

Manufacturing has run in our family for generations, and so it should come as no surprise that I was hooked after my first plant tour. I was curious and wanted to understand more about how other companies made things. In the paper industry, the trade organization TAPPI makes it possible for students to receive pulp and paper scholarships. I was one of these lucky scholarship recipients. Attending Auburn University's College of Engineering was an incredible opportunity for me. Auburn prepared me for the world of engineering, but maybe more importantly, I learned a process for solving problems. Today, I am leading a company and sharing my story with others so that they too may understand how important manufacturing is to our families and communities. I promised myself that unless I had an excellent reason not to, I would always say "yes" when asked to tell my story, and I have remained true to my word. I have shared my journey at the national summit for Women in Manufacturing, in front of the Pennsylvania delegation of Congressmen and Senators, and at Penn State Behrend, to name a few. Each time someone thanks me (sometimes with tears in their eyes) for sharing my story, it fills me with pride because I know that I have impacted his or her life. It also validates the decisions I have made and reminds me that the lessons I learned have universal appeal and benefit others. So, now I would like to request two things from you: 1. Donate to the Forging Foundation (FIERF) so that another college student, like myself, will have the opportunity to go to school and become a leader in our industry. 2. Invite my boys to tour your facility so we can share a child's perspective of manufacturing with others who cannot tour a plant in person. Manufacturing is the heartbeat of America! I look forward to sharing more of my story with you in this summer's edition, but until then, you can find my book, Leading with Grit and Grace, on Amazon. ■

If you are like me, you will never forget your first plant tour. There is nervous energy as you put on safety shoes, a hard hat, safety glasses, and earplugs for the first time. Feeling awkward in your new attire, you walk down the office hallway to the double swinging doors that will lead you into another world. The doors swing open, immersing you in the sounds and sights of manufacturing. The large machinery, flashing safety lights and hum of the process are intimidating for a first-time visitor. The plant is a bustling place with people talking on radios, working on equipment, and busy processing orders. The atmosphere is buzzing with energy! Onmy boys' first plant tour, my oldest son explained, "My brain feels like it will explode," trying to take in all the new sights and sounds at one time and understand how the raw materials are turning into a finished product. At the end of the tour, the boys were in awe, and I know that it will be an experience that they will never forget. This opportunity has inspired them and may shape their education and career choices. My father took me on my first plant tour where he worked as a back tender on a paper machine. I will never forget the pulp being applied to felt and run up and down through dryers in the paper machine until it finally exited onto a roll and headed off to the finishing department. Who knew you could turn a pine tree into a newspaper, copy paper, or even toilet tissue?

Ashleigh Walters President Onex, Inc.

Author: Leading with Grit and Grace Email: ashleigh.walters@onexinc.com

FIA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021 83