Breaking Barriers in the Packaging Industry
In 1969, Arlene Inch boldly acquired TransPak, a crating, packaging, and logistics company, when very few women worked in the field. Before 1980, just 5% of women held roles in the packaging industry. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, however, women now make up 35% of all professionals in the packaging industry.
The good news is that women are slowly but surely breaking barriers and achieving gains in STEM fields. The Research Science Institute (RSI), a prestigious STEM program for high school students, reported for the first time last year that female students outnumbered male students. Although progress may feel slow, the future certainly looks bright.
This Women’s History Month, we interviewed two women in leadership roles at TransPak, Chairwoman Arlene Inch and San Jose General Manager Tracy Pratt, to share their stories and provide insight into how the packaging industry can appeal to and support women in this ever-changing field.
Q: What was your first job in packaging, and what made you stay in the industry?
Arlene: My journey in packaging started back in 1969 when my partner and I were eager to embark on a new business venture and decided to purchase TransPak. Back then, there weren’t many women in business, especially in the packaging industry, which was predominantly a man’s world.
In Silicon Valley, where we set up shop to focus on packaging and heavy-duty crating, there were some female engineers, but I vividly remember being one of the few women in the field. I recall some memorable encounters with a brilliant female engineer at Apple and a couple others, but we were not the norm.
It was a mix of tough and thrilling, and I was lucky to have supportive colleagues who helped me navigate those early days.
Tracy: I began my journey in the packaging industry as a receptionist at Innovated Packaging, which TransPak later acquired. Over my 19 years at Innovated, I worked in almost every department, including engineering, operations, and customer service. When TransPak acquired Innovated, I was promoted to General Manager at the San Jose location where I now oversee day-to-day operations.
The dynamic nature of the industry and my ability to address challenges in this fast-paced and ever-changing environment have kept me engaged and motivated to stay. It’s genuinely an exciting industry because every day is different.
Q: The packaging industry faces a significant gender gap, with only 35% of industry professionals being women. What's your perspective on the underrepresentation of females in the packaging industry, and how can we attract more women to this field?
Arlene: I don’t believe the issue is a shortage of available positions. Since acquiring TransPak in 1969, we’ve consistently provided opportunities for women in packaging. Early on, many of the individuals we hired were women who played crucial roles in our military contract packaging efforts. A significant number of these initial female hires became valued long-term team members, and we’re proud to see some of their children now part of the TransPak team.
I think maybe a career in packaging doesn’t cross many women’s minds. There is a lack of awareness that these jobs even exist. It’s important to make women (and men) aware that this industry can be a fun and financially stable career choice.
To attract more women to the field, we need to showcase the exciting aspects of packaging through education and increased visibility. Additionally, highlighting successful women in the industry can inspire and encourage others to pursue careers in packaging.
Tracy: When I started almost 20 years ago, women in packaging were scarce and mainly confined to customer service roles. However, since becoming part of TransPak, I’ve witnessed a significant shift and see a genuine value placed on women in leadership.
TransPak actively promotes women in STEM and packaging on platforms like LinkedIn and X. By increasing visibility, and showcasing achievements, awards, and women in leadership positions, the company aims to inspire others. Visibility at conferences and events also helps break stereotypes and encourages more women to consider a career in packaging and logistics.
Additionally, our owner and Chairwoman, Arlene Inch, is a strong female leader whose influence has had a trickle-down effect. Maybe seeing a woman in leadership has encouraged other women to seek opportunities at TransPak.
Thankfully, the industry is evolving, and I hope other companies like TransPak will continue to actively promote women into leadership roles.
Q: As a female leader in a male-dominated industry, what challenges have you encountered, and what guidance would you offer to women who frequently find themselves outnumbered by men in professional settings?
Arlene: It was tough because when I started in this industry in 1969, many men doubted women’s capabilities – they still often do. That’s why it’s crucial to establish personal connections with colleagues on a one-to-one basis. The other key component to success is to prove yourself with industry knowledge, a solid team, and a solid product.
Once I earned trust and started securing accounts at TransPak, our clients were extremely pleased with our work, and they still are. Many of the customers we acquired when I first purchased TransPak are still with us today.
Tracy: Starting as a receptionist with only two other women in the company (Innovated), I quickly learned to develop thick skin and a robust mindset. Growing up with three brothers and having two sons, I was accustomed to male-dominated settings, and that probably helped me a lot.
My advice is simple—be yourself, be comfortable, and represent your knowledge and confidence in the industry. I’ve grown accustomed to this dynamic, and confidence in your abilities makes a significant difference.
Q: TransPak, being a woman-owned business, sets an example for others. How does the company support women in the workplace? How can women empower each other both within TransPak and across the broader industry?
Arlene: I think women and people with families love working at TransPak because of our culture. We strive to be like a family and prioritize creating a family-oriented environment by being open, flexible, and accommodating. From offering remote positions to understanding that life happens, we make it possible for people with families to thrive here.
Tracy: Communication is key. Women in the industry should collaborate, seek advice, and provide mentorship to empower one another. At TransPak, there is a culture of mutual support among female leaders, exemplified by instances where GMs reach out for advice or feedback, fostering a network of strong and intelligent women in leadership roles.
Here at TransPak, about one-third of our GMs are women, which has created a great support network. Working with so many intelligent and amazing women is truly a blessing.
The support and camaraderie among female leaders in packaging are invaluable, creating a positive and empowering environment that further strengthens our collective impact in the industry.
