Women in Manufacturing: Building Careers, Breaking Barriers at Cope Plastics

Celebrating Women’s History Month at Cope Plastics

March is Women’s History Month—a time to recognize the achievements, resilience, and impact of women across every industry. At Cope Plastics, this month holds special meaning.

In an industry traditionally dominated by men, Cope stands apart. As one of the largest performance plastics distributors and fabricators in the nation—and a certified woman-owned company led by President Jane Saale—with national certifications through the National Women Business Owners Corporation and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council—we are proud to support and elevate women across every level of our organization.

From the fabrication floor to finance, operations to sales, women at Cope are shaping the future of manufacturing every day.

Employee Spotlight: Growth Through Opportunity

Feather Butler

Financial Accountant | 9 Years at Cope Plastics

Feather’s journey at Cope is a powerful example of how curiosity and opportunity can build a lasting career.

“As a Financial Accountant, each day is different. My work revolves around numbers while also supporting several areas across Cope. I spend most of my time reviewing the costing on production orders, purchase orders, and even sales orders.”

“From there, I make any necessary adjustments to ensure that our inventory costing is accurate as well as our sales margins. I troubleshoot issues, complete RMAs, and help ensure our monthly accounting is accurate.”

What makes her story even more impactful is how it started.

“I started as an intern in Accounts Payable, then expanded my knowledge in Accounts Receivable, followed by Credit and Collections. From there, I transitioned into Finance and had the opportunity to learn many different facets of the company.”

“I’ve worked with our production team, shipping and receiving, in the tool crib, and more—some areas I never initially envisioned being part of my experience.”

“The knowledge I’ve gained along the way has been invaluable, and I truly appreciate the opportunities for growth that Cope Plastics has provided.”

Employee Spotlight: A New Perspective in Leadership

Tiffany Harville

Branch Manager, Memphis | 9 Months at Cope Plastics

Even in her first year, Tiffany’s experience reflects the culture that sets Cope apart.

“From day one, everyone made me feel welcome and has been quick to jump in and help whenever I needed it. I’ve learned so much from my Director and others who are full of knowledge, and I’ve never felt like I’m on an island.”

Her advice to women considering a career in manufacturing is both honest and empowering:

“Don’t feel discouraged by the idea that it’s a male-dominated industry. These industries are changing quickly, and there’s a lot of opportunity for people with different perspectives and skill sets.”

“Stay curious, ask questions, and look for mentors who are willing to share what they’ve learned. Industries like this tend to reward people who are hands on, collaborative and willing to learn.  If you bring a strong work ethic and a problem-solving mindset, there’s a lot of room to grow and make a real impact.”

Employee Spotlight: Empowering Growth Through Learning

Patricia McKay

Learning & Development Supervisor | 5 Years at Cope Plastics

Patricia’s role is centered around one core mission—helping people succeed.

“My role is designed to help people succeed. I design and oversee training programs that support our workforce at every level, from onboarding new team members to developing learning pathways for emerging employees.”

Her work spans every stage of the employee journey, creating opportunities for growth, confidence, and long-term success.

“I focus on creating meaningful learning experiences that help people grow, build confidence, and feel equipped to succeed in their careers. I collaborate closely with leadership to identify skill gaps and build training that’s practical, relevant, and aligned with our business goals.”

Beyond systems and processes, Patricia’s impact is deeply personal.

“My job is about fostering confidence, building capability, and empowering people to do their best work.”

What has kept her at Cope Plastics over the past five years speaks directly to the company’s culture.

“This is a company where people matter—where your ideas are heard, your work is valued, and your growth is supported. I get to make a real impact every day, helping employees build skills, gain confidence, and see new possibilities for themselves.”

“Cope Plastics has become more than just a workplace—it’s a community, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

A Culture That Supports Women at Every Level

What makes Cope Plastics different isn’t just representation—it’s intentional support for career growth.

Across the company, women are thriving in roles including:

• Fabrication and production
• Operations and logistics
• Purchasing and supply chain
• IT and technical roles
• Sales and strategic accounts
• Finance and executive leadership

We believe growth should be accessible at every stage of your career. That’s why we invest in our people through:

• Internal promotion opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement programs
• Cross-functional training and hands-on experience
• Leadership development and mentorship

This commitment is more than internal—it’s recognized nationally. Cope Plastics is certified as a woman-owned business through both the National Women Business Owners Corporation and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, reinforcing our dedication to women in leadership and long-term career growth.

Building the Future of Manufacturing—Together

At Cope Plastics, we know that the future of manufacturing depends on diverse perspectives, strong leadership, and a culture that encourages growth.

Women are not just part of that future—they are helping define it.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize the contributions of the women across our organization and reaffirm our commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders in manufacturing.

Join a Team Where You Can Grow

Looking for a career where your impact matters?

At Cope Plastics, you’ll find:

• Opportunities to grow across departments
• A supportive, team-first culture
• Leadership that invests in your success
• A place where your voice is heard

Your career path doesn’t have to be traditional—it just has to start.