WBENC Archives – Universal Metal Products

Women’s History Month: Celebrating Amazing Women in Business

Lina Miller on March 1, 2024

Women’s History Month is the perfect time to celebrate the women who paved the path for women all over the world and created so many opportunities that we continue to enjoy to this day. As a female-owned company with many women on our staff, UMP is extremely grateful for the opportunities that these women have created. Universal Metal Products would not be the company it is today without the historical female trailblazers who fought against societal norms and overcame adversity to achieve greatness.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Women’s History Month by acknowledging the women who have helped to shape the business landscape, particularly those who have broken through the glass ceiling and challenged societal norms to make the world a better place for women everywhere.

Celebrating Historical Women in Business

There have been so many women who have shaped the business world that it’s hard to list them all! With that said, here is a list of some of the most important women in the history of business:

Madam C.J. Walker: Born Sarah Breedlove, she overcame poverty and hardship to become America’s first self-made female millionaire. Madam C.J. Walker developed a revolutionary line of hair-care products and cosmetics specifically designed for black women. Her business empire not only broke financial barriers but championed entrepreneurship and social justice within the black community.
Olive Ann Beech: Often referred to as the “First Lady of Aviation”, Olive Ann Beech played a pivotal role in shaping the aviation industry. In 1932, she co-founded Beech Aircraft Corporation alongside her husband. Upon his passing, she stepped up as president and CEO, demonstrating remarkable business savvy. Under her guidance, Beech Aircraft became a powerhouse of general aviation, and during World War II, a vital supplier of military aircraft with over 7,400 planes built for the war effort. Beech’s leadership expanded the company’s influence in both civilian and military aviation sectors, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
Estée Lauder: This visionary entrepreneur began by selling homemade skincare products and built a global beauty empire that still bears her name.
Elizabeth Arden: A fierce rival of Estée Lauder, Florence Nightingale Graham (known as Elizabeth Arden) pioneered the concept of the modern beauty salon. She revolutionized the industry by blending skincare, cosmetics, and a focus on the complete beauty experience.
Coco Chanel: Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel rose from humble beginnings to become a fashion icon. Her designs epitomized modern elegance and liberated women from the restrictive corsets of her time. Her influence reached beyond clothing into jewelry, fragrances, and accessories, building one of the most recognizable luxury brands in the world.
Oprah Winfrey: A broadcasting titan, Oprah created a self-made media empire encompassing television, magazines, film production, and philanthropy. From her groundbreaking talk show to her global book club, Oprah Winfrey’s influence has transcended the business world, inspiring and empowering millions around the globe.

About UMP

Universal Metal Products is a female-owned company that helps with the creation of metal components for the automotive, appliance, and industrial industries. We are able to create a variety of custom and standard components for vehicles, HVAC units, refrigerators, electronics, sub pumps, and much more. Along with volunteering, championing noble causes, and charity, we value equality. This is why we focus on creating a culture of inclusivity. We do this by offering family-friendly policies and work shift hours, equal pay for equal work, and a dedication to providing a positive and harassment-free workplace environment.

We hope you join us in celebrating Women’s History Month by learning more about the amazing women who have shaped history and the women who continue to break new ground, innovate, and lead their teams to success.

If you are looking for metal stamping services, contact us! We’d be happy to speak with you. We proudly work with female-led and operated companies and people of all backgrounds and ethnicities.

To learn more about our employment opportunities visit our Careers page today.

UMP Aims to Raise Awareness During Diabetes Awareness Month

Lina Miller on November 1, 2023

As part of our ongoing dedication to not only providing clients with high-quality metal components but also supporting those in need, UMP would like to acknowledge Diabetes Awareness Month by spreading the word about this serious and chronic disease.

As many as 1 in 10 Americans suffer from diabetes, with another 1 in 3 American adults being prediabetic. These statistics illustrate just how important it is for all of us to stand up and fight diabetes through awareness and support for organizations that look to combat both the effects and the causes.

Many people are unaware of what diabetes is, who it affects, and what symptoms to look out for. For more information about diabetes and to support the fight to end diabetes, consider checking out the American Diabetes Association website. There you will find more about what diabetes is, who it affects, how diabetes can be managed, and more.

Supporting Diabetics Through Donations: The UMP Foundation

UMP understands how important it is to support organizations that serve the needs of those most at risk, research cures, treat ailments, and serve the underprivileged. In order to help those in need, Universal Metal Products founded The UMP Foundation.

The UMP Foundation is a non-profit that was established back in 2004 with the mission of contributing financial support to top charitable organizations, including those that help treat patients with diabetes. Through The UMP Foundation, UMP employees are able to set aside money from their paychecks to contribute to charitable causes. This allows our employees to make a huge impact on the world around them.

These causes are selected by the UMP Foundation Committee on a quarterly basis. Some of the organizations The UMP Foundation has donated to include:

Lake Health Foundation
University Hospitals
Cleveland Clinic Foundation

About UMP

UMP cares about our clients, our staff, and the members of our community. We hope you join us in celebrating Diabetes Awareness Month by donating to a top diabetes awareness and treatment services charity. Remember, every dollar counts!

If you would like to donate to the American Diabetes Association, click HERE: American Diabetes Association | Research, Education, Advocacy

If you are looking for metal stamping services, contact us! We’d be happy to speak with you. We proudly work with female-led and operated companies and people of all backgrounds and ethnicities.
To learn more about our employment opportunities visit our Careers page today.

Help UMP Raise Awareness During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Lina Miller on October 20, 2023

Breast cancer affects so many people. Whether it be those suffering from the disease or the loved ones of those in need, it touches so many lives and leads to so much heartache. In fact, each year in the United States, about 240,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,100 in men.

It’s extremely important to both raise awareness for this ailment, along with provide support for organizations that are helping to fight cancer and develop effective treatment options. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we at UMP ask for you to help us stand up to cancer by spreading awareness of the disease, along with providing financial support to quality organizations that offer patients with breast cancer the treatment they both need and deserve.

Supporting Those in Need: The UMP Foundation

In the spirit of providing support to those in need, Universal Metal Products founded The UMP Foundation. This non-profit was established back in 2004 with the mission of contributing financial support to top charitable organizations, including those that help fight cancer. Through The UMP Foundation, UMP employees are able to set aside money from their paychecks to contribute to charitable causes. This allows our employees to make a huge impact on the world around them.

These causes are selected by the UMP Foundation Committee on a quarterly basis. Some of the organizations The UMP Foundation has donated to include:

American Cancer Society
Lake Health Foundation
University Hospitals
Cleveland Clinic Foundation

About UMP

Universal Metal Products is a female-owned company that helps with the creation of metal components for the automotive, appliance, and industrial industries. We are able to create a variety of custom and standard components for vehicles, HVAC units, refrigerators, electronics, sub pumps, and much more. Along with volunteering and charity, we value equality. This is why we focus on creating a culture of inclusivity. We do this by offering family-friendly policies and work shift hours, equal pay for equal work, and a dedication to providing a positive and harassment-free workplace environment.

UMP cares about our clients, our staff, and the members of our community. We hope you join us in celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donating to a top cancer awareness and treatment services charity. Remember, every dollar counts!

If you would like to donate to the American Cancer Society, click HERE: Donate Today | The American Cancer Society

Celebrating Women in March

John Levan on March 21, 2022

What do National Women’s History Month, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), and a manufacturing company specializing in custom metal stampings have in common?

PIVOT: 2020 Recruiting for Manufacturing

dallenadmin on October 26, 2020

UMP faces changes and challenges hiring during COVID-19 and beyond

UMP faces changes and challenges hiring during COVID-19 and beyondOctober is known as “Manufacturing Month”, where modern manufacturing careers are put in the spotlight. Companies and educational facilities provide tours to students, parents and teachers with the purpose of sparking interest in the 4 million-plus skilled and high paying manufacturing job vacancies expected to arise in the next decade. That was pre-COVID-19. This year has required a “pivot” on many fronts, especially for a mid-size company like UMP. As the world has gone virtual, manufacturing companies such as UMP have had to stay hands-on, safe, and staffed – requiring a major re-think for recruiting.

HR ‘retools’ the process

Christina Balint, Corporate HR Manager for UMP, has seen a lot of changes in the way she recruits for her skilled trades positions. “Going past COVID,” she says, “there will be an increasing skills gap as the Boomer generation retires, taking their skills with them. We have the training capabilities, but a shortage of interested and invested candidates who have the vision of modern manufacturing.”

There are great opportunities now and in the future for creating a more diverse workforce – especially for women who may be a real instrument of change for our industry.

Christina has turned to social media, including Facebook and LinkedIn to attract the hardworking, disciplined individuals of GenX to help take the future of manufacturing to the next level. “Written correspondence and phone calls have given way to text messages and email. It’s a whole new world in HR, and we have to adapt to the tools needed to reach each generation where they live.”

Even the sales positions have changed this year. Doug Allen, Vice President of Sales for UMP, remarks on just how much the sales team has to “be more creative, and tech savvy as they are required to use conference call tools and social media where face-to-face opportunities have diminished. As a smaller manufacturer, we are better able to adapt and foster ongoing relationships with current and future clients whatever the environment.”

He adds that UMP experienced a sharp pandemic decline in sales during March and April, but that there has been a rebound as they pivot their resources and tactics to deal with this new landscape and serve the customer. “UMP is right-sized for recovery in this pandemic, and the people who work here are limited only by their imaginations and their desire to be innovative when coming up with solutions to help satisfy our customers evolving needs.”

The “not so hidden” benefits of the UMP Family

‘Sometimes you wanna go – where everybody knows your name.’ This familiar theme song (well, for fans of “Cheers” anyway), conveys that a family atmosphere can be found in unconventional places. At UMP, the CEO knows your name because you are part of the family and it’s personal. What began as his family business, became a legacy carried on through his daughters.

“Everyone at UMP has the ability to make an impact,” says Ms. Balint. “Everyone has their own story, their own motivations, and knows that what they do here at UMP makes a difference.” No two jobs are alike, and everyone has the opportunity to be creative in how they approach their daily job and career. At UMP you will learn multiple skills and have the opportunity to cross over between departments. (Oh, and they’ll know your name there too.)

Value beyond measure

UMP knows firsthand the investment they have in their employees, and wants to give them the support they need both professionally and personally. Our needs are for real, full time employees who not only enjoy competitive pay, but benefits that include medical, Life and Disability, 401k with match, training and growth opportunities.

Whether you are looking for positions in Sales, Tooling, Production, Engineering or Technology, you need to take a closer look at UMP. The common thread is creativity and innovation, because you are in a place where you are not limited by who or what you are – only by your imagination and the unique gifts you bring to the table.

Now I call that a pivot.

Universal Metal Products is a WBENC certified women owned business.

Breaking Barriers in Tool & Die

Kristin J on September 25, 2020

Danielle Cutler completes Apprenticeship and state Journeyperson Certification

“There is no reason why women cannot excel in the tool and die profession.” Kristin Jenkins, Executive VP – Director of Sales & Diversity for UMP, sees the path for women as a certainty. “Just about everything you touch – steel, plastic and glass – requires a die, which leads back to a Tool & Die Maker. Danielle is our first female to have gone through our apprenticeship program, and we hope to have others follow her lead.”

Danielle’s UMP Story

Danielle Cutler is the first woman in UMP history to complete the Tool and Die Apprenticeship and receive her state-approved Journeyperson Certification. Danielle began her career at Universal Metal Products in January of 2014 as a Punch Press Operator and was accepted into UMP’s Tool & Die Apprenticeship program in 2016.

She recalls, “In my interview the apprenticeship program was mentioned. That if I work hard and prove my worth with UMP, I could get in. I knew that’s what I wanted and where I wanted to go from that moment. I actually took a pay cut when hired, but the chance to make something of myself made me take the leap.”

The apprenticeship is a state-certified program where students have four years to develop the skills and education needed to become a Journeyperson in the tool & die trade. Apprentices log hours and take courses at a local college. Once an apprentice reaches 500 hours of in-classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, the sponsor (employer) of the apprentice can file for certification from the state.

Danielle was a good candidate for the apprenticeship because she had a strong mechanical aptitude and a willingness/desire to learn.

“There was nothing that was going to stop me from achieving that goal,” says Danielle. “My children, Al and Cash, and being able to provide for them was my only objective.” Her eldest son, Al, took on helping with his younger brother, cooking meals on school nights, helping with homework, getting up for school and more, all so she could work the hours needed to complete this rigorous and lengthy program. “He knew helping me would mean a better life for them and I can’t thank him enough for stepping up. No matter how tiring or frustrating this journey became, they both were always there to keep me motivated.”

UMP’s Commitment for the Future

The career path begins with the apprenticeship, however, the skills and troubleshooting are developed over the span of the career.

Gordon Daugherty, UMP President states that he is “very proud Danielle is our first home grown female tool and die maker with a long career ahead at Universal Metal Products. I am certain she will continue to be a great example and advocate for women in manufacturing.” For the next class of apprentices, Gordon hopes UMP will see more female candidates inspired by Danielle’s accomplishment.

According to the US census.gov microdata on reported Tool and Die employees, this would put Danielle and her female journeyperson counterparts in some elite company with women making up just 3.3% nationally and 2.6% regionally in Ohio of the total skilled tool and die workforce. In August, the State of Ohio reported that 10.4% of the current active apprentices are in fact women, which is an indicator that more women are jumping on the bandwagon.

UMP has partnered with local schools and vocational tech schools to provide these opportunities. “We have put the word out that we are looking for self-motivated, hard- working people to enter our tool & die apprenticeship program,” states Kristin Jenkins. “Our program is open to all that are interested, qualified and committed.”

There is a maintenance apprenticeship program UMP is just launching. UMP also has their own internal setup / operator program in both slide and punch press forming. Several women have progressed through this program over the years.

For those who enter now, the future is bright.

The need for skilled tradespeople isn’t going away, but the interest in skilled trades has diminished in the last decade. For those who do go into a skilled trades career, the opportunities for stability and advancement are there for the taking.

“I’ve known many in the trade who have moved into managerial/technical sales roles,” says Christina Balint, UMP’s Corporate HR Manager. “Others have had an entrepreneurial spirit and have established their own tool & die shops. Of course, there are those who are completely happy advancing their skills within the business who sponsored their apprenticeship.”

Paving the Way for Women

When asked what it means to be UMP’s first woman to complete the Apprenticeship and Certification, Danielle answers, “I hope that it has shown that there are women out there capable of succeeding in this field, that we can be given a chance just like the men who walk through the door. I was hired in with a chance to work my way up and prove that I can be of value to the tool room. I was not handed an opportunity, but a chance.

My experience was a lot different from the male apprentices and I hope I have paved a way that shows women are capable too.”

Danielle has a deep appreciation for the experience and the treatment she received on this journey. “I’d like to especially thank Rodney Reynolds, Russel Craig, Will Griffe, Rick Hansel, and Ilia Bridviski, along with the other tool makers, for their words of wisdom, guidance, and knowledge they passed onto me through this apprenticeship and as I continue in my career. I appreciate all of them as they treated me as a fellow co-worker and not just the ‘girl apprentice’.”

Women will be a big piece in the solution to fill the shortage of skilled tradespeople for the future, and UMP is committed to making that happen.

Room for Growth: Women Finding Their Niche in Manufacturing

Kristin J on July 17, 2020

It is the very evolution of manufacturing, and other traditionally male-dominated industries, that make these industries target rich for women who are considering their next career move. According to a report by census.gov, women make up nearly half of the working population (47.5%), yet they remain underrepresented in the manufacturing industry (29%). Let’s explore why this landscape is poised to change.

The Real Draw

Manufacturing today is increasingly high-tech. Creativity, thinking outside the box and problem-solving are skills much needed in this industry. A woman’s innate ability to simply think differently will bring new ideas to the table, and those ideas will be noticed.

Areas where women can make their mark exist at all levels within an organization.

· Trailblazer? Now is the time to take what you know and pivot into an industry where your leadership has direct impact. You will also help continue changing the landscape through mentoring other women in manufacturing.

· STEM student? Include Manufacturing before you graduate to widen your career options.

· Vocational Training? Proper training yields real careers with real earning and growth potential.

Ownership, Management, Engineers, R&D, Marketing, Sales, Technician, Machinist, Quality Assurance, Production – just a few of the opportunities awaiting a new perspective.

Diversity Fosters Innovation

As a certified women-owned business, Universal Metal Products embraces diversity and inclusivity as a valued part of our culture. We believe it is crucial to fostering innovation in the workplace. Making the case for women in manufacturing brings this idea into focus as new products and fresh solutions are sought after for our clients.

Studies have shown that organizations with larger percentages of women in leadership positions outperform their competition (WiM).

“When there are more women in manufacturing companies and taking on leadership roles, we will see manufacturing companies grow and our industry as a whole thrive. Research tells us that when companies are more diverse, and when there are more women at the leadership table, those companies are more profitable.”

-Allison Grealis, President, Women in Manufacturing (WiM)

Women-owned = Support

Universal Metal Products (UMP) is always busy dreaming up a better way – with our products, our processes, and our partnerships. We call what we do “solutions engineering.” Our certification with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) will help our quest for innovation and assist in creating partnerships that support diversity in our industry.

In the 2017 State of Women Owned Business Report, it was found that the employment growth rate over the past 20 years was stronger for women-owned businesses than for all businesses: 27% vs. 13%. This translates well to the manufacturing industry where technology is paving new career paths, and UMP is ready to make it happen with a diverse workforce at the helm.

The biggest support piece, however, is coming from the top-down. It’s going to be in the way we structure the business; in the way we listen; and in the way treat our employees – ALL our employees. And that will translate to better products and service for our customers.

“A balanced world is a better world. How can you help forge a more gender-balanced world? Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.”

-International Women’s Day 2019 campaign theme

Universal Metal Products is a WBENC certified woman owned and operated business and pleased to have served our customers worldwide since our inception in 1946.

Diving Into The Advancements Of Women In Leadership Positions

Kristin J on June 10, 2020

Taking a look at the overall benefits and advancements that have occurred with women in management positions in male-dominated industries.