On October 30, 2023, Sandvik Coromant India, a leading expert in metal cutting and machine tools, partnered with the Lila Poonawala Foundation for a unique event in Pune aimed at nurturing aspiring female engineers. The Lila Poonawala Foundation, dedicated to empowering young Indian women through education and skill-building scholarships, has been a beacon of hope and support for 27 years.
The event was a special day for 21 female engineering students from the foundation, who were invited to Sandvik Coromant India for an immersive discovery experience. Ajrel Shepherd, Vice President of Round Tools Production in Pune, led a session on industrial trends and the evolving role of women in engineering, complete with insightful videos about the company’s processes.
In another empowering session, Sarika Ramteke, Customized Product Manager at Pune, shared motivational stories and videos aiming to inspire these future female engineers. The students also had the opportunity to tour the shop floor, gaining first-hand insights into the life of an engineer at Sandvik Coromant. Mayur Wagh, Rahul Kashikar, Makarand Pataskar, Nitin Kand, and Shashikant Gaikwad conducted guided tours.
The event also included an informal lunch interaction with senior management members like Sunil Joshi, President Sales, Sonali Mulay, Director and Head of Tools Production, and CSR team members Vignesh Iyer and Roshni Acharya. This provided a relaxed setting for discussions and further learning.
Sandvik Coromant has proactively fostered a diverse and inclusive environment at its Pune site. Measures such as a GPS-tracked bus service for safe commuting for female workers, security escorts, and digital check-ins for safety affirm their commitment to diversity. Additionally, the site boasts an onsite daycare center managed by a partnering childcare organisation to support working parents.
Kiran Acharya, MD and CFO at Sandvik Coromant India, emphasised the company’s dedication to building a diverse workforce, highlighting the value of hosting students from the Lila Poonawalla Foundation to demonstrate the vast opportunities available for women in manufacturing.
Sandvik Coromant’s commitment to sustainable business includes a goal to achieve one-third female managers by 2030. As a part of the global industrial engineering group Sandvik, Sandvik Coromant is at the forefront of leading the engineering industries towards a sustainable future, offering innovative tooling solutions and transforming challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.
