Meenal Kelkar

Meet Meenal Kelkar, the Director of Finearc Systems, a Pune-based company in the manufacturing industry, for over 35 years. With a team of in-house experts specializing in design, controls, manufacturing, welding, and application engineering, Finearc Systems boasts state-of-the-art automation and robotic technology with over 15,000 systems installed worldwide. Meenal Kelkar has played a vital role in the company's growth, overseeing the Supply Chain Management operations. Her unwavering advocacy for gender inclusiveness in manufacturing has driven Finearc's success in bringing many women to the workforce. Her belief in the power of diversity has brought great benefits to the company and the industry as a whole.

Meenal Kelkar is an accomplished professional with a strong educational background. She completed her bachelor's degree in Electronics and Telecommunication from the prestigious College of Engineering, Pune. Furthering her education, she pursued a master's degree in Biomedical engineering from the University of Minnesota in the United States. After completing her education, she returned to India to work for Finearc Systems, a family-owned business started by her father, Srikanth Pathak, 30 years ago.

Finearc Systems has made automation and robotics its core focus and has a workforce of 200 people. As the head of supply chain management, Meenal acknowledges the invaluable contribution of each employee towards the company's growth and success. "The collective efforts and dedication of our people have been instrumental in maintaining Finearc's market supremacy, " says Meenal Kelkar.

Meenal's education, skills, and experience have helped Finearc Systems grow into a successful business. With her leadership, the company has leveraged cutting-edge technology and automation to deliver exceptional products and services to customers worldwide. Her commitment to gender inclusiveness and diversity has helped Finearc create a supportive and welcoming work environment. This has allowed employees to thrive and contribute to the company's success.

With 30 years of experience in the industry, Meenal recognizes the challenges women face in the manufacturing sector in India. She has highlighted two main issues that require immediate attention. The first issue that Meenal highlighted is the ego clash men experience when women take up leadership roles. "This can lead to a hostile work environment for women, affecting their morale and productivity. The only solution is that the companies should promote gender equality and diversity in their leadership teams and create a culture of inclusiveness that values and respects women's contributions", suggest Meenal.

Meenal suggested that providing gender-sensitivity training to employees, encouraging women to take up leadership roles. Thus, establishing zero-tolerance policies for discrimination, harassment, and bullying in the workplace can help address this issue. The second issue that Meenal highlighted is the lack of adequate facilities for women in manufacturing units. "Creating separate resting areas for women to feel more secure and relaxed while working will be a big step towards building equity in the manufacturing sector", adds Meenal.

Meenal Kelkar also stressed that this is essential to creating a safe and comfortable work environment for women. In addition, she noted that some companies do not have toilet facilities for women, which can make their working conditions more challenging. This affects their physical well-being and can lead to hygiene-related issues, which can harm their health. "Companies that prioritize gender equality and inclusivity can benefit from a more productive and engaged workforce and better business outcomes", adds Meenal Kelkar.

"To create a more inclusive workplace, companies can take several steps. Providing gender-sensitivity training to employees and promoting women to leadership roles are some essential steps. Creating a culture of inclusiveness that values and respects women's contributions is also important. Additionally, companies can provide separate and hygienic restroom facilities, resting areas, and breastfeeding breaks for women employees", adds Meenal. Creating an inclusive workplace requires a long-term commitment from companies to prioritize gender equality, diversity, and inclusivity. By taking these steps, companies can create an environment that values and respects the contributions of all employees and promotes a more productive, engaged, and healthier workforce.

Meenal Kelkar's journey in the manufacturing industry has been a story of challenges and cultural shocks. After Meenal returned to India, working with Finearc, she realised the male dominance in the manufacturing industry. She encountered obstacles, including customers’ surprise when they discovered the most senior person was a woman. She also observed that time constraints were not strictly followed, particularly with logistics companies’ delivery times. However, with consistent efforts, Meenal has seen significant changes in the industry over the past two decades. The companies have become more professional and time-bound. The participation of women is also slowly but steadily climbing the ranks in the manufacturing sector.

Meenal sees immense potential for women in the field of robotics and automation. She encourages young girls in engineering colleges to consider pursuing mechanical engineering streams and STEM courses. Meenal acknowledges a shortage of women in the robotics and automation industry. She calls for colleges to train them adequately for the industry's demands. Meenal's advice to young girls to pursue their passions in STEM courses and consider mechanical engineering streams is vital. "Empowering young girls and women to enter the manufacturing industry, especially in robotics and automation, is essential. By doing so, we can create a more gender-balanced workforce that will benefit not only companies but society as a whole", adds Meenal.

Finearc Systems actively inspires and educates the next generation of leaders in the industry through its "Connect with Colleges" program. This innovative initiative provides college students firsthand manufacturing sector experience by opening up the company's factory units for visits to the shop floors. Through these sessions, students can learn about the manufacturing processes and technologies used by Finearc, gain industry insights, and interact with professionals and experts in the field. "These interactions can help students understand the challenges and opportunities in the industry and explore potential career paths", adds Meenal Kelkar.

The "Connect with Colleges" sessions are particularly beneficial for young women interested in pursuing careers in the manufacturing sector, according to Meenal. "Women are often underrepresented in the industry, and such sessions can help to break down gender stereotypes and inspire more women to consider careers in this field. By providing women with a better understanding of the industry's workings and highlighting the diverse range of career opportunities available, the program can help to attract and retain more women in the manufacturing sector", adds Meenal.

Meenal's journey has inspired many young women in India who aspire to make a career in the manufacturing industry. She believes creating an inclusive work environment with adequate facilities and training opportunities is crucial to overcoming these challenges. Meenal's story reflects the fact that women can excel in the manufacturing industry. Her journey encourages young women to pursue their dreams without hesitation.

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