International Women’s Day 2026:

‘Give to Gain’ at Grenville Engineering

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the people who support others, share their knowledge and help businesses grow. The theme for 2026, Give to Gain, focuses on the idea that when people invest time, guidance and encouragement into others, everyone benefits.

In industries like metal fabrication, the focus is often on machinery, technology, and finished components, leaving the shop floor. But behind every successful manufacturing business is a team of people keeping everything organised, supporting customers and working together to keep the business moving forward.

In a busy manufacturing environment, being able to rely on the experience of others can make all the difference. Amanda believes the strength of the team comes from everyone being willing to step in, share their knowledge and support each other when challenges arise.

“We are a team and as a team one of us is bound to have an answer to an issue.”

That team mindset helps ensure that both colleagues and customers receive the support they need, reinforcing the collaborative culture that sits behind the business every day.

Teamwork and support also play a big role for Sarah, Sales Assistant, who works closely with colleagues managing key customer accounts.

For Sarah, the idea behind Give to Gain is simple.

“If you work hard and give your all, in return you gain respect from staff and directors.”

She is also quick to recognise the colleagues who have supported her along the way, particularly those she works closely.

“Dali has always been there to support and help me work alongside me, looking after one of our key accounts. John always supports me and tries to find ways to help me, which benefits us both.”

Regular communication and sharing ideas within the team help them find ways to improve and support each other as the business continues to grow.

Gemma has also benefited from that support throughout her career. Colleagues have taken the time to share their knowledge, answer questions and provide guidance when needed, helping her grow in her role.

She also values working for a company that encourages development and listens to new ideas.

“It’s nice to know that my employer’s door is always open for a chat and will listen to any ideas or suggestions I have, and will invest time and support in furthering my career development.”

For Gemma, small acts of support can have a big impact on the working environment.

For Helen, Marketing Manager, Give to Gain is about sharing the positive stories behind the business and celebrating the people who make it what it is.

Through blogs, newsletters and social media, Helen helps showcase the work being produced across the company and the talented team behind it.

“I really enjoy celebrating the positive things about Grenville, the amazing work that they produce and even more the talented team that work there, and having a platform to share this with the world via blogs and email campaigns and regular social media content.”

When Helen first joined the business, the engineering industry was completely new to her. 

“Although I had a lot of experience in marketing, I knew nothing about metal fabrication and engineering. Stuart and the team have been very patient and helped me learn about Grenville and the industry.”

Speaking with the team and learning more about the work happening across the business helped build that confidence over time.

“At first it felt a little daunting speaking to and filming the team on the shopfloor for social media content, but everyone has been very supportive.”

Together, these perspectives reflect the collaborative culture that supports the business every day.

While the office team includes several women, as in much of the engineering sector, the shopfloor side of metal fabrication remains male dominated. Looking ahead, Grenville Engineering would welcome the opportunity to see more women exploring careers in fabrication and manufacturing.

Engineering offers a wide range of skills to learn, hands-on experience and opportunities to build long-term careers, and encouraging more women into the industry will only strengthen the future of manufacturing.

This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to recognise the women across Grenville Engineering who contribute their experience, support and dedication to the team and the continued success of the business.

Behind every strong metal fabrication business is a team of people supporting each other to succeed.