March 7th, 2024, New Delhi: In a groundbreaking announcement that’s rolling out the red carpet for gender diversity, Yokohama India has proudly declared that over a thousand women have taken their positions on the factory shop floors across its Indian operations. This landmark achievement isn’t just a win for the tire giant; it’s a rubber-burnout victory lap for inclusivity and equality in the industrial sector.
“Today, we’re not just celebrating a number; we’re reveling in the drive and spirit of 1000+ women who’ve dared to tread into the traditionally male-dominated realm of factory work,” said Anil Gupta, Vice Chairman of Yokohama India, with a twinkle in his eye that could be mistaken for the glint of a well-polished radial tire. “Their courage and determination are what truly keep the wheels of progress spinning at Yokohama.”
Yokohama, known for its high-quality tires, has rolled out the welcome mat for women across its four Indian factories, one specializing in Passenger Car Tires and the others in Off-highway tires. The company’s journey towards gender diversity picked up speed in 2018 with the inauguration of a women-run Commercial Truck Bus Radial (TBR) Unit at its Dahej plant, marking a significant shift in industry stereotypes faster than a sports car at a green light.
“From mastering machinery to pioneering quality control, these women have not only shown that they have what it takes to excel in a challenging environment but have also ensured a puncture-free journey toward excellence,” Gupta added, noting the impressive zero loss-time injuries and a full tank of enthusiasm for continuous improvement.
Bucking the trend, the women powering Yokohama’s factories hail not from the sprawling metros but from the heart of India’s small towns – Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Punjab, to name a few. These trailblazers have broken molds and stereotypes, taking on roles as machine operators, team leaders, technicians, and supervisors, proving that when it comes to high performance, gender plays no role in determining one’s ability to steer toward success.
Yokohama’s commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce is more than just talk. With targeted recruitment, tailor-made training programs, and a support system as robust as their tire treads, Yokohama India is paving the way for women to break barriers and accelerate into a future where gender diversity is not just celebrated but is the norm.
In the end, Yokohama’s achievement is more than just a milestone; it’s a beacon of hope, signaling that the road to gender equality, though long and winding, is definitely worth the ride.
