A Lady’s Touch: Women Thrive in U-Haul Manufacturing Sector

Mar 20, 2017

Since U-Haul Company’s founding, women have made up an invaluable segment of the U-Haul Team Members in the U.S. and Canada. Women contribute to all facets of the organization, from customer service to management. That even includes a division where some may be surprised to find a female presence: manufacturing.

From the Beginning

WWII Navy veteran L.S. “Sam” Shoen and his wife, Anna Mary Carty Shoen, co-founded U-Haul in 1945. The couple shared the workload and put every spare cent they had into creating what today serves as the industry leader in do-it yourself moving and self-storage.Richelle Begay spends her days brazing and soldering metals to precise specs from behind a welding helmet.

From the start, U-Haul was in the business of breaking barriers. Anna Mary ran the business office, putting in eight hours a day in addition to raising a family. She kept the books, compiled and sent out weekly reports, received rental income from the dealerships, and mailed out dealer commission checks.

Anna Mary laid the foundation for women to make their mark on the Company. In celebration of Women’s History Month, U-Haul is recognizing the determined women who help make U-Haul go behind the scenes, even if that scene is a manufacturing plant.

Women in Manufacturing

Once dominated by men, the manufacturing field is changing. Therefore, U-Haul Company’s manufacturing arm incorporates women at every level.

Richelle Begay is a welder at Glendale Manufacturing Company. For four years, Begay has spent her days brazing and soldering metals to precise specs from behind a welding helmet.Alejandrina Daley directs the precision light beams on the Salvagnini L3 Fiber Lasers.

“For me, being a woman in the manufacturing field feels like any other job,” Begay says. “I get treated like everyone else. I don’t get special treatment. As a result, it makes me feel like there isn’t anything women can’t do.”

Alejandrina Daley is a machine operator. She directs the precision light beams on the Salvagnini L3 Fiber Lasers. She has more than nine valuable years of manufacturing experience.

“Any work that is given to a woman, a woman can do,” Daley says. “We have no limitations.”

Equality and Diversity

U-Haul strives to incorporate diversity at every level while rewarding its Team Members with the best possible working environment. The new Glendale Manufacturing Company opened on Oct. 10. As a result, the 114,000-square-foot facility includes striking technological advances and upgraded Team Member enhancements, making it an appealing workplace for anyone.

“This facility is so much bigger and cleaner,” says Selina Espindola, a materials handler at the plant. “The environment here is great. I love the people. I’m treated equally and I am so proud to see more women in the (manufacturing) field.”

Who are the strong women in your life? Let us know in the comments below!

More articles like this one…

What’s New

Community Spirit: U-Haul Volunteers Help at André House

Community Spirit: U-Haul Volunteers Help at André House

Over half a million people face food insecurity in Maricopa County. Local nonprofits work daily to address this ongoing concern, but could not service those in need with the commitment of community and business members who choose to step up and help. U-Haul...

U-Haul Volunteers Gain Satisfaction from Service at St. Mary’s

U-Haul Volunteers Gain Satisfaction from Service at St. Mary’s

U-Haul® volunteers recently helped St. Mary’s Food Bank put a fresh spin on its mission to provide food for people in need across Arizona. Thanks to St. Mary’s partnership with meal-kit company HelloFresh®, people facing food insecurity can now receive both an...

Texas Panhandle Wildfires: U-Haul Offering 30 Days Free Storage

Texas Panhandle Wildfires: U-Haul Offering 30 Days Free Storage

U-Haul® is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box® container usage to residents impacted by the wildfires across the Texas panhandle. The Smokehouse Creek Fire started on Monday and has burned more than 1 million acres. It’s the largest in the state’s...

U-Haul and ACS Join Forces in Climb to Conquer Cancer

U-Haul and ACS Join Forces in Climb to Conquer Cancer

The Climb to Conquer Cancer of Phoenix is the American Cancer Society’s largest single-day climb event in the world. Every February in Arizona, thousands of cancer survivors, family members, caregivers and supporters participate in the Climb to Conquer Cancer. U-Haul...

U-Haul, Tribute Journey Spread Valentine’s Day Love to Veterans

U-Haul, Tribute Journey Spread Valentine’s Day Love to Veterans

February 14 is not just Valentine's Day. It is recognized as a National Salute to Veteran Patients day. During Valentine's Day week each year, U-Haul and the Tribute Journey say “thank you” to veterans of the U.S. Armed Services who are cared for in Department of...

U-Haul International Moves with U-Box Makes Moving Abroad Easy

U-Haul International Moves with U-Box Makes Moving Abroad Easy

Every new year invites new adventures. If your 2024 adventures include moving abroad, U-Haul International Moves® is equipped and licensed to support your exciting transition each step of the way. The U-Haul® brand is known globally for empowering do-it-yourself...

U-Haul Helps Kurt Warner Charity Change Lives of Arizona Family

U-Haul Helps Kurt Warner Charity Change Lives of Arizona Family

When Luz decided to apply for Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona’s Homeownership Program, she had no idea just how much of an impact it would have on her son, Jason. The family met Habitat’s criteria and completed more than 400 hours of “sweat equity” by working...

U-Haul Recognizes Its 2023 Volunteers of the Year

U-Haul Recognizes Its 2023 Volunteers of the Year

TEMPE, Ariz. — Michelle Vukov-Mikel and Michele Ramirez have been honored as the U-Haul® Volunteers of the Year for 2023. At the end of each year, U-Haul recognizes the Team Member(s) who has volunteered the most hours, supported the greatest number of U-Haul charity...