Behind the Scenes and Beyond the Floor: Why WiM Virginia’s Plant Tours Are More Than Just a Visit

When you think of a plant tour, you might imagine a walk-through of machinery, process explanations, and a few safety glasses. But when it’s a Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Virginia Chapter Plant Tour, it’s something much more powerful.

These tours, supported and managed by the Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA), have grown into one of the most impactful ways to build relationships across companies, share best practices, and empower women leaders in our industry.

Not Just a Tour—A Window Into Possibility

In manufacturing, it’s rare to get an inside look at other companies’ operations. Between competitive pressures, security protocols, and the fast-paced production environment, cross-company visibility is rare. That’s what makes these WiM Virginia Plant Tours so unique.

They give members an insider’s view into how other facilities operate, from lean workflows and automation setups to company culture and employee engagement strategies. For many attendees, this isn’t just a curiosity—it’s a critical learning opportunity that can spark ideas, inspire improvements, or even shape career paths.

“Participating in WiM Virginia’s sponsored plant tours often sparks inspiration for process improvements, innovative solutions to long-standing challenges like bottlenecks, or new ways to reduce lean wastes—all while building valuable industry connections. Beyond the professional benefits, it’s just really cool to see how other companies make stuff!” — Susan Rooney, Supply Chain Manager, Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America

From Individuals to Institutions: Connecting at a Deeper Level

While WiM’s mission is rooted in supporting women in manufacturing, these tours go a step further. They bring companies together, not just individuals.

Through every tour, WiM Virginia builds bridges between HR teams, operations leaders, plant managers, and frontline staff across Virginia’s manufacturing landscape. It’s one thing to connect over LinkedIn or at a conference—it’s another to open your doors and walk someone through your production floor.

This cross-pollination of knowledge and relationships is already paying off. Companies are finding partners, mentors, and fresh inspiration—not just for their employees, but for their organizational growth.

I had the chance to join the most recent plant tour at Gerdau in Petersburg, Virginia—a premier long steel producer and proud VMA member. It was incredible to see so WiM members connecting and learning together while getting the rare opportunity to set foot inside a world-class facility. Gerdau’s team shared valuable insights into their operations, and it was clear that everyone walked away with something new to take back to their own workplaces.

A Community of Women Elevating the Industry

Perhaps the most exciting part? The energy in the room—er, the plant. You’ll find WiM members asking thoughtful questions, exchanging contact info, and swapping stories about what’s working and what’s not. The vibe is supportive, curious, and deeply motivated.

These women are developing themselves not just to succeed at their companies but to shape the future of the industry. That’s what makes this special: Plant tours aren’t just field trips—they’re fuel for a stronger, more connected manufacturing community.

“WiM Virginia’s plant tours are where learning meets connection, empowering women to drive change and innovation across the manufacturing industry.” — Kimberly Noonan, Director of Member Services at VMA and Executive Director of WiM Virginia Chapter

Since launching in 2019, WiM Virginia has grown from 35 to 1,400+ members, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and need for a strong network of women in manufacturing across the Commonwealth.

Interested in becoming a WiM Virginia Member? Reach out to the WiM Virginia Chapter or the VMA to get involved.

This article was written by Wes Smith, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions at MSI. Got questions or want to connect? Reach out on LinkedIn or email us at communications@msi-workforce.com. Be sure to subscribe to the MSI Workforce Perspectives LinkedIn Newsletter for more insights and updates!