Greg Gerth takes part in a welding simulation at Robinson Fans' She Builds event in Zelienople, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

A manufacturing event at a real plant in Zelienople gave women a hands-on experience Saturday, Sept. 20.

Robinson Fans created the She Builds event to give women a taste of the factory life, a demographic that represents about 29% of the manufacturing workforce, the National Association of Manufacturers said in 2023.

Robinson Fans president Tricia Staible said she understands the trepidation women have when applying to, or even just looking into, entering a manufacturing job.

“I think the first barrier is just there is no one who looks like you in the room,” Staible said. “That is always tough. In our Pennsylvania facility, we tried to target female welders. If we only had one it was tough. They would come and try and just get tired of being the only female. Once you get more than one and some momentum that helps.”

Teresa Melfi talks about her experience working as a welder during Robinson Fans' She Builds event in Zelienople, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

State Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th, speaks at Robinson Fans' She Builds event in Zelienople, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

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Speakers address a gathered audience at Robinson Fans' She Builds event in Zelienople, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

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Robinson Fans employees Tom Guerriero and Amie Chuck talk to guests at Robinson Fans' She Builds event in Zelienople, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

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Robinson Fans' hosted its first She Builds event at in Zelienople, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown