Women in Manufacturing
At Irish Waterjet Profile Ltd (IWPL), we are proud to celebrate International Women’s Day with our team.
Manufacturing and heavy industrial engineering have traditionally been male-dominated fields. However, across IWPL, women are making a real impact in key operational and technical roles. These roles include precision manufacturing, logistics, customer support, and business operations.
We are highlighting our team members, Amy O’ Brien, Deborah Farrell, Deidre Brennan, and Sandra Rocha Santana, whose dedication, expertise, and achievements reflect the evolving face of modern manufacturing.
Amy O’Brien — Purchasing
Amy plays a vital role in ensuring IWPL’s operations run smoothly by managing supplier relationships and material sourcing.
Her attention to detail and proactive approach help keep projects on track and customers supported.
“Working in purchasing is about far more than placing orders and managing costs-it’s about building strong partnerships, thinking strategically, and creating value with every decision you make. It’s the art of balancing quality, price, and timing while keeping the bigger picture in mind”.
Deirdre Brennan — Logistics
With over 10 years of experience in logistics at IWPL, Deirdre ensures that orders are delivered accurately and on time.
Her expertise keeps our supply chain moving and supports the reliability our customers depend on.
“Knowing that I am part of a team that delivers our customers their orders efficiently and on time gives me great job satisfaction”.
Deborah Farrell — Production Planner
Deborah is responsible for planning all main production, ensuring efficient programs and smooth production flow.
She plays a key role in minimising waste and optimising time across operations, helping IWPL maintain high standards of efficiency and reliability on every project.
“I joined IWPL 5 years ago as a General Operative, progressing to Quality Control and the Production Planner. Working in various areas of the company has been very rewarding”.
Sandra Rocha Santana — Market Analyst
Sandra joined IWPL just over a year ago and is responsible for sales and marketing insights. One of her highlights so far was attending the trade show Bauma in Germany last year.
“Being new to manufacturing, I am still fascinated by the machines and the process. Every day is a different project with something new to learn. The team is incredible, and seeing everything come together up close is really inspiring”.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the talent, dedication, and impact of the women at Irish Waterjet Profile Ltd — and recognise the growing contribution of women shaping the future of manufacturing.