Manufacturing companies show support for diversity at Trollhättan Pride

The Network for Diversity and Inclusion in the Manufacturing Industry in Trestad proudly announces its participation in this year's Trollhättan Pride. By participating in the parade, companies want to strengthen the attractiveness of the industry and show their commitment to an inclusive work environment.

The Network for Diversity and Inclusion in the Manufacturing Industry in Trestad was established in 2023 as part of a development project led by Innovatum Science Park. The project was initiated to strengthen the manufacturing industry with cutting-edge technology, new knowledge and an inclusive culture for sustainable growth.

- Several projects are underway at Innovatum to increase diversity and strengthen the skills of different target groups. One of them was the successful ReactPTC project, where the ambition was, among other things, to raise the bar for the level of skills in the region. The project aimed to increase knowledge of social sustainability and diversity in industry. This was done by companies increasing their understanding of the positive effects that diversity in the workplace contributes, says Victor Blom, project manager at Innovatum Science Park.

The creation of the network and participation in the Pride Parade became a way for the participating companies to inspire each other and others.

- We are proud of our commitment and hope that more industries will join us. Love is love and everyone has the right to be who they are, both at work and in society at large. As Trestad's largest private employer, we want to take our social responsibility and drive the issue forward," says Malin Andersson, Project Director at GKN Aerospace.

For a better working environment
Anna Lindblom, Chief Technology Officer at Siemens Energy, emphasizes the importance of an inclusive work environment for the attractiveness of the industry.

- "It is crucial that we as a company, in collaboration with others, can influence the image of the manufacturing industry so that it becomes positive and attracts everyone to the industry. Siemens Energy in Trollhättan wants to show that we stand for an inclusive and respectful work environment," she says.

A way to show commitment
The event and the Trollhättan Pride association fight for an open and tolerant Trollhättan where all people regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or background can feel free to be themselves. This year's parade will be on Saturday, June 29.

- We hope for a sunny day with many participants in the Pride Parade. At Parker, we have for many years worked actively with inclusion and to counteract jargon in our business. Trollhättan Pride gives us a fantastic opportunity to show our commitment and actively take a stand for everyone's equal value, says Thomas Magnusson, site manager at Parker.

About the Network for Diversity and Inclusion in Manufacturing
The Network for Diversity and Inclusion in Manufacturing in Trestad was established to promote and support companies and organizations in the field of diversity and inclusion. By collaborating, sharing experiences and knowledge, the network works to create a more inclusive and equitable work environment in the manufacturing industry. The network meets four times a year to share experiences and learn from each other. We discuss different topics such as being norm-critical or what inclusive leadership looks like and work together to improve our workplaces

The companies and organizations joining the Pride Parade are:

• GKN Aerospace
• Sigma Technology
• VBG Group
• IUC
• Tooltec
• Siemens Energy
• Innovatum Science Park
• Parker
• University West
• AnVa KSG