Worldwide, TAKRAF Group women are making an impact. Be it in engineering, sales, human resources, procurement or numerous other roles, they exemplify the contribution women can make to this traditionally male-dominated industry and highlight the challenging and rewarding career opportunities that are available.

Founded by an extraordinary woman, Benedicta Margaretha von Löwendal, in the 18th century, TAKRAF Group recognises the importance of gender equality and inclusivity, ensuring fair and unbiased access to projects, assignments and promotions to promote an equitable workplace. The Group believes that gender diversity is not just a moral imperative, but a business advantage and its recruitment policies are not just tick-box exercises. Regardless of gender, candidates are evaluated based on their skills, experience and potential, to ensure that the Group attracts and retains the best talent and fosters a diverse and inclusive workforce. 

Multiple Career Development Opportunities 

TAKRAF female employees describe a workplace where they feel valued, respected and empowered to achieve their full potential.

Relating some of her work highlights, TAKRAF Brazil HR Coordinator Erika Silvia Martins, spoke of the exciting journey she has been on since she joined ten years ago, including her involvement in a major reorganisation of the business unit in 2015/2016. Martins was “in charge of coordinating the process from an HR perspective and supporting the Managing Director, which brought me incredible professional growth.”

TAKRAF Group brand DELKOR spare parts leader in Chile for aftermarket Ivette Fabry, joined in 1996, during the early stages of DELKOR’s activities in the country. Initially overseeing spare parts sales, she saw her role evolve with the growth of the spare parts department. “Over the years, I’ve not only managed major spare parts sales but also integrated support for our colleagues at TAKRAF Germany, fostering cross-border cooperation and ensuring seamless operations.”

One of her most significant achievements, she says, was to spearhead a culture of continuous improvement in service delivery through implementing innovative processes and strategies. “Our clients know that we not only sell spare parts for our equipment but that we provide knowledge and support along with the parts.”

For TAKRAF in Germany Commercial Project Manager Ina Planert, “A pivotal moment for me was securing a position at TAKRAF during my career transition in 2018/2019, which reaffirmed my passion for the industry. Since then, I have been proud to contribute to the successful execution of major international projects, enjoying the dynamics of working in international teams and the variety of tasks in my role. I find the mix of commercial aspects and technical interfaces as well as the close cooperation with our customers particularly fascinating.”

A Dynamic and Evolving Industry 

Working for TAKRAF Group, with its rich, almost 300-year history of technology development, the Group’s women are well positioned to appreciate how, as Planert describes, “The mining sector offers a fascinating blend of history and innovation, from the colossal machines to the cutting-edge technology employed”.  

This is something that DELKOR in India Senior Manager – Procurement, Geetha Narayanamurthy, has experienced firsthand: “Leading the procurement activities for Industry 4.0 as part of one of our many projects in Morocco stands out as a defining moment. 

“Joining the dynamic team at DELKOR in Bengaluru has [also] been a blessing in disguise, providing me with constant opportunities for growth and learning.”

“The intricate details and capabilities behind our machines make me sometimes consider a career change to engineering.”  – Martins

Similarly, TAKRAF and DELKOR in Australia Contracts Manager Anna Lindley, finds the technical side fascinating. “It’s seeing our machines reach practical completion and handover to operations that is a major highlight. Inspecting a TAKRAF stacker in Queensland provided a tangible appreciation of the scale and complexity of our projects.” 

Lindley has also experienced considerable personal growth at TAKRAF, starting in 2014 as a Contract Administrator and now, “in addition to my role as Company Secretary, I am the Contracts Manager for the TAKRAF and DELKOR brands in Australia.”

A Great Sector for Women to Work In

“Women and men alike thrive on challenges,” says Martins. “And the mining sector offers plenty to tackle and overcome. 

“But women also bring unique perspectives and value people, processes and goals in different ways. In this demanding industry, we can make a real impact on environmental sustainability and social responsibility.”

For Planert, “it’s about passion, dedication and competence.”

“Engineering and mining offer women a captivating landscape to explore.”  – Fabry 

“Our ability to approach projects, meetings, sales and challenges with a different point of view often leads to innovative solutions and is appreciated by our peers. In addition to our technical skills, our emotional intelligence and collaborative nature contribute significantly to the industry, highlighting the tremendous potential for women to thrive in these fields,” says Fabry.

Citing her own career path since joining DELKOR in 2013 as Manager - Design (E&I), Narayanamurthy stresses that women in engineering demonstrate exceptional competence in a variety of fields. “Personally, I believe it is critical to encourage more female engineers to venture into the field of mining design. The dynamic challenges, coupled with the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge advancements, make engineering and mining uniquely stimulating for women seeking diverse and impactful careers.”

No Success is Achieved Easily or Quickly 

With their wealth of experience in navigating this often-challenging industry, what advice would the TAKRAF Group women give to a younger person on entering and succeeding in the mining sector? 

For Martins it is about: “Be[ing] focused, disciplined and patient. Every matter and process requires effort, and you must be prepared to put in the work. Once you have a clear goal, give your best to achieve it with passion and discipline. Be patient enough to wait for the results. Things take time, and you will face frustrations and disappointments along the way. But you will succeed. You will learn and achieve. And you will be amazed at what you have accomplished.”

Lindley focusses on growth through continual learning, advising: “Seek hands-on experience and mentorship. Keep yourself informed of industry developments. Take on challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset and give it your best shot.” 

Narayanamurthy agrees: “Approach your work with the dual goals of professional and personal success. Stay on top of the latest technologies and industry advancements.” 

Both Planert and Fabry stress passion for work and aligning opportunities that you pursue with your passions and strengths.

“Affinity for your work is the key to success.”  – Planert

For Fabry: “Pursue your passion wholeheartedly and give your all to every endeavor. Whether in relationships or at work, putting effort, love and consideration into your actions can make a world of difference in achieving your goals.” 

She adds: “Honesty and transparency are paramount; cultivating trust is essential to fostering meaningful connections with colleagues, clients and stakeholders, laying the foundation for long-term success.”

Inside TAKRAF

Martins, Lindley, Narayanamurthy, Fabry and Planert are just a few of the amazing TAKRAF Group women who, on a daily basis, are assisting the Group to deliver on its promise to its clients to deliver innovative solutions that save energy, lower environmental impact and meet operational requirements. Bringing world class skills and dedication to their tasks, they all agree that what they find most fulfilling about their roles is the constant challenge. “Every day brings new goals, new parts requests and new orders to manage,” says Fabry.

Lindley adds: “The diversity of roles and responsibilities within TAKRAF Group allows me to continuously learn and engage with different facets of our business, which I find immensely rewarding.”

But what really motivates them is the unwavering support they receive from their colleagues and the strong support network they have built, ensuring they can rely on each other to effectively serve the Group’s customers. 

“The smooth interdepartmental collaboration not only honed my interpersonal skills [but also] enabled me to juggle multiple projects,” says Narayanamurthy. “Working at TAKRAF Group is a privilege. The conducive environment, coupled with supportive managers and colleagues, creates a space where I not only receive valuable guidance, but also actively share my insights on the topics we delve into.”