As part of our Women in Construction Week series, we’re highlighting the women behind the scenes who keep our business moving.
Today, we’re featuring Ana Luisa Marques, an assembly operator at our manufacturing division Radii Planet Products. With a background in AutoCAD and construction materials,
Ana discovered her passion for hands-on work, assembling everything from glazed aluminium doors to tech panels. Her approach? Seize every opportunity, trust the process, and never let fear limit your success.
Tell us a bit about your role at Radii Planet Group
I'm an assembly operator. I enjoy this job because it makes me feel good to work with the various products we assemble, ranging from office glazed aluminium doors to tech panels and many others.
What does a typical day look like for you?
After waking up in the morning, I have my breakfast and espresso before driving to work, where different types of doors are waiting for me to assemble. They could be single glazed or double glazed, where my glass cleaning skills prove useful. The doors are bonded with a fast-curing bi-component sealant, so I need to work quickly while following the assembly drawings that are conveniently available on the system for each product. It may sound like a lot, but the entire process is quite manageable, especially with the help of swing jibs and vacuum lifters around me. Once the day is done, I leave the workspace clean for the next day and head home to walk my dog—he's been waiting for me all day!
How did you get into this field, and what inspired you?
I entered this field because I studied AutoCAD and worked with construction materials. When I started working in a factory that made partitions, doors, and office furniture, I discovered that I enjoyed the process and the continuous learning opportunities.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your professional life?
I've learned that no matter how complex a job may seem, you should always seize the opportunity. If you truly enjoy what you're doing, you’ll find ways to overcome any challenges.
Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped who you are today?
Having worked in customer service for many years, I developed the ability to handle different types of people and personalities. This experience has helped me grow both professionally and personally.
How do you see the industry evolving for women in the coming years?
There will always be some prejudice about women working in certain roles, but I believe it ultimately depends on physical capability—regardless of gender. The industrial sector is evolving, albeit slowly, and I think the new generation will continue to bring positive change in terms of gender equality.
Are there any industry trends or innovations that excite you right now?
I really like how industrial design is being used in workspaces.
What advice would you give to young women looking to enter this field?
It's not a difficult job if you make full use of the tools and equipment available. The best advice I can give is to leave fear behind, as it limits opportunities for success. With enough determination and the training provided, there's no reason why anyone wouldn’t be successful.
Who is a woman—past or present—who inspires you and why?
My mother has always been my greatest inspiration. She was realistic about the adversities we face in life. She always says: "If you have a problem, the solution is there—just stop, breathe, and think!" And once I found the solution, she said: "I knew you could do it!"
What’s a book, podcast, or resource that has inspired you recently?
The movie Big World 2024, a drama about a young man with disabilities who overcomes challenges to fulfill his grandmother’s dream.
What progress would you like to see for women in the workplace?
From my perspective, I wouldn't change anything here, as the conditions are great for both genders.
If you could give one piece of career advice to all women, what would it be?
Always choose a healthy work environment where you can benefit from training by highly qualified professionals and receive proper guidance throughout the work process.
