Study I: Turnover Reduced at a Metals/Plastics Manufacturer

Background/Situation: Manufacturer of metal and plastic containers used in the consumer goods industry faced unique quality staffing issues in their business.

Issues: The lithography department of the Metals Division faced a future skill shortage due to its workforce aging and entering retirement.

The Plastics Division was having difficulty hiring and retaining staff due to its 24-hour-a-day/7-day-a-week production schedule. High turnover and shortage of available, qualified candidates were reducing efficiency.

Actions: FurstStaffing introduced an On-Site Manager to coordinate day-to-day staffing needs of the client. In the Metals Division, Furst partnered with supervisors to create an apprentice program. Qualified candidates in the apprentice pool were then ready to fill openings created by retiring employees. Specialized recruiting, testing and interviewing techniques ensure the program's ongoing success.

In the Plastics Division, Furst partnered with supervisors to create orientation and performance review programs. Additionally, a compensation and bonus program was developed that attracted new candidates and created incentives for longer tenure.

Results: In the Metals Division, a potential labor shortage in the skilled lithography area was averted through the apprenticeship program that was created, managed and implemented by FurstStaffing.

In the Plastics Division, turnover was substantially decreased and improved morale. These factors contributed to the client awarding FurstStaffing an Outstanding Vendor Award, the first service company ever to receive such an award from the client.