Category: Uncategorized

At KFI Staffing, we understand the importance of unskilled general labor positions. Since every role plays an important part in ensuring operations run smoothly, when you’re understaffed, it can be challenging to maintain productivity and morale on the floor. Specifically, production workers are crucial because they ensure the floor is operating efficiently and maintain quality standards by assisting the team at different stages of the manufacturing process. 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 933,000 production worker openings each year. The demand for production workers in the manufacturing industry remains steady due to their essential role within the manufacturing process. 

What Do Production Workers Do? 

A production worker’s duties depend on the specific role; however, the main responsibility is to ensure production goals are met. This role requires a solid understanding of manufacturing processes and the ability to work efficiently within a team. 

Entry-level production workers perform various tasks that support the manufacturing process. These tasks include assembling parts, operating production machinery, and performing quality checks on finished products. Their work ensures that products are produced on time and meet quality standards. Depending upon the specific industry, the roles may vary. 

What Does the Day-to-Day Look Like for a Production Worker? 

One of the many responsibilities of production workers includes assembling products or components according to specified guidelines. This requires precision and attention to detail to ensure parts fit correctly and function properly. Production workers often work on assembly lines, where they perform repetitive tasks with consistency and accuracy. 

Production workers frequently operate machinery used in the manufacturing process. This involves setting up machines, monitoring their operation, and making adjustments as needed. An understanding of how the machinery works and the ability to troubleshoot minor issues are crucial for maintaining production. 

Quality control is a significant part of a production worker’s role. They inspect products at various stages of the manufacturing process to ensure they meet quality standards. This involves using measuring tools, checking for defects, and following quality control procedures. Attention to detail is essential to identify and address any issues that come up. 

Maintaining a clean and safe work environment is vital in manufacturing. Production workers are responsible for keeping their work areas clean, following safety protocols, and using personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. Safety awareness helps prevent accidents and ensures a productive work environment. 

What Skills Do You Need to Become an Entry-Level Production Worker? 

1. Education and Training:

Most entry-level production workers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is typically provided to familiarize new hires with specific manufacturing processes, equipment, and safety protocols. 

2. Physical Fitness:

Production work can be physically demanding, often requiring standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects, and performing repetitive tasks. The duties performed can be fast paced, which means strong physical and mental endurance is beneficial. 

3. Attention to Detail:

When assembling products and performing quality checks, production workers must pay close attention to detail. Accuracy helps ensure products meet quality standards and reduces the risk of defects. 

4. Technical Skills:

Basic technical skills are beneficial, particularly for operating machinery and using tools. Familiarity with production equipment and the ability to troubleshoot minor issues can enhance efficiency and productivity. 

5. Organizational Skills:

Organizational skills are important because they help production workers manage their tasks effectively and maintain a productive work environment. Staying organized ensures that production runs smoothly and efficiently. 

6. Communication Skills:

Clear and effective communication is vital for collaborating with team members and supervisors. Good communication helps ensure everyone is aligned with production goals and can address any issues that arise. 

7. Teamwork:

Production workers are typically part of a larger team. In order to contribute to a positive work environment, production workers are encouraged to collaborate with their team and work together to ensure products are up to standard.

8. Safety Awareness:

Following safety protocols and being mindful of potential hazards is crucial in a manufacturing environment. Production workers must use PPE appropriately and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent accidents. 

9. Adaptability:

With ever-changing priorities and production demands, manufacturing environments are dynamic.  Adaptability and being able to handle unexpected situations is a valuable trait for a production workers. Not only does this show that the employee is able to handle unique situations, but it ensures that with ever-changing demands, they’re able to get the job done.

10. Work Ethic:

A strong work ethic is crucial for maintaining positive team morale and ensuring demands are met. It helps fosters a culture of accountability and reliability, where team members can trust each other to deliver quality work on time. Ensuring your production team is full of employees with strong work ethics helps propel your business to success.

Summary

Production workers are essential to the success of manufacturing operations. Their role is dynamic, requiring a combination of physical capability, technical skill, and communication. Production workers ensure that products are assembled accurately and efficiently, contributing to the overall success of the manufacturing process. Their attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and teamwork help maintain high standards of quality and productivity- leading to customer satisfaction and business success. 

Two years ago, a vision became reality as KFI Staffing placed our first 30 employees. As we celebrate the second anniversary of that day, we want to reflect on the milestones we have achieved and the community that has supported us along the way. Whether it’s decreasing turnover, increasing employee morale, improving ROI, or reimagining how a typical staffing company does business – helping manufacturers run more efficiently is at the heart of everything we do. 

How Did the Idea Behind KFI Staffing Get Started? 

Our journey began by noticing the alarming number of unfilled entry-level labor positions within the manufacturing industry. According to The Manufacturing Institute, 2.1 million* manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030- a number that’s concerning for both companies and consumers. Whether those gaps stem from talent shortages, high turnover, or underestimating how a fully staffed team affects revenue – our goal was to eliminate the problems surrounding these staffing gaps. With over 85 years of combined staffing experience, our team set out to change the landscape of the staffing industry by empowering and supporting the employees we place. 

How is KFI Staffing Different Than Any Other Staffing Agency? 

Our employees are at the forefront of what we do. We understand the struggle of finding affordable housing and transportation- which is why our model eliminates that aspect. From day one, we provide every employee we place with a living space and reliable transportation to and from shifts. Whether it be employees that need to relocate, or live within the area, we ensure they’re prepared for their new role. One study found that employees who feel happy and valued by their workplace are 20%* more productive. In turn, by taking care of our employees and creating a work environment where they’re taken care of, our model maintains a turnover rate of under 10%. 

How Does KFI Staffing Find Talent? 

An estimated 82%* of companies are experiencing a labor shortage. Many factors contribute to labor shortages; however, they can also be prevented. For example, if you limit your talent search to within local boundaries, you also limit your candidate pool. At KFI Staffing, we source talent from all over the country to provide you with the right talent at the right time. Not only does this provide your company with higher-quality candidates, but it also allows for high-volume staffing solutions at faster speeds.  

Our Milestones Throughout the Past Two Years 

• Established our physical headquarters in Madison, WI 
• Expanded our full-time team to 17 employees in 4 states 
• Currently employing more than 880 team members at partner worksites  
• Supporting clients in 6 states with infrastructure to support all lower 48 
• Implemented Annual Employer Practice Audit to ensure a quality onboarding process 
• Supported over 9 different manufacturing industries within 24 months  
• Completed well over 100 employee & client onboarding cycles  
• Maintained an average 2 year turnover rate of below 10%  

The Future of KFI Staffing 

We currently have employees working in 6 states throughout the country. This is only the beginning as we are always looking to expand and help maximize productivity for companies throughout the United States. As we celebrate our second anniversary, we also look ahead to the future with excitement and optimism. KFI Staffing has ambitious plans for the years to come – plans that will see us continue to innovate, expand our reach, and make a positive impact on all employees working in the manufacturing industry. 

Sources:

• https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/manufacturing/manufacturing-industry-diversity.html
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/12/13/promoting-employee-happiness-benefits-everyone/?sh=86b4e88581a1
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/82-manufacturing-companies-experiencing-labor-shortage-cathy-ma/

At KFI Staffing, we place employees in a wide array of unskilled general labor positions. When it comes to manufacturing, there are countless jobs that rely on each other to ensure production is operating efficiently. Specifically, for this job highlight, we’re going to dig deeper into the crucial role material handlers play in the world of manufacturing.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of hand laborers and material movers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032. The need for material handlers in the manufacturing industry continues to increase due to the importance of the role in ensuring operations run smoothly.

What is a Material Handler?

In the world of logistics, material handlers play a crucial role in ensuring the flow of goods from point A to point B. This job relies on understanding warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities.

Entry-level material handlers are responsible for the movement, storage, and control of materials within a facility. From raw materials to finished products, this role ensures that everything is in the right place at the right time. Entry-level material handlers are often the first point of contact for incoming shipments and the last stop for outgoing goods.

What Does the Day-to-Day Look like for a Material Handler?

One of the responsibilities of entry-level material handlers is receiving shipments. This involves inspecting deliveries for accuracy and completeness. They must be detail-oriented to identify any discrepancies and report them. An eye for quality control is essential to uphold standards for the inventory.

Once materials are received, material handlers organize and store them in designated locations within the warehouse. This requires a good understanding of inventory management systems and the ability to operate equipment like forklifts, pallet jacks, or conveyor systems. Maintaining an organized warehouse ensures that items can be easily located and retrieved when needed.

As orders come in, material handlers are responsible for picking the required items from their storage locations. This process demands efficiency and accuracy to meet deadlines. Once picked, items are carefully packed for shipping, taking care to protect them from damage during transit.

Material handlers are also involved in the final stage of the logistics process – shipping. They prepare shipments for dispatch, ensuring that they are loaded onto trucks or containers securely. They’re also responsible for completing shipping documentation, including labels, invoices, and packing slips.

A material handler’s attention to detail contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain. As they gain experience, they may progress to more specialized roles within the logistics sector, such as inventory control or quality assurance.

What Skills do you Need to Become an Entry Level Material Handler?

1. Education and Training:

Most entry-level material handler positions do not require a formal education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent. However, having additional certifications related to warehouse operations or material handling can be beneficial.

Some employers may provide on-the-job training to familiarize new hires with specific processes and equipment.

2. Physical Fitness:

Material handling can be physically demanding, requiring individuals to lift, carry, and move heavy objects. Physical fitness and the ability to perform manual labor are essential for success in this role.

3. Attention to Detail:

Material handlers need to pay close attention to detail, especially when inspecting incoming shipments and organizing inventory. An eye for accuracy helps prevent errors and discrepancies.

4. Organizational Skills:

Maintaining an organized warehouse is crucial. Entry-level material handlers must be adept at organizing and storing materials efficiently to facilitate easy retrieval and shipment preparation.

5. Communication Skills:

Clear communication is essential in a warehouse setting. Material handlers often need to collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, and sometimes external contacts. Effective communication ensures that everyone is on the same page, reducing the chance of error.

6. Basic Computer Skills:

Familiarity with basic computer skills is beneficial, especially if the employer uses inventory management systems or other software tools. Material handlers may need to input data, generate reports, or use technology to perform their tasks.

7. Teamwork:

Material handlers often work as part of a team. Being a team player, collaborating with colleagues, and contributing to a positive working environment are important aspects of the job.

8. Safety Awareness:

Safety is crucial in a warehouse environment. Entry-level material handlers must follow safety protocols, use personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately, and be mindful of potential hazards.

9. Adaptability:

Warehouse environments can be dynamic, with changing priorities and workloads. Being adaptable and able to handle unexpected situations is a valuable trait for a material handler.

10. Work Ethic:

A strong work ethic, punctuality, and a positive attitude are essential qualities for success in any entry-level position, including material handling.

In summary, material handlers are crucial to the operation of a manufacturing facility. Their role is dynamic, requiring a combination of physical capability, technical skill, and effective communication. Material handlers ensure that products move safely through the supply chain, contributing to customer satisfaction and the success of the businesses they support.

Understanding the difference between employee sourcing methods is important for efficiency, revenue growth and improving your overall company morale. It also helps to diversify your team and better understand their needs. Whether it be local, national or global sourcing, each method offers different benefits. Through research, trial and tribulation, years of experience and an overall commitment to improving the staffing world, our KFI Staffing team has narrowed down, what we believe, to be the most beneficial method. 

To understand the pros and cons of each method, it’s important to have a solid foundation of what they represent: 

Local Sourcing: This refers to the practice of recruiting and hiring employees from the same geographic area or region as the organization’s physical location. It typically involves seeking candidates who live or work in the same city, town, or local area where the company is based. On average, this does not exceed 30 miles from any given recruiting location.  

National Sourcing: This method relies on the practice of recruiting and hiring employees from within the same country where the organization is based. Instead of limiting the search for candidates to a local or regional area, companies that source talent nationally consider job applicants from various cities, states, or regions within their country. Depending on the type of position looking to be filled will drive where you source national talent from.  

Global Sourcing: Global sourcing, on the other hand, involves looking beyond national borders to find resources or talent. This approach seeks to leverage a broader pool of options and may prioritize cost efficiency, access to specialized skills, or the ability to tap into global markets. Global sourcing can introduce diversity and innovation but also requires considerations related to cultural and logistical, as well as the potential impact on local industries. 

Regardless of the method, being short-staffed can result in revenue loss for your company. On average, production associates produce 6 times their hourly salary in revenue; therefore, being short staffed 20 employees at $30/hr would lose $144,000 in revenue per week. Understanding how your company sources talent is important to ensure operations are running at full capacity. 

Why does KFI Staffing Source Talent Nationally? 

When it comes to nationally sourcing talent, the primary purpose is to widen your talent pool while ensuring that your team members are aligned with the needs and values of your company. Sourcing talent nationally can support economic growth by promoting employment, contributing to skill development, and increasing diversity. It can also enhance communication and innovation within the workplace, as employees share different perspectives and experiences. 

Another benefit of sourcing talent nationally is that it creates job opportunities for communities. This allows individuals in areas where job options are limited to find employment beyond their borders. By offering job opportunities to individuals beyond their local perimeters, organizations contribute to the growth of diverse communities and empower individuals in regions where employment options might be limited. This approach helps bridge employment gaps and promotes a more inclusive workforce. National talent sourcing acts as a powerful tool not just for organizational success but also for fostering a more robust job market. 

Local, national, and global sourcing each present distinct advantages and challenges. By casting a wider net across the country, companies have greater opportunities to build a team that offers diverse perspectives, fosters innovation, and contributes to economic growth. The benefits extend beyond the organization, creating job opportunities, supporting skill development, and enhancing the overall quality of talent available. In the ever-changing landscape of the manufacturing industry, where the consequences of being short-staffed can be significant, the different types of talent sourcing act as a strategic approach, positioning companies for success.