Eating Healthy on the Road: A Practical Guide for Traveling Technicians
March is National Nutrition Month, and while the focus is on making informed food choices, the reality for traveling technicians is that eating healthy isn’t
How One FlexTrades Project Engineer Transformed an Aerospace Manufacturer
Finding experienced engineers can be a major challenge for manufacturers, especially in specialized fields like aerospace. Recently, an aerospace manufacturer reached out to us facing
FlexTrades Welding Expertise Meets Production Needs
A leading agricultural and construction equipment manufacturer was struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels for their second shift. High turnover rates and a limited local
How FlexTrades Can Upskill Your Manufacturing Technicians
In the fast-paced manufacturing world, lifelong learning is key to staying competitive. By promoting ongoing education, employers ensure their teams are equipped to optimize processes
A New Era in U.S. Manufacturing Needs a New Approach to Skilled Labor
Something big is happening in U.S. manufacturing. ArcelorMittal, the second-largest steel producer in the world, just announced a $0.9 billion investment in a new steel
FlexTrades Ensures Smooth Transition During Facility Relocation
A plastics manufacturer and distributor of houseware and seasonal promotional products was facing a significant challenge: facility relocation. The company needed a skilled workforce to
FlexTrades Helps Manufacturer Meet Tight Deadlines
A tube and metal fabrication manufacturer was facing increasing pressure to meet rising demand while navigating a tight local labor market. To maintain strong client
Why Safety First is the Key to Success in Manufacturing
As cliché as it may sound, FlexTrades really does believe in “Safety First.” When safety is top of mind and safety protocols are followed, not
How FlexTrades’ Technicians Prioritize Workplace Safety in Every Manufacturing Environment
When it comes to manufacturing, the well-being of employees and the integrity of operations go hand in hand. That’s why safety isn’t just a priority
How One FlexTrades Project Engineer Significantly Reduced Machine Downtime
Finding experienced engineers can be a major challenge for manufacturers, especially in specialized fields like aerospace. Recently, an aerospace manufacturer reached out to us facing
Maintaining Company Culture in a Remote Workforce
At FlexTrades, we believe that a strong company culture and meaningful connections are the backbone of our success. Since transitioning to a fully remote workforce,
Three Things to Consider When Purchasing Machine Tools
When we attended IMTS 2024, we had the pleasure to meet Mike Hampton, Senior Manager of Technical Services and Solutions for Okuma America. We wanted
Transform Year-End Manufacturing Stress into Success with FlexTrades
As the year winds down, many American manufacturing companies find themselves grappling with mounting pressure to meet year-end production targets. Tight deadlines, labor shortages, and
Santa’s Workshop: How American Manufacturers Keep Christmas Magic Alive
When we envision Santa’s workshop, we picture a bustling hub where toys are crafted, decorations are assembled, and holiday magic comes to life. In the
What Are Tariffs? Understanding Their Impact on Trade and Manufacturing
Tariffs have long been a cornerstone of economic policy and international trade. These taxes on imported goods have been part of the U.S. trade landscape
FlexTrades is Your Trade Secret for Fast Results
The Challenge of Rapid Workforce Deployment In today’s fast-paced manufacturing industry, the ability to quickly deploy skilled tradespeople can be the difference between success and
FlexTrades Case Study: Accelerating Product Launches with Skilled CMM Programming
A leading manufacturer of motion controls was facing significant delays in launching their new product lines. The inability to complete orders on time was putting
FlexTrades Drives Cost Savings for Machinery Manufacturer
The Challenge A leading machinery manufacturing company was facing a significant production bottleneck due to increased orders. The Operations Manager, concerned about a potential backlog
Top 5 Challenges in U.S. Manufacturing Recruitment and How FlexTrades Solves Them
The U.S. manufacturing industry is the backbone of the nation’s economy, producing everything from advanced aerospace components to everyday consumer goods. But as the sector
The Impact of Black Friday on U.S. Manufacturers: Benefits and Challenges
Black Friday is the day when the holiday shopping frenzy reaches its peak, bringing excitement to consumers and chaos for retailers and manufacturing. While consumers
The Value of a ReTool Employer Presentation by FlexTrades
Educators at universities and colleges across the country, in just about every field, invite employers into their classrooms to give presentations to students. Employers embrace
International Update Your Resume Month
September is International Update Your Resume Month. Most careers require a resume as part of consideration for employment but too often people try to write
Back to School Tips for Tech School
The start of the next school year is just around the corner. Anyone with a TV or a smartphone knows that. We see lots of
Maintaining Company Culture in a Remote Workforce
At FlexTrades, we believe that a strong company culture and meaningful connections are the backbone of our success. Since transitioning to a fully remote workforce,
The True Meaning of Community: A Story of Compassion and Support
Community. It’s a word that gets used a lot in the news, in corporate statements, at local events, everywhere. But what does it really mean?
A Year of Giving: FlexTrades’ Journey Through 2023’s Charitable Milestones
Here at FlexTrades, we take our corporate core values seriously because they help us achieve our mission of making a difference in the communities where
The Impact of Core Values on Employees & Company Culture
At the dawn of 2023, I found myself in the position of so many Americans – being laid off and facing unemployment. This juncture brought with it
Santa’s Workshop: How American Manufacturers Keep Christmas Magic Alive
When we envision Santa’s workshop, we picture a bustling hub where toys are crafted, decorations are assembled, and holiday magic comes to life. In the
Embracing Your Whole Self: A Workplace Revolution
In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate America, a groundbreaking shift is taking place. Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of fostering a work environment where
7 Questions That Will Shape the 2024 NFL Season
The autumn wind may be a Raider but this year, as it sweeps across stadiums and the leaves begin to fall, it’s bringing big changes
10 Fascinating Facts About Patents You Didn’t Know
A patent is a legal document granted by a sovereign authority to an inventor or inventors, giving them the right (for a set amount of
Discover the Exciting New Events & Highlights of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics
The Olympic games are widely known as one of the greatest shows of athleticism and talent globally. This year’s Paris Summer Olympics continues the tradition
How SpaceX & Private Industry Changed the Space Race
Once a duopoly of Cold War rivals, the space race has transcended government confines, embracing the dynamism of private enterprise. Spearheading this cosmic renaissance, SpaceX
Breaking News: FlexTrades to Deploy Technicians to Mars in 2025
HUDSON, Wisconsin, April 1, 2024 — In a groundbreaking announcement today, FlexTrades, the renowned national manufacturing services provider, has declared its ambitious plan to send 50
My Digital Valentine: Embracing the Future With Artificial Love
Once upon a modern Valentine’s Day, as hearts fluttered and roses bloomed, I found myself enamored not with a traditional Juliette but with a suitor
An Introductory Guide to Using AI for Content Marketing
Whether we like it or not, Artificial Intelligence is starting to change the landscape of modern life. If you’ve read a few emails or blogs
Survey Results: What Are Your Favorite Summer Foods & Beverages?
Recently, nearly 300 of our technicians took a survey to share some of their favorite things about summer. At FlexTrades, one of our core values
Survey Results: What Are Your Favorite Summer Activities?
Core Value: Enjoy the Journey – Favorite Summer Activities At FlexTrades, we hold our Core Values dear. We strive to embody these values in our
Winter Celebrations & Winter Holidays Around The World
There are a lot of winter celebrations and holiday cheer this time of the year. As a result, I thought it might be fun to
Tis the season for snow! With that, we thought we’d make our monthly installment of the How It’s Made article about snow. There are two
Recently, the FlexTrades Marketing Team revamped and polished our brand personality, including the traits and archetypes that best align with our target audience. Any business
Learning from Lasso: Leadership Lessons from Ted Lasso
If you ask someone whether they’ve watched Ted Lasso or if they liked it, you’ll likely get different answers. But one thing that’s for sure
Ideas to Help You Celebrate Juneteenth 2023
Juneteenth (formally known as African American Freedom Day or Emancipation Day) is in representation of June 19th, 1865. This date marks the time when the
What is Juneteenth & Why Do We Celebrate the Day?
FlexTrades is all about manufacturing, and this industry is all about making things. However, we try to remember the people doing the making, and all
We Are Free: A Memorial Day Tribute Poem
We’re free . What an interesting concept. We choose where we step foot, Our identities draped in linens ,Our hobbies prancing through the air. We sit at our desks Falling into the
What is Upskilling & Why Does it Matter?
The core of FlexTrades’ business is addressing the skills gap in manufacturing. This is a big undertaking when one considers that the latest analysis shows
Valentine’s Day: Long Distance Date Ideas
We all know long-distance relationships aren’t easy, and adding in the holidays makes them seem impossible. I’m going to share a few personal date-night ideas
A New Era in U.S. Manufacturing Needs a New Approach to Skilled Labor
Something big is happening in U.S. manufacturing. ArcelorMittal, the second-largest steel producer in the world, just announced a $0.9 billion investment in a new steel
What Are Tariffs? Understanding Their Impact on Trade and Manufacturing
Tariffs have long been a cornerstone of economic policy and international trade. These taxes on imported goods have been part of the U.S. trade landscape
The Impact of Black Friday on U.S. Manufacturers: Benefits and Challenges
Black Friday is the day when the holiday shopping frenzy reaches its peak, bringing excitement to consumers and chaos for retailers and manufacturing. While consumers
How Top Food Manufacturers Bring Thanksgiving Favorites to Your Table
Thanksgiving is a time when families gather to share gratitude and, of course, indulge in a feast that has become a cornerstone of American tradition.
5 Essential Tips for Machinists from Ian Sandusky at IMTS 2024
At IMTS 2024 in Chicago, we had the pleasure of interviewing Ian Sandusky, a prominent content creator for Practical Machinist. He shared valuable insights on
Great Ways to Celebrate MFG Day
Twelve years ago, in 2012, the Fabricators and Manufacturers’ Association (FMA) founded Manufacturing Day (MFG Day). MFG Day is a national movement to show the
What is Manufacturing Day & Why Should We Celebrate?
Each year, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), which takes place on the first Friday of October. Often, this celebration extends
Understanding Discrete and Process Manufacturing: Key Differences and Career Opportunities
As a Technical Manager at FlexTrades, I don’t work on the production or manufacturing floor, but I do work very closely with those who do.
The Unsung Heroes Who Keep America Running
Grab your coffee, put on your hard hat (or maybe just your reading glasses), and let’s dive into a day that’s all about celebrating the
How Green Energy is Transforming American Manufacturing
Green energy, clean energy, renewable energy! Although they seem like the newest trend, these ideas have been around for quite some time. In fact, the
The 10 Worst American Inventions of the Last 10 Years
As a content creator for FlexTrades, it’s my pleasure to present a blend of humor, snark, and frustration with the top 10 worst American inventions
Leveraging Astrology for Business Success: Insights from FlexTrades
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, leaders are constantly seeking innovative methods to gain a competitive edge. While traditional strategies like market analysis and financial
The Impact of Carbon Footprint Reduction on U.S. Manufacturing Sustainability
Reducing the carbon footprint within U.S. manufacturing companies means more than just decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions they produce. It’s a comprehensive approach
The Evolution of Farming Equipment from Plows to Autonomous Tractors
Ask someone what they know about farming, and you may get outdated answers. Many people will talk of the infamous red barn, maybe some cows
This Day in History: Three Mile Island Accident
In the early hours of March 28, 1979 the largest nuclear accident the United States has ever seen is about to unfold. At 4:00am, the
The Future of Additive Manufacturing in U.S. Production
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, stands at the threshold of revolutionizing U.S. manufacturing. Over the next 20 years, additive manufacturing is predicted to transcend its
The Future of Manufacturing in the United States: A Vision from FlexTrades
As we stand at the precipice of a new era, the landscape of American manufacturing is poised for a transformative journey. At FlexTrades, we’ve closely
Prioritizing Safety in Manufacturing: A Guide to Implementing the CDC’s Hierarchy of Controls
American manufacturers almost unanimously place safety as a top priority, as it should be. In fact, FlexTrades was recognized with a ‘Risk Control Award of
Don’t Miss the Top Manufacturing Trade Shows of 2024
As we navigate through 2024, there’s still ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the wealth of knowledge, technological advancements and unparalleled value that this year’s
The Critical Role of IT in Driving Industry 4.0’s Manufacturing Revolution
If I say, “Close your eyes and imagine an IT person at work,” what do you think of? My mind used to immediately go to
How FlexTrades Can Upskill Your Manufacturing Technicians
In the fast-paced manufacturing world, lifelong learning is key to staying competitive. By promoting ongoing education, employers ensure their teams are equipped to optimize processes
A New Era in U.S. Manufacturing Needs a New Approach to Skilled Labor
Something big is happening in U.S. manufacturing. ArcelorMittal, the second-largest steel producer in the world, just announced a $0.9 billion investment in a new steel
Transform Year-End Manufacturing Stress into Success with FlexTrades
As the year winds down, many American manufacturing companies find themselves grappling with mounting pressure to meet year-end production targets. Tight deadlines, labor shortages, and
FlexTrades is Your Trade Secret for Fast Results
The Challenge of Rapid Workforce Deployment In today’s fast-paced manufacturing industry, the ability to quickly deploy skilled tradespeople can be the difference between success and
Top 5 Challenges in U.S. Manufacturing Recruitment and How FlexTrades Solves Them
The U.S. manufacturing industry is the backbone of the nation’s economy, producing everything from advanced aerospace components to everyday consumer goods. But as the sector
How to Meet Stretch Goals Without Stretching Your Workforce
The end of the year is a pivotal time for American manufacturing companies. Production ramps up, holidays impact schedules, and stretch goals loom large. Balancing
Three Reasons to Go Beyond Traditional Recruitment to Reach End-of-Year Goals
The end of the year signifies a large jump in demand for manufacturing companies across the world. Unfortunately, some have critical year-end goals that seem
Powering Manufacturing with Skilled, Ready-to-Work Tradespeople
The world of manufacturing doesn’t wait, and neither does FlexTrades. Imagine you’re a production manager in the thick of a high-demand cycle, where every part
Mission Critical: Overcoming Year-End Challenges
As the year was winding down, one of our aerospace manufacturing clients faced a daunting challenge. With a critical year-end delivery deadline looming, they were
How Can FlexTrades Assist with Seasonal Up-Ticks?
How prepared is your business for the upcoming seasonal rush? If you’re one of the many struggling to keep up with demand during this difficult
How FlexTrades Saved Christmas: A Fun Holiday Labor Solution Story
The North Pole was in chaos. Christmas was only weeks away, and Santa’s workshop, typically buzzing with the cheerful sounds of busy elves, was unusually
Solving Manufacturing Labor Crises During Year-End Holiday Season
As the year comes to a close, the manufacturing industry faces increased demand, tight production deadlines, and the pressure to meet year-end goals. For many
FlexTrades Drives Production Efficiency in Aerospace Manufacturing
A leading aerospace parts manufacturer was facing a growing challenge: a shortage of skilled tradespeople in their local labor market. This lack of talent was
Overcoming CNC Machinist Shortages with FlexTrades’ Rapid Skilled Worker Deployment
A leading company specializing in remote-handling automation solutions was facing significant challenges at one of their facilities. High turnover rates and a tight local labor
FlexTrades is the Stress-Free Solution to Your Manufacturing Labor Challenges
Imagine this. You’re a key decision-maker at a bustling manufacturing company, and the pressure to meet production deadlines is mounting. You know that filling labor
The U.S. Job Market in Flux: How FlexTrades Can Bridge the Gap
Recent reports from the Federal Reserve paint a concerning picture of the U.S. job market. Employment levels are not just stagnating; they’re declining in key
Why FlexTrades is the Solution to Your Manufacturing Labor Challenges
Imagine this: It’s the middle of a critical production run, and suddenly, one of your key machines goes down. You’ve got orders piling up, deadlines
Enhancing Manufacturing Excellence with FlexTrades: Your Partner in Manufacturing Labor Support
In the ever-changing landscape of U.S. manufacturing, staying ahead of the curve requires not only cutting-edge technology but also a skilled workforce ready to meet
FlexTrades and the High-Speed Rail Revolution: Partners in Progress
As America gears up to embrace the future of transportation with several ambitious high-speed rail projects, there is an undeniable surge in the demand for
FlexTrades: Revolutionizing Access to On-Demand Skilled Tradespeople
In today’s fast-paced manufacturing sector, keeping up with production demands is a monumental task, especially when faced with a skilled labor shortage. That’s where FlexTrades
Why Safety First is the Key to Success in Manufacturing
As cliché as it may sound, FlexTrades really does believe in “Safety First.” When safety is top of mind and safety protocols are followed, not
How FlexTrades’ Technicians Prioritize Workplace Safety in Every Manufacturing Environment
When it comes to manufacturing, the well-being of employees and the integrity of operations go hand in hand. That’s why safety isn’t just a priority
FlexTrades Receives ‘Risk Control Award of Merit’ for Commitment to Safety
Recently, FlexTrades was recognized with a ‘Risk Control Award of Merit.’ Companies receiving this recognition account for only the top 25% of all businesses considered.
How One FlexTrades Project Engineer Transformed an Aerospace Manufacturer
Finding experienced engineers can be a major challenge for manufacturers, especially in specialized fields like aerospace. Recently, an aerospace manufacturer reached out to us facing
FlexTrades Welding Expertise Meets Production Needs
A leading agricultural and construction equipment manufacturer was struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels for their second shift. High turnover rates and a limited local
FlexTrades Ensures Smooth Transition During Facility Relocation
A plastics manufacturer and distributor of houseware and seasonal promotional products was facing a significant challenge: facility relocation. The company needed a skilled workforce to
FlexTrades Helps Manufacturer Meet Tight Deadlines
A tube and metal fabrication manufacturer was facing increasing pressure to meet rising demand while navigating a tight local labor market. To maintain strong client
How One FlexTrades Project Engineer Significantly Reduced Machine Downtime
Finding experienced engineers can be a major challenge for manufacturers, especially in specialized fields like aerospace. Recently, an aerospace manufacturer reached out to us facing
FlexTrades Case Study: Accelerating Product Launches with Skilled CMM Programming
A leading manufacturer of motion controls was facing significant delays in launching their new product lines. The inability to complete orders on time was putting
FlexTrades Drives Cost Savings for Machinery Manufacturer
The Challenge A leading machinery manufacturing company was facing a significant production bottleneck due to increased orders. The Operations Manager, concerned about a potential backlog
How FlexTrades Saved a Pharmaceutical Manufacturer from Costly Delays
The Challenge: Meeting Production Demands with Staffing Gaps In the fast-paced world of pharmaceutical manufacturing, every second counts. Downtime is simply not an option, especially
Rapid Response to Critical Maintenance Needs in Global Manufacturing
FlexTrades provides reliable and timely solutions to meet the urgent maintenance needs of our clients. One such success story involves our collaboration with a global
FlexTrades Case Study: Flexible Workforce Solutions for Supply Chain Challenges
A prominent plastic manufacturer in the food and packaging industry experienced a significant surge in demand alongside a complex warehouse management system rollout across nationwide
FlexTrades Delivers Rapid Production Ramp-Up in Renewable Energy
A leading manufacturing company in the renewable energy industry faced a pressing need to increase production capacity. To achieve this goal, they required several highly
FlexTrades Case Study: Bridging Skill Gaps for Industrial Control Manufacturer
FlexTrades has a long-standing commitment to providing tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients. One such success story involves our collaboration with
FlexTrades Engineers Impact Long-Term Growth
Enhancing Business Growth with Expert Engineering Solutions In a market increasingly driven by candidates, our client faced the dual challenge of unexpected staff attrition and
FlexTrades: Aerospace Case Study
Proficient Skillsets Lead to Monthly Output Increase An esteemed client in the aerospace sector was grappling with an extensive backlog amidst a constrained local market.
FlexTrades Machinists Resolved Aerospace Facility Backlog
One of our esteemed clients in American Aerospace manufacturing, renowned for their cutting-edge rockets and spacecrafts, faced a backlog due to a shortage of skilled
Transforming Production Challenges into Success Stories
FlexTrades is renowned for exceeding expectations, and our tradespeople embody this ethos in every project! Our commitment to addressing complex production challenges was recently showcased
Medical Device & Aerospace Client Success Stories
Our team recently concluded an extensive 18-month engagement with a client company specializing in manufacturing components for the medical and aerospace sectors. This client was
FlexTrades Tool & Die Technicians: A Success Story
FlexTrades recently assigned one of our skilled Tool/Mold Repair Technicians, Kelly, to assist a steel processing client. At the beginning of the assignment, the client
Plastic Packaging Industry Clients Fill Positions Rapidly with FlexTrades
One of our clients in the Plastic Packaging industry faced a substantial surge in demand, causing a significant backlog in their production. To address this
FlexTrades Delivers Specialized Injection Mold Technicians
FlexTrades collaborated with a manufacturer specializing in medical disposables used extensively in hospitals, encompassing a range of products such as IV kits, tubing, connectors, valves,
Eating Healthy on the Road: A Practical Guide for Traveling Technicians
March is National Nutrition Month, and while the focus is on making informed food choices, the reality for traveling technicians is that eating healthy isn’t
Three Things to Consider When Purchasing Machine Tools
When we attended IMTS 2024, we had the pleasure to meet Mike Hampton, Senior Manager of Technical Services and Solutions for Okuma America. We wanted
Chill Out: Six Ways Cold Plunges Boost the Health of Everyday Workers
Cold plunges, popularized several years ago by Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof, also known as “The Iceman,” are a way of intentionally exposing your body
National Safety Month: How FlexTrades Promotes Safety to Technicians
The National Safety Council has coined June as National Safety Month. During this time each year, the NSC brings additional spotlight to vital safety issues
The Trend That’s Making Blue Collar Careers Cool Again
In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in the career aspirations of younger generations. Much to the delight of industry advocates like “Dirty Jobs”
Traveling With FlexTrades Part 3: Lodging Explained
Hitting the road to work for FlexTrades is exciting! Whether you do it for the great pay, to work with the top names in manufacturing,
Embracing the Rise of Skilled Trades in America
In recent years, there has been a notable shift in the career preferences of young Americans, with many opting for skilled trades over traditional college
How to be The New Girl or Guy at Work
Whether you’re moving to a new role at a company you’ve been with for years or starting a new job at a new company, there’s
Welcome to FlexTrades’ cooking blog, crafted especially for our Technicians on the road! Eating well while working away from home can be challenging, especially when
A Skilled Trades Career is Your Next Best Move
Dear High School Students and Those Considering Your Next Steps, You’re at a crossroads, facing one of the most significant decisions of your life: What
Ultimate Guide to Budget-Friendly Travel: Tips & Tricks from FlexTrades
FlexTrades might be considered one of the top travel agents in the United States based upon all the flights, road trips, and hotels we book
RTO vs PTO – What’s the difference?
At FlexTrades, we offer very specialized services to our clients. Our workforce is made up of some of the most skilled tradespeople in the United
Last-Minute Places to Travel for Spring Break
Are you staring at the calendar realizing that spring break is right around the corner, and you haven’t made any plans yet? Don’t panic! While
Plant Managers: The Unsung Heroes of the Manufacturing World
In the heart of every bustling factory, amid the rhythmic dance of machines and the harmonious clatter of production, stands a figure often overshadowed by
How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day on the Road
If you found this article at 11:58pm on February 14th, you’re almost out of time! Stop reading this and call or text your significant other
How FlexTraders on Contract Can Celebrate the Super Bowl in Style
Hey there, FlexTraders! Caught in a different city during the Super Bowl because of your latest contract gig? No worries! We have got you covered with
FlexTrades’ Social Media Survival Guide During an Election Year
Once every four years, the digital realm braces itself for an unparalleled phenomenon. No, it’s not a comet shower in the virtual sky or a
Heartfelt Christmas Wishes from Distant Roads
In the quiet corners of hotel rooms and under the dim lights of distant job sites, the Christmas spirit finds a way to whisper to
Traveling With FlexTrades Part 2: Taylor Swift vs. the Everyday Traveler
Traveling, whether for leisure or work, is an integral part of modern life. Most of us are accustomed to the routine of airports, hotels and
The Top 6 Manufacturing Podcasts
Podcasts… they’re everywhere, and they’re likely not going away anytime soon. In fact, Pew Research shows a steady increase in the percentage of Americans listening
