October 2024

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 period, you’re not alone. Many American manufacturers face increased orders, production backlogs, and understaffed shifts during their busy seasons. That’s where we can help. Our workforce solutions are designed to ensure that you’re fully prepared to handle all influxes due to seasonality. Here’s how Flex Trades can assist your production operations this holiday (or any) season.  

FlexTrades, first and foremost, provides motivated and dependable technicians whom your business can count on. These technicians are committed to moving the line within your facility, and you can depend on them to drive production day in and day out. In industries such as warehousing, distribution, or wholesale goods this is especially important as business demand typically remains consistently high. Even missing just a small portion of the workforce for one day can set operations back days or weeks.

Another vital benefit of partnering with FlexTrades is our large roster of experienced technicians. Not only do we have the numbers to help even the largest workforce needs, but our technicians also have the knowledge and expertise to fill a wide range of positions and assist with just about any manufacturing or engineering practice. During seasonal increases and spikes, industries like sugar and confectionary products have needs for common manufacturing skillsets like maintenance technicians and quality control inspectors, but they also need help addressing positions specific to their industry, such as blender and mixer operators. FlexTrades is the premier partner to help boost production across these roles, and more, during seasonal upticks for manufacturing companies.

Industry leading project management is yet another reason to trust FlexTrades to successfully support your operations. To ensure accurate and quality performance, as well as streamline client communications, all FlexTrades projects are assigned a dedicated project manager. And it is always an option to deploy our project managers on-site whenever in-person management is required or desired. This commitment to quality project management not only saves your business time and manpower in managing new technicians but also allows for more consistent operations to create a final product, and partnership, you trust. Many industries, like paper production or pharmaceutical manufacturing, can benefit from this knowing their product must be precise and uniform across each iteration.

Don’t let market seasonality get the best of your business when FlexTrades is here to help. Consider us next time you are looking for dependable and experienced technicians to help you through your busy season.

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 facilities.

Challenge:

Rapid order increases and system complexities strained the client’s workforce, causing shipment delays and risking customer satisfaction.

Solution:

FlexTrades responded with a scalable workforce, deploying over 60 skilled forklift operators and material handlers to key locations.

Results:

Seamless Integration: FlexTrades’ team adapted swiftly, mastering the new system and enhancing productivity.
Multi-Site Flexibility: Technicians rotated across sites to support ongoing operations.

Lasting Partnership:

This initial success sparked a lasting partnership, with FlexTrades now providing 200+ skilled technicians to 15 client sites, ensuring consistent productivity and timely deliveries.

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 skilled sub-arc welders. Recognizing the need for a flexible and efficient solution, the company turned to FlexTrades. FlexTrades, known for its expertise in providing skilled tradespeople, rapidly deployed a team of experienced sub-arc welders, including William, to meet the client’s urgent requirements.

Known for their exceptional skills and dedication, FlexTrades’ skilled tradespeople can quickly adapt to new environments and contribute significantly to production goals. Within a short period of time, William made a remarkable impact on the client’s operations. William was able to double the production speed at the client’s facility without compromising on quality. The client was astonished by William’s productivity, noting they had never seen such exceptional performance speed.

Key Benefits

Rapid Deployment: FlexTrades’ ability to quickly mobilize skilled tradespeople ensured that the client’s production needs were met promptly.
Exceptional Productivity: The FlexTrades team demonstrated exceptional efficiency and skill, significantly boosting production rates.
Quality Assurance: The focus on maintaining high standards of quality throughout the process ensured that the client’s products met rigorous specifications.
Scalability: FlexTrades’ flexible approach allows clients to access skilled labor on a temporary basis, providing scalability and cost-effectiveness.

Results

By partnering with FlexTrades, the renewable energy manufacturing company successfully ramped up production in record time. The case study highlights the value of partnering with a reliable productions solutions provider like FlexTrades, which can deliver exceptional results and support businesses in achieving their operational goals.

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 quiet. An unexpected illness had swept through, leaving half the elves unable to work. The conveyor belts slowed, the toy assembly lines halted, and stacks of unfinished gifts towered in every corner. Santa, for the first time in centuries, wasn’t sure they’d make it.

Mrs. Claus paced the floor, wringing her hands. “What will we do, Santa? We can’t let the children wake up to empty stockings!”

Santa furrowed his brow. He knew that traditional solutions wouldn’t cut it. The North Pole couldn’t just put out a “Help Wanted” sign and wait for elves to apply. He needed specialists… skilled tradespeople who could jump right into the action, no training required. That’s when the jolly man in red remembered something. A solution he’d heard about while reviewing his “Nice List” files. FlexTrades!

With a twinkle in his eye, Santa picked up his oversized red phone. He dialed FlexTrades directly and explained the situation: “I need workers, and fast! These toys won’t build themselves, and I’m down to the wire!”

The team at FlexTrades didn’t miss a beat. They quickly assessed Santa’s needs; precision toy-making, assembly line efficiency, and even sleigh repair (Rudolph had accidentally kicked a gear out of place during a test run). Within hours, skilled technicians were being dispatched to the North Pole to help save Christmas! Welders, machinists, electricians, and assemblers packed their toolboxes, ready to answer the North Pole’s urgent call.

The moment they arrived, the FlexTrades team got to work. There was no downtime and no ramp-up period. These tradespeople were ready to be productive from day one. As they donned their safety goggles and grabbed their tools, the workshop transformed from a scene of panic to one of bustling efficiency.

“Wow, I’ve never seen anyone assemble a teddy bear so fast!” remarked an astonished elf, as one of the FlexTrades workers expertly pieced together toys with precision and speed. The machinists fine-tuned the broken conveyor belts, the welders repaired the sleigh with a bit of extra holiday shine, and the assemblers tackled the mountain of toys as if they’d been working at the North Pole for years.

Santa, peering over his glasses, smiled as he watched the workers breathe new life into his workshop. “FlexTrades sure knows how to save Christmas,” he chuckled.

The FlexTrades team didn’t just stop at building toys. They helped optimize the entire production line, ensuring that Santa’s workshop could handle future demands without a hitch. Day after day, they worked tirelessly alongside the elves, until the very last gift was wrapped and loaded onto the sleigh. The air was filled with the sounds of sleigh bells, laughter, and the hum of perfectly running machinery.

On Christmas Eve, as Santa climbed into his newly reinforced sleigh, he gave a nod to the FlexTrades crew standing by. “You’ve saved Christmas,” he said, “and for that, I’m eternally grateful.”

With a hearty “Ho, ho, ho!” Santa took off into the night sky, his sleigh packed with gifts, the magic of Christmas restored. FlexTrades had proven that, whether it’s a holiday rush or a critical labor shortage, they’re the go-to solution for keeping things on track.

And so, thanks to FlexTrades, Christmas was a success. The children of the world woke up to find their stockings filled, and their trees surrounded by beautifully wrapped presents. The workshop was back to its merry self, and the elves, now healthy, were already prepping for next year’s festivities.

The moral of the story?

When it comes to crunch time, whether in the North Pole or a manufacturing plant, FlexTrades has the skilled workforce you need to save the day. And in this case, they saved Christmas, too!

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 U.S. manufacturers, this period can quickly reveal staffing gaps, resulting in a manufacturing labor crisis. Fortunately, FlexTrades is here to help. Our on-demand manufacturing staffing solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of manufacturers during the busiest time of the year. Whether you require skilled tradespeople for a few weeks or long-term support, FlexTrades can deliver the talent your team needs, exactly when you need it.

Why the End-of-Year Rush Affects Manufacturing Staffing

The holiday season often brings an influx of orders, and manufacturers are under pressure to keep up. Many teams are already operating at full capacity, leaving little room to handle surges in demand or unexpected labor shortages. Traditional skilled trades staffing models typically involve long hiring cycles, onboarding processes, and training, making it difficult for manufacturers to react quickly. This leads to missed deadlines, backlogs, and, in some cases, penalties or the loss of business.

FlexTrades Offers a Faster, More Efficient Solution

FlexTrades takes a different approach. Instead of relying on the traditional hiring process, we provide U.S. manufacturers with skilled tradespeople who are ready to work immediately. Our workforce is adaptable and expertly trained, which means they are able to hit the ground running from day one. This eliminates the need for lengthy onboarding, allowing your team to continue working seamlessly, even during critical periods. When you need skilled trade workers fast, FlexTrades delivers.

Deploying Talent Quickly During the Holiday Peak

Whether you need just one tradesperson or a full team of skilled workers, FlexTrades has the talent you need to meet your production goals. Our workers are sourced and vetted to ensure they are fully qualified for the tasks required. With FlexTrades, U.S. manufacturers avoid the cost and delay of a drawn-out hiring process. We ensure that your team receives contract labor support quickly, allowing you to meet deadlines, maintain quality, and prevent disruptions in operations.

Our Expertise in Manufacturing Support Services

FlexTrades is more than just a staffing provider. We understand the complexities of the manufacturing labor crisis, especially during the busy holiday season. We are experts in manufacturing support services, and our flexible approach means you can quickly scale your workforce up or down, depending on your needs. Whether you’re facing a surge in demand, an urgent project, or an unexpected labor shortage, FlexTrades can provide the solution.

Tailored Staffing to Fit Your Specific Needs

At FlexTrades, we take the time to understand your unique requirements. Our team works closely with you to ensure that we provide not only the right number of workers but also the right people with the right skills. This personalized approach ensures that you receive high-quality, productive employees who are able to contribute immediately. We are committed to helping you succeed by providing skilled labor exactly when you need it.

Preparing for the Year Ahead with FlexTrades

As you wrap up the year and look toward the future, FlexTrades is here to ensure that your operations run smoothly, no matter the challenges you face. By partnering with us, you can focus on meeting your production goals without worrying about the unpredictability of staffing. Let FlexTrades be your solution for filling the gaps in your workforce and keeping your business on track.

Why FlexTrades?

FlexTrades is the trusted partner for U.S. manufacturers facing labor shortages, especially during critical times like the holiday season. Our skilled trades staffing solutions are designed to meet your immediate needs with qualified, on-demand talent. Don’t let a manufacturing labor crisis hold you back during the busiest time of the year. Contact FlexTrades today, and let us help you meet your production goals with confidence.

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 how machinists at any level can enhance their skills.

Check out these 5 great points Ian made highlighting strategies that can help professional machinists improve their craft and stay ahead of the curve!

1.) Engage with the Community

For novice machinists, Ian emphasized the importance of networking: “The number one thing you should do is get involved with talking to other machinists.” He suggested joining trade organizations or finding a local maker space to expose yourself to new techniques and ideas. Building connections within the community not only fosters learning but also creates a supportive network that can be invaluable, especially early in a career.

2.) Cross-Training

Ian also addressed intermediate skill-level machinists, recommending that they diversify their skill sets: “If I’m a machinist, and I’m really good at mill, well now I should be looking at a lathe or maybe something completely outside of machining, like welding.” By cross-training, machinists can become more versatile and valuable around the shop, and it may help open more career opportunities. A willingness to learn new skills is always good for personal and professional development.

3.) Stay Current on New Tools and Technology

For seasoned professionals, Ian advised staying informed about technological advancements: “If you stay up to date with advances in technology as the years go by, it’s a lot less of a challenge when you need to retrain or learn new software.” Familiarizing yourself with the latest tools and software can ease transitions and reduce the learning curve with new systems.

4.) Have an Open Mind

Ian encouraged all machinists, regardless of their skill-level, to always keep an open mind: “One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a machinist or manufacturing professional is thinking the way you do it is the only way it can be done.” By learning alternate methods, you may find an easier, safer, or quicker way to accomplish the same thing. It may even solve a problem you’ve been approaching wrong all along.

5.) Attend Trade Shows and Seek Information

How do you apply your open mind and stay current? Ian suggests, “Go and seek that information. Attend trade shows, go online and read forums, read manuals.” School may be out, but there is always something new to learn. Stay hungry for new information that can help you be a better machinist.

An Ongoing Process

Becoming a great machinist doesn’t happen overnight, it’s an ongoing process. Whether you are just starting out or you’re a master craftsman, there is always room for growth. By connecting with others, cross-training, staying updated, and leveraging available resources, machinists can significantly enhance their craft, and find even more fulfillment in their career.

Check out Ian’s interview, hear from a FlexTrades Machinist, or find more great content on our YouTube page!

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 hindering their ability to meet production demands and maintain their competitive edge. As a long-standing client, the company knew they could rely on FlexTrades to address their production challenges. FlexTrades responded swiftly by deploying Veronica, a skilled Assembly Test Operator, to fill the gap in production.

Veronica’s contributions to the company were instrumental in driving efficiency and meeting production goals. One notable achievement was her role in helping the team reach the ambitious target of completing 50 NF3 motors in a week. Her expertise and dedication were instrumental in achieving this milestone.

Impressed by Veronica’s performance, and the team’s overall drive and efficiency, the company treated them to a team dinner as a token of appreciation. This gesture highlighted the positive impact that FlexTrades’ skilled tradespeople can have on a company’s operations.

Key Benefits

Rapid Deployment: FlexTrades’ ability to quickly mobilize skilled tradespeople ensured that the client’s production needs were met promptly.
Enhanced Efficiency: Veronica’s expertise and dedication contributed to increased efficiency and productivity.
Goal Achievement: The team’s successful completion of 50 NF3 motors in a week demonstrated their ability to meet challenging targets.

Conclusion

The case study demonstrates the value of partnering with a production solutions provider like FlexTrades. By leveraging Veronica’s expertise, the aerospace parts manufacturer overcame the challenges posed by a shortage of skilled labor and achieved significant improvements in production efficiency and output.

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 public (students, parents, and all others) just what modern manufacturing is all about because as they say, “It’s not your father’s machine shop anymore”. MFG Day is always the first Friday in October so this year we are celebrating all things manufacturing on October 4, 2024.

In addition to MFG Day, many states and manufacturing associations (including the International Trade Administration) consider the first week in October National Manufacturing Week or the entire month of October Manufacturing Month. But it doesn’t stop there for FlexTrades, we celebrate manufacturing all year long and hope you will too.

Below are ways in which you can do so!

Open your manufacturing doors to the public. You can find tips and tricks to do so
1. If you’re an employee, encourage your employer to open their doors!
Partake in trade shows as a visitor or manufacturer. Here’s a list of this year’s tradeshows, with a few left that you could still attend.
Visit or participate in a tour (or two) of manufacturing facilities. Find events to attend or ways to host an event at com
Know the industrial revolutions to understand how manufacturing has changed and why it’s so great!
Talk to the kids you know and tell them what’s it like, share your knowledge of manufacturing and discuss the vast opportunities within a manufacturing career. Show them some of these great How It’s Made videos so time on their electronics is also spent learning!
Share positive messages about manufacturing on your social media accounts.
Follow and reshare positive messages from manufacturers and those in manufacturing on your social media accounts.
Shop and buy American made products.
Donate or volunteer to the Nuts and Bolts Foundation (also known as Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs ® – NBT). NBT is on a mission to bridge the skills gap in manufacturing, keep American manufacturing alive and strong, and provide students the opportunity to learn how they can do great things working in manufacturing.
Donate your time and knowledge by visiting technical or trade schools to spread awareness about manufacturing and opportunities in manufacturing. Bring brochures with you (here’s an example).
Encourage your coworkers or employees to share their own stories with each other.
Curate an Employee Appreciation Day – managers can genuinely thank their workforce, provide pizza for lunch, organize a cookout, send thank you cards, give gift cards, sponsor a team outing, or film a video of thanks. The options are endless.

And as you celebrate, keep in mind the words of Alan Mulally, an American aerospace engineer and manufacturing executive, former executive vice president of Boeing, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and former President and Chief Executive Office of the Ford Motor Company. Alan is well versed in manufacturing and once said:

“No country is every successful in the long term…without a really strong and vibrant manufacturing base”.

Happy MFG Day (or week or month)!

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 throughout the entire month, highlighting the significance of the manufacturing industry.

What is Manufacturing Day?

The inception of Manufacturing Day dates back to 2012 when the Fabricators and Manufacturers’ Association (FMA) joined hands with leaders from the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP). The brainchild behind this initiative was Ed Youdell, the President & CEO of FMA. Beginning as a modest concept, they conducted a pilot effort in the Midwest on the first Friday of October in 2012. As the years went by, the success of this day prompted them to collaborate with the National Association of Manufacturing (NAM) in 2016, who took the helm of the initiative. Thanks to NAM’s extensive network through The Manufacturing Institute, the event flourished. In just seven years, it expanded from around 240 events primarily in the Midwest to encompass more than 325,000 students, teachers, and parents participating in over 3,000 events across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

How Can You Celebrate Manufacturing Day?

For Manufacturers:

Conduct Manufacturing Tours: Organize manufacturing tours within your facility. These tours can be in-person or virtual, making them accessible to individuals of all ages.
Educational Fair or Expo: Collaborate with other manufacturers in your area to host an educational fair or expo. Create informative displays, offer hands-on activities or demonstrations, and promote the event with giveaways.
Engage with Local Schools: Reach out to local schools, whether they are elementary, middle, high school, or technical colleges. Deliver presentations on the advantages of a career in manufacturing, highlighting earning opportunities, advancement prospects, and more. Foster enthusiasm among students.
Employee Appreciation: Celebrate your dedicated workforce. Show your gratitude by providing donuts, a pizza lunch, or a cookout for your employees. Express your thanks through cards, gift cards, or small tokens that convey your appreciation.
Social Media Acknowledgment: Share your appreciation on social media. Celebrate the manufacturing industry and your workforce with a heartfelt message of gratitude for their daily contributions that drive American manufacturing forward.

For Individuals:

Attend Manufacturing Tours: Attend manufacturing tours in your local area, whether in-person or virtual. These tours provide a valuable glimpse into the world of manufacturing.
Job Exploration: Approach your employer and inquire about participating in Manufacturing Day activities. Explore different areas of your workplace and spend the day learning about roles you may not have encountered before.
Educational Videos: Watch informative “How It Works” videos related to manufacturing processes. Share your favorite videos with friends and colleagues to spread awareness.
Engage the Next Generation: If you have children in your life, engage in meaningful conversations about manufacturing while enjoying ice cream. Show them videos and emphasize that it offers a viable career path with substantial earning potential and room for growth.
Educational Games: Introduce youngsters to educational games like the Manufacturing Institute’s Smart MFG 2 App, where kids can design and manufacture a drone. Additionally, consider playing board games like “The Manufacturing Game.” You can also explore a variety of factory simulation games.

There are numerous ways to celebrate Manufacturing Day, and the ones mentioned here are just a few examples. As you celebrate the manufacturing industry, its dedicated professionals, and those working tirelessly to drive it forward, remember that you can promote and celebrate it not only on one designated day but throughout the entire year!

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 market made it difficult to recruit and retain skilled CNC Machinists. Additionally, the company needed someone who could quickly ramp up and be flexible with working day and night shifts. To address these challenges, the company turned to FlexTrades for assistance. FlexTrades, swiftly deployed Douglas, a highly skilled CNC Machinist.

Douglas quickly adapted to the company’s requirements and effectively worked through the backlog of orders. His expertise and efficiency were instrumental in improving productivity and meeting production deadlines. In addition to his technical skills, Douglas also demonstrated a strong ability to streamline production. He was able to reduce the number of necessary machining operations by 20%, saving the company both time and money.

Key Benefits

Rapid Deployment: FlexTrades’ ability to quickly mobilize skilled tradespeople ensured that the client’s production needs were met promptly.
Skill and Flexibility: Douglas’s expertise and adaptability were essential in addressing the company’s specific challenges.
Process Improvement: By streamlining production, Douglas contributed to increased efficiency and cost savings.

The case study demonstrates the value of partnering with a production solutions provider like FlexTrades. By leveraging FlexTrades’ expertise, the company was able to overcome challenges related to skill shortages and improve operational efficiency. Douglas’s contributions were instrumental in addressing the company’s specific needs and achieving positive results. ‘

If you’re interested in discovering how FlexTrades can help keep your facility running smoothly, reach out to us today.

Challenge:

Solution:

Results:

Lasting Partnership:

Key Benefits

Results

Why the End-of-Year Rush Affects Manufacturing Staffing

FlexTrades Offers a Faster, More Efficient Solution

Deploying Talent Quickly During the Holiday Peak

Our Expertise in Manufacturing Support Services

Tailored Staffing to Fit Your Specific Needs

Preparing for the Year Ahead with FlexTrades

Why FlexTrades?

1.) Engage with the Community

2.) Cross-Training

3.) Stay Current on New Tools and Technology

4.) Have an Open Mind

5.) Attend Trade Shows and Seek Information

An Ongoing Process

Key Benefits

Conclusion

What is Manufacturing Day?

How Can You Celebrate Manufacturing Day?

Key Benefits

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