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 support a smooth transition, finish outstanding orders, and close the old facility while ramping up production at the new location. To address these challenges, the company turned to FlexTrades for assistance. We rapidly deployed several experienced tradespeople, including Nathan, a highly skilled Maintenance Technician. 

Nathan played a crucial role in ensuring that the company’s equipment was running at optimal capacity during the relocation process. His expertise and problem-solving skills were instrumental in maintaining production efficiency and minimizing disruptions. One notable achievement was Nathan’s successful troubleshooting of a sponge machine issue, which resulted in significant cost savings. By identifying and repairing a broken component, Nathan was able to prevent production delays and save the company over $2000. 

Key Benefits 

  • Rapid Deployment: FlexTrades’ ability to quickly mobilize skilled tradespeople ensured that the client’s needs were met promptly. 
  • Expertise and Efficiency: Nathan’s technical skills and problem-solving abilities were essential in maintaining production efficiency and minimizing disruptions. 
  • Cost Savings: Nathan’s successful troubleshooting of the sponge machine issue resulted in significant cost savings for the company. 

The case study demonstrates the value of partnering with a production solutions provider like FlexTrades. By leveraging FlexTrades’ expertise, the company was able to navigate the challenges associated with a facility relocation and ensure a smooth transition. Nathan’s contributions were instrumental in maintaining production efficiency and minimizing disruptions, ultimately leading to significant cost savings. 

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

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 relationships, it was crucial for them to fulfill orders on time and avoid delays. To address these challenges, the company turned to FlexTrades for assistance. We rapidly deployed several experienced welders, including James. 

James played a pivotal role in helping the company overcome production bottlenecks and meet tight deadlines. One notable accomplishment was a late-night shift where James partnered with two other technicians to complete a large order by 8:00 AM the next morning. This extra effort saved the company a significant amount of money and ensured that client relationships remained strong. 

Key Benefits 

  • Rapid Deployment: FlexTrades’ ability to quickly mobilize skilled tradespeople ensured that the client’s needs were met promptly. 
  • Enhanced Productivity: The team of welders, including James, demonstrated exceptional efficiency and productivity, helping to overcome production challenges. 
  • Client Relationship Preservation: By meeting tight deadlines and avoiding delays, the company was able to maintain strong relationships with its clients. 

The case study demonstrates the value of partnering with a production solutions provider like FlexTrades. By leveraging the expertise of James and other skilled tradespeople, the tube and metal fabrication manufacturer was able to overcome production challenges, meet tight deadlines, and preserve important client relationships. 

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

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 only are the risks of worksite injuries reduced, but we also see an increase in quality, productivity, and employee morale.

Year over year, the manufacturing industry sees three common (and very preventable) causes of workplace injuries. These causes include:

  • Bodily contact with moving equipment (think hand injuries)
  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Overexertion

So, what can manufacturers and manufacturing employees do to prevent these causes of injuries?

  • Have a “Safety First” mindset
  • Practice “Line of Fire Awareness”
  • Don’t be afraid to “Stop and Ask”
  • Conduct frequent safety trainings
  • Conduct audits
  • Be open to feedback

If manufacturing employees start their days with a Safety First Mindset, everything else falls into line.

Safety First Mindsets prompt employees and manufacturers to naturally practice “Line of Fire Awareness,” in which everyone starts each assigned task by being observant of their surroundings and potential hazardous objects or actions.

And with everyone practicing Line of Fire Awareness, employees won’t be afraid to stop when they see something potentially dangerous; rather, they’ll feel encouraged to ask someone for assistance.

When a culture is created in which everyone knows safety is first and foremost and open communication is welcomed, conducting safety training and safety audits become positives. And when positives occur frequently in a workplace, morale increases, and any feedback becomes positive feedback.

With all of this in mind, it’s easy to see that, if you want a project (or a workday) to finish safely, safety is where it has to start.

If you would like to learn more about how FlexTrades prioritizes safety, click here to contact our team, and we will get back to you shortly. 

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 at FlexTrades, it’s at the core of everything we do. Our technicians, deployed across various job sites, are trained to think safety first and bring this mindset to every task they take on.

In fast-paced, high-risk environments such as manufacturing floors, safety concerns can arise at any moment. Whether it’s from machinery, hazardous materials, or operational processes, staying ahead of potential risks is crucial. FlexTrades recognizes that the health and safety of workers should never be compromised, and we’re proud to provide technicians who are fully equipped to identify, address, and mitigate safety concerns on the spot.

The FlexTrades Safety Culture: A Mindset, Not Just a Policy

At FlexTrades, safety is part of our culture. It’s ingrained in our training programs, from the moment technicians join our team to the moment they step onto a manufacturing floor. Our safety-first mentality empowers our technicians to act as proactive agents who help keep operations running smoothly and safely.

FlexTrades technicians are trained to identify hazards, from minor issues to major concerns, and take swift action to resolve them. When our professionals are deployed, they aren’t just following orders, they’re applying their extensive training to mitigate risks, improve safety standards, and ensure compliance with regulations.

Why Safety Matters on the Manufacturing Floor

Manufacturing environments are dynamic and can present unexpected challenges. High-stakes operations, complex machinery, and tight production schedules can lead to dangerous situations. But when safety protocols are followed and the right mindset is applied, those risks can be effectively minimized.

FlexTrades’ technicians play a vital role in creating a safer workplace for everyone. From proper tool handling to wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), our team members are well-prepared to make sure every safety precaution is followed to the letter. The result? Fewer accidents, more consistent production, and a thriving workforce.

A Focus on Compliance and Safety Standards

Compliance with industry safety standards and regulations is a must for any manufacturing facility. FlexTrades’ technicians don’t just know the rules, they live by them. We ensure that our team is well-versed in all applicable safety standards, including OSHA regulations, industry-specific guidelines, and workplace best practices.

Our team is trained to conduct safety audits, identify gaps in compliance, and suggest improvements to safety protocols. When you have a FlexTrades technician on your team, you have an advocate for safety compliance who works tirelessly to maintain a safe environment for your workers.

The FlexTrades Difference: Keeping Workers Safe and Productive

Safety isn’t just about reducing accidents, it’s also about keeping workers productive and focused. By alleviating safety concerns, our technicians help maintain a smooth workflow, boost morale, and ensure that operations stay on track. After all, a safe employee is a productive employee.

At FlexTrades, we believe that safety isn’t an add-on. It’s integrated into every step of our technicians’ daily responsibilities. From the training we provide to the actions our technicians take on the floor, safety is always top of mind.

Safety You Can Trust, Professionals Who Care

When you bring FlexTrades technicians onto your manufacturing floor, you’re not just getting highly skilled professionals, you’re also getting safety advocates who will prioritize your team’s well-being every step of the way. We pride ourselves on instilling a safety-first mindset that not only meets but exceeds industry standards, ensuring that your facility remains compliant, safe, and productive.

If you’re ready to enhance safety at your facility and ensure a smooth, efficient workflow, reach out to FlexTrades today. Our skilled, safety-conscious technicians are prepared to make an immediate impact.

Contact us now to find out how FlexTrades can support your manufacturing team with expert, safety-first technicians. Don’t let safety concerns slow down your production. Partner with us and make safety a priority at your facility today! 

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 precisely this difficulty; a shortage of qualified local talent. FlexTrades stepped in with a solution that not only addressed their immediate need but also led to remarkable, long-term improvements for the company.

We assigned Ryan, a highly skilled Project Engineer, to the manufacturer. Ryan quickly immersed himself in their operations, working diligently to streamline processes and update procedures to align with the latest ISO standards. His impact was immediate and significant.

Within just a few weeks, the client was so impressed with Ryan’s progress and expertise that they offered him a pivotal role… leading an international project. This was a testament to Ryan’s capabilities and the value FlexTrades brings to its clients.

In his new leadership position, Ryan continued to excel, delivering impressive results across multiple areas.

  • Dramatically Reduced Machine Downtime: Ryan tackled a critical issue, reducing machine downtime from weeks to mere hours. This improvement alone had a massive impact on productivity and efficiency.
  • Improved Project Timelines: By optimizing workflows and implementing effective project management strategies, Ryan significantly improved project timelines, ensuring projects were completed on time and within budget.
  • Spearheaded Internal Training Initiatives: Recognizing the importance of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement, Ryan spearheaded internal training initiatives, empowering the company’s workforce with new skills and expertise.

Ryan’s success story highlights the power of connecting businesses with the right people. By providing highly skilled and adaptable engineers like Ryan, FlexTrades helps manufacturers overcome production challenges, improve operations, and achieve significant business outcomes. 

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

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, we’ve made it a priority to continually nurture our team’s sense of community and collaboration, regardless of the distance between us. In this blog, we’ll share the strategies and initiatives that help us maintain a thriving culture, foster team engagement, and ensure that every employee feels connected to one another while working remotely.

One of the biggest drivers of this initiative is our Enjoy the Journey Committee. This volunteer group of employees works to create fun and informative experiences for FlexTrades employees year-round. The group meets monthly to plan events and meetings, often centered around monthly or seasonal themes. For February, events will focus on the Superbowl, Valentine’s Day, American Heart Month, National Cancer Prevention Month, and more. In March, there are already learning sessions planned around National Nutrition Month.

The best example of a larger event hosted by the Enjoy the Journey Committee was our annual virtual holiday party. To celebrate, the team sent packages to each employee containing a variety of charcuterie board ingredients and paired beverages to try. We then celebrated during a virtual meeting, where trained sommeliers guided us through the essentials of wine tasting and how to combine the various taste elements of charcuterie for the best flavor experience.

While these events are great, sometimes nothing beats genuine face-to-face connection. That’s why we’ve created at least one day a month where employees can plan to work in person at our new office in Hudson, Wisconsin! Employees are welcome to work in the office whenever they want or need to do so. However, having one planned day each month where people know others will be there to collaborate or simply add some conversation to the workday makes a big difference.

Facing the challenges of fostering connection and company culture through a remote workforce has required a lot of ingenuity from FlexTrades leadership, management, and the Enjoy the Journey Committee. But it’s all worth it to ensure that employees are given plenty of opportunities to connect beyond their computer screens. We at FlexTrades feel as though our efforts are pushing the boundaries of remote work capabilities with this initiative, and we can’t wait to continue redefining what’s possible for both production and people in a remote work environment.