Our Solutions Archives

In today’s manufacturing world, flexibility is key. Production demands can fluctuate rapidly, and companies need to be able to scale their workforce up or down quickly and efficiently. That’s where temporary workforce solutions come in. But not all solutions are created equal. FlexTrades is a different breed of service, unlike traditional staffing, which provides a unique value proposition to its clients.

What is FlexTrades?

FlexTrades is a national workforce solution company that specializes in providing skilled tradespeople to manufacturers. The company has a network of over 10,000 skilled technicians across the country, with expertise in a wide range of areas, including welding, machining, maintenance, and engineering. FlexTrades works with clients in a variety of industries including machinery and heavy equipment, aerospace and aviation, food production, FMCG, electronics, and more.

What Makes FlexTrades Different?

There are several things that make FlexTrades different from its competitors. First, FlexTrades has a rigorous screening process for its technicians. All technicians are required to pass a comprehensive skills and character interview with our team of technical recruiters. This ensures that clients get workers with the qualifications and experience needed for a successful deployment.

Second, FlexTrades offers a flexible project model. Clients can extend their FlexTrades project timeline and/or add additional skillsets to their projects. FlexTrades’ deep bench of skilled tradespeople and national travel model provide the agility and flexibility clients need to meet their production demands.

Third, FlexTrades provides customized support to its clients through a dedicated Client Solutions Manager. FlexTrades has a team who works closely with clients to understand their needs and ensure that they are getting the right tradespeople for the job.

Fourth, FlexTrades coordinates and manages all technicians while deployed onsite at a client facility. This relieves clients of any administrative duties and responsibilities that come from temporarily increasing their workforce headcount.

Lastly, FlexTrades is committed to safety. The company has a comprehensive safety program and department dedicated to instilling the Safety First mindset in every technician on the team.

How FlexTrades Can Help Your Business

If you are a manufacturer looking for a flexible and reliable project-based workforce solution, FlexTrades is a great option. The company’s rigorous screening process, flexible model, client and technician support, and commitment to safety make it a different breed of temporary workforce solution.

Explore some of the benefits of using FlexTrades further:

Get the qualified and experienced tradespeople you need.
Meet your production demands quickly and efficiently.

If you are interested in learning more about FlexTrades, connect with the Client Solutions Team today.

The term “Fear Of Missing Out” or “FOMO” was coined two decades ago by author Patrick McGinnis. Most of us can relate to this feeling – we don’t want to miss out on new opportunities, exciting experiences, valuable information or meeting someone new. With smart phones and social media, it’s become easy to get constant updates from our friends and family, and we may fear not being in-the-know.

There are plenty of legitimate reasons to miss out occasionally, like getting sick, bad weather or natural disasters. But don’t get FOMO because you’re stuck in the office late at night trying to find the right candidate in a dry local market. Instead, choose FOMO 2.0: FlexTrades Over Missing Out!

Machinists

Did your company miss out on a big contract because you didn’t have enough CNC Operators to complete the order? We have exceptional CNC Machinists, even trainers like Dustin, ready to travel anywhere in the US. Don’t let training be the reason you miss out on business, choose FlexTrades Over Missing Out!

Maintenance

Did you miss Monday Night Football because you were trying to find a highly skilled Multi-Craft Maintenance Technician? Whether you need help with machinery maintenance or general facility maintenance, we can help. Contact us and choose FlexTrades Over Missing Out!

PLC Programmers

Are you struggling to find a PLC Programmer for the new production cell you need running next month? Let us fill that gap for you today. Our technicians will travel anywhere in the US and will get you set up quickly. Check out our website and choose FlexTrades Over Missing Out!

A&P Maintenance, Assembly And Inspection

Did you miss your kid’s performance at school because you had to spend the weekend trying to fill 50 A&P Mechanic positions for a government contract? Our technicians regularly exceed expectations and help companies improve productivity. Don’t pass on a juicy contract because you can’t find local labor, choose FlexTrades Over Missing Out!

Any Position, Common or Niche

Have you missed family dinners because you just can’t find the right talent? Our bench of skilled technicians is wide and deep. Whether you need a few highly skilled engineers, a dozen motivated welders, or you have a single niche position, we can help. Let us tip the scales of your work-life-balance, choose FlexTrades Over Missing Out!

Conclusion

Unfortunately, we haven’t figured out how to stop a blizzard or hurricane from causing you to miss out on something. But if you choose FlexTrades Over Missing Out, you may be able to close your work computer and enjoy the things you love.

The global manufacturing landscape is currently navigating through a sea of unprecedented supply chain challenges. From disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic to geopolitical tensions affecting global trade, manufacturers are facing a new era of uncertainty. In this blog post, we explore how FlexTrades is playing a pivotal role in helping manufacturing companies overcome these hurdles by providing skilled labor solutions that ensure continued productivity and flexibility.

Understanding the Current Supply Chain Challenges

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand the nature of the challenges confronting the manufacturing sector:

Global Disruptions: The pandemic has highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains, with lockdowns and border closures causing significant delays and shortages.
Rising Costs: Manufacturers are grappling with increased costs due to tariffs, shipping delays and a surge in demand for certain materials.
Labor Shortages: A significant challenge is the shortage of skilled labor, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic and changing workforce demographics.
Technological Advancements: Keeping pace with rapid technological changes requires a workforce that is skilled in the latest manufacturing technologies.

FlexTrades’ Skilled Labor Solutions: A Beacon in Troubled Waters

In response to these challenges, FlexTrades offers tailored skilled labor solutions:

Filling the Skills Gap: FlexTrades provides access to a pool of highly skilled workers who can step in to fill critical roles, mitigating the impact of labor shortages on production lines.
Adaptability and Flexibility: The ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances is key. FlexTrades’ workforce is trained to be agile and flexible, seamlessly integrating into existing operations to maintain productivity.
Cost-Effective Solutions: By providing skilled labor on an as-needed basis, FlexTrades helps manufacturers control labor costs, a crucial factor during economic uncertainties.
Expertise in Advanced Manufacturing Technologies: FlexTrades’ workers are not just skilled in traditional manufacturing practices but are also trained in the latest technologies, ensuring that companies stay at the forefront of industry advancements.

Case Studies: FlexTrades in Action

Real-world examples serve to illustrate the effectiveness of FlexTrades’ solutions:

Case Study 1: A manufacturer facing delays due to shipping disruptions was able to keep its production schedule on track by leveraging FlexTrades’ skilled labor to increase in-house production of components previously sourced from overseas.
Case Study 2: A company struggling with the integration of new technology into its production process benefited from FlexTrades’ tech-savvy workforce, who brought the necessary expertise to streamline the transition.

Strengthening Manufacturing Resilience with FlexTrades

The current supply chain challenges in the manufacturing sector require innovative and flexible solutions. FlexTrades stands as a critical partner for manufacturers, offering skilled labor solutions that enhance productivity and operational flexibility. In these uncertain times, partnering with FlexTrades means not just surviving the storm but thriving in it, ensuring that manufacturing companies are well-equipped to face the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Are you facing workforce challenges in your manufacturing operations? Discover how FlexTrades can help you maintain productivity and adapt to the ever-changing manufacturing landscape. Contact us today to learn more about our skilled labor solutions and take the first step towards building a more resilient manufacturing operation.

In the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing, companies are continually challenged with maintaining a skilled workforce. The recent surge in workforce shortages has left many businesses scrambling to keep up with production demands. However, there’s a beacon of hope in this challenge – FlexTrades. In this article, we explore how manufacturing companies can leverage FlexTrades to effectively overcome workforce shortages and sustain their growth and productivity.

Understanding the Workforce Shortage Challenge

The manufacturing sector is experiencing an unprecedented shortage of skilled workers. Factors such as an aging workforce, a skills gap and evolving industry needs contribute to this growing issue. The repercussions are significant, ranging from decreased production capacity to increased operational costs. Addressing this shortage requires innovative and adaptive strategies, which is where FlexTrades steps in.

The FlexTrades Solution: A Game-Changer for Manufacturers

1. Access to a Diverse Talent Pool:

FlexTrades provides manufacturing companies with access to a wide-ranging pool of skilled workers. From experienced machinists to specialized technicians, their network is a treasure trove of talent ready to be tapped into.

2. Scalability and Flexibility:

One of the critical advantages of partnering with FlexTrades is the ability to scale your workforce based on fluctuating production needs. This flexibility ensures that companies can efficiently manage workload peaks without the burden of long-term staffing commitments.

3. Specialized Skills for Modern Manufacturing:

As manufacturing technologies evolve, so does the need for specialized skills. FlexTrades stays ahead of industry trends, offering workers who are not only skilled in traditional manufacturing techniques but are also adept with new technologies and processes.

4. Reducing Hiring Time and Costs:

The traditional hiring process can be lengthy and expensive. FlexTrades streamlines this process, allowing manufacturers to quickly onboard skilled workers, thus reducing downtime and recruitment costs.

5. Focus on Core Business Activities:

By managing workforce solutions, FlexTrades allows manufacturing companies to concentrate on their core business activities, like production optimization and innovation, rather than the intricacies of HR and staffing.

Real-World Impact and Success Stories

Manufacturing companies that have partnered with FlexTrades have seen tangible benefits. From small-scale operations to large industrial plants, the ability to swiftly adapt to workforce needs has enabled these companies to maintain steady production rates, meet project deadlines and stay competitive in the market.

Embracing the Future of Manufacturing with FlexTrades

As we navigate the complexities of the modern manufacturing landscape, the importance of a reliable, skilled and adaptable workforce cannot be overstated. FlexTrades emerges as a pivotal partner for manufacturing companies, offering solutions that not only address immediate workforce shortages but also pave the way for sustained growth and success in an ever-changing industry.

Vehicle Manufacturing

Our manufacturing client requested that we supply 21 Welders and 7 Painters in response to a significant surge in demand for concrete mixers and garbage trucks. FlexTrades received a letter of commendation from them, highlighting that many of our welders not only met but exceeded the performance of their regular employees, achieving 120% of their weekly production targets.

Want to know more about our tradespeople? Click Here.

In the world of manufacturing, where precision and expertise are the bedrock of success, having the right skilled tradespeople on your team can make all the difference. But what happens when you’re facing a shortage of these essential workers and your production demands are soaring? This is where FlexTrades steps in to save the day.

The Skilled Workforce Dilemma

Manufacturing companies across the United States are grappling with a common challenge, a shortage of skilled tradespeople. The demand for expert welders, machinists, electricians and other specialized professionals continues to grow while the supply struggles to keep pace. This shortage can lead to production delays, increased labor costs and missed opportunities.

The FlexTrades Advantage

FlexTrades is your strategic partner in overcoming the skilled labor shortage. We understand the unique needs of manufacturing companies, and we specialize in connecting you with the skilled workforce you need, precisely when you need it. Here’s why FlexTrades is the solution you’ve been searching for:

Immediate Access to Talent: Say goodbye to long hiring processes and waiting for the right candidate. FlexTrades has a vast network of skilled tradespeople ready to step into your production process, keeping your projects on track.
Expertise Across Industries: Whether you’re in aerospace, automotive, construction materials or any other manufacturing sector, FlexTrades has a diverse pool of professionals, ready to deploy, with expertise spanning various industries.
Cost-Effective Solutions: With FlexTrades, you only pay for the skilled labor you use when you need it. This means reduced overhead costs and improved cost management.
Flexibility and Scalability: Our manufacturing workforce solutions are adaptable to your changing needs. Whether it’s a short-term project or long-term partnership, FlexTrades can scale to meet your demands.
Quality Assurance: We take pride in our commitment to quality. All of our tradespeople are rigorously vetted and come with the experience and skills required to excel in their roles.

Your Path to Seamless Production

At FlexTrades, we’re not just about providing skilled talent, we’re about ensuring that your production process remains seamless and efficient. By partnering with us, you’re not just filling gaps in your workforce, you’re gaining a competitive edge in the manufacturing industry.

Take Action Today

The skilled labor shortage is a challenge, but it doesn’t have to hold your company back. FlexTrades is your strategic ally in meeting your production demands and achieving your business goals. Don’t wait until the shortage impacts your bottom line even more. Contact us today and discover how FlexTrades can transform your manufacturing operations.

Your Trusted Partner

In a manufacturing landscape defined by precision, timing and expertise, FlexTrades is the partner you can rely on to navigate the skilled labor shortage successfully. With immediate access to top-tier talent, industry expertise, cost-effective solutions and unmatched flexibility, FlexTrades empowers your company to thrive in any market conditions.

Take action today, and let FlexTrades be your trusted partner on the path to seamless production and enduring success.

Our client faced a significant backlog due to a shortage of local talent, and that’s where FlexTrades came to the rescue. Within just three weeks, we deployed a team of skilled Assemblers, Welders, Fabricators, and Maintenance Technicians. The client’s management was not only satisfied but thrilled with our ability to swiftly provide them with the workforce they needed.

Our dedicated technicians went above and beyond, working diligently every weekend for months. Their tireless efforts paid off, as the backlog that had been causing concerns was completely cleared within just two months. This success story is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional solutions for our clients.

It’s no surprise that this client has now become one of our most substantial partners, consistently utilizing our talented workforce across multiple worksites nationwide.

For more inspiring success stories, don’t hesitate to explore our collection here.

Does your company have a complex staffing problem that requires a flexible solution? FlexTrades has solved manufacturing headaches for hundreds of companies big and small in all 50 states. We have a skilled workforce that is professional and ready to come to you. Consider just a few ways that your company can use our flexibility to solve your skilled labor problems.

Five ways FlexTrades Clients See “Flex” in FlexTrades:

Large Projects to Small Projects – One client in the consumer goods industry needed FlexTrades’ Technicians to run their entire production process. We were at the client’s site using their machines, but 100% of the work was done by FlexTrades employees. We’ve also had clients who purchased a new machine and just needed one expert to come in to set it up and train their staff on how to run it.

Project Duration – We solved short-term production backlogs in eight weeks when a client needed a quick influx of productivity. FlexTrades’ Technicians kept a client’s facility running for multiple years in a row. We can fill any shift you are running, whether that’s a day shift and night shift, or a first shift, second shift and third shift. Our only requirement is that it’s at least 50 hours per week because our Technicians really like to work! We’re true partners, and our timelines can flex as needed to get the job done right.

Recurring Need vs One-Time Need – We can help you with recurring seasonal work or work based on cyclical market trends and order cycle fluctuations. Or we can help with your one-time backlog to get you caught up. Our solution is flexible enough to fit your unique manufacturing requirements.

Variety of Skilled Technicians – Our technicians have been deployed to fill just about every role found in manufacturing. Our clients most commonly require skilled Machinists, Welders, Maintenance Techs and Production Techs. Many clients also need Assemblers, Diesel Techs, Electrical Techs, Engineers, Fabricators, Machine Operators, Material Handlers, Programmers and more!

Quick Spool Up Time & Less HR Work for You – Generally, it takes a few weeks for a FlexTrades Technician to get up to speed. Many of our clients are shocked by their speed and proficiency after having worked with more typical staffing options and other workforce providers. FlexTrades provides an extensive support system to its Technicians to help limit extra work for your HR, management, and administrative staff. You just need to point our Technicians to their workspace and watch them get you back on track.

Why FlexTrades?

We chose the name “FlexTrades” because we recognize the importance of being flexible. Each of our clients has a unique staffing problem that requires a custom solution. We help them take advantage of our flexibility with our skilled and professional workforce. Click here to read more about our innovative solutions. If you’re ready to tackle your workforce problems, reach out to our Business Development Department today for a FREE, no strings attached consultation!

When faced with a backlog or high demand, manufacturers across the United States utilize FlexTrades’ skilled technicians for any and all of their production operations, but it doesn’t stop there. FlexTrades also employs highly-skilled engineers who help our customers meet a wide variety of goals. In fact, project-based engineering is not a trend. It’s becoming increasingly more common in manufacturing.

Here’s Why You Should Consider FlexTrades’ Engineers:

Utilizing project-based engineers allows manufacturers to stay agile.
Many companies are running leaner than they were due to recent events, the current market and economy. Additionally, top talent (in this case – engineers) in this candidate-driven market are looking for more meaning in their work and also more flexibility.
By enlisting the help of project-based engineers, and working with FlexTrades to do so, the skills and experience of the engineer can be tailored to fit a manufacturer’s needs right now rather than hiring a full-time employee with a more generalized set of skills.
Project-based engineers allow full-time engineers to stay focused on long-term goals and objectives.
Utilizing project-based engineers is a great option when trying to align with the up-and-down lifecycle of engineering in a manufacturing facility.
Project-based engineers provide a fresh perspective by coming in with a different background than full-time engineers.

Are you a manufacturer who needs to update your work instructions, blueprints, and SOPs?

Maybe you’re experiencing a downturn in the quality of your products, and you need someone to analyze the cause, determine a solution, then implement?

Perhaps you need to reverse engineer older products so you can create updated prints?

Or maybe you’re looking to design and produce new products and needing someone to determine the feasibility of production.

Contact FlexTrades – we can help!

And, if you’re not a manufacturer but you’re an engineer who would like to travel, learn new things, and bring your expertise to manufacturers who really need it, contact a FlexTrades recruiter today to learn more.

What is the definition of a dream job in manufacturing? There is no wrong answer to this question. Most of us will have a different definition, and that will probably change over the course of our careers. My dream job allows me to excel at my craft, learn new skills, and have a seamless work-life balance to enjoy my hobbies and time with family and friends. The “Flex” in FlexTrades means that we offer flexibility to our employees by allowing them to build an exciting and rewarding career, however you define the term “dream job.”

Five Ways Technicians Can “Flex” With FlexTrades

Variety of work: At FlexTrades, you have the flexibility to pick and choose which project to accept. One Technician may choose projects to get experience with new tools or new processes. Another Technician may only choose projects using the tool they are most experienced with. Whether you want to become a jack of all trades or the very best at a specific skill, you can find the right fit with FlexTrades.

Work your preferred schedule: The flexibility to choose when you work, and when you have time off, is not easy to find. Some of our Technicians are true ‘road warriors’ who go from project-to-project to bank experience and pay as quickly as possible. Some of our Technicians take a well-deserved break between projects. Some of our Technicians even prefer third-shift projects while others prefer second shift. FlexTrades is flexible and allows you to work the schedule that suits you best.

Choose your workplace: Our clients range from small mom-and-pop shops to massive Fortune 100 companies. Do you want the community of a smaller shop? Do you want to operate cutting edge equipment in a multi-million-dollar facility? With FlexTrades, you have the flexibility to choose the type of company you want to work with.

Go where you want: Our technicians have the flexibility to choose where they travel for assignments. Some choose the next project based on how soon they can start and will travel wherever the work brings them. Others choose to stay closer to home so they can visit their family and friends on a day off. Many choose projects based on what the region has to offer for hiking, fishing, hunting, or other hobbies to pursue in their free time.

Commitment to one project at a time: Once you’ve completed a project commitment, there are no strings attached. If you want to go right to the next project, you can. If you want to take time off at home before choosing your next project, you can do that, too. If you want to bring your experience to a facility in your town, we’ve got you covered. FlexTrades is flexible so as to encourage our Technicians to always do what is best for their themselves, their family and their careers.

We chose the name “FlexTrades” because we recognize the importance of being flexible. Our Technicians take advantage of that flexibility.

If you are seeking more freedom with your job, take a look at some of our open positions. If you’re ready to apply, contact a recruiter today. We’d love for you to see for yourself what puts the “flex” in FlexTrades!

Why Corey Loves Working With FlexTrades:

Jeremy P. Loves the Ability to Travel