FlexTrades Marketing Team, Author at FlexTrades

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.

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 them behind schedule and hindering their ability to meet market demands. To address these challenges, the company turned to FlexTrades for assistance. We rapidly deployed Bradley, a highly skilled CMM Programmer.

Bradley’s expertise and efficiency were instrumental in overcoming the production bottlenecks. He was able to finish programming three-part numbers in just one-third of the estimated time, significantly accelerating the production process. Bradley’s contributions were crucial in enabling the completion of the Factory Acceptance Tests (FAIRs), which were essential in launching the new product lines. By revolutionizing the CMM inspection process, Bradley helped the company overcome their challenges and successfully launch their new products.

Key Benefits

Rapid Deployment: FlexTrades’ ability to quickly mobilize skilled tradespeople ensured that the client’s needs were met promptly.

Enhanced Efficiency: Bradley’s expertise and efficiency led to significant improvements in the CMM programming process.

Product Launch Acceleration: The successful completion of FAIRs enabled the company to launch their new product lines on schedule.

Conclusion

The case study demonstrates the value of partnering with a skilled tradespeople provider like FlexTrades. By leveraging Bradley’s expertise, the motion controls manufacturer overcame production challenges, improved efficiency, and successfully launched their new product lines. This success story highlights the importance of having access to skilled talent to drive innovation and achieve business goals.

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

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 and the strain on their overworked workforce, sought a solution to address the growing demand.

The Solution

To overcome their production challenges, the company turned to FlexTrades for assistance. FlexTrades, known for its expertise in providing production solutions, responded swiftly by deploying 16 CNC Machinists across the company’s two facilities.

The Results

One of the CNC Machinists, Jon, played a pivotal role in enhancing productivity in the roughing department. By retooling and assisting in reprogramming, Jon was able to achieve remarkable results. He successfully reduced tooling costs by a staggering 50% while simultaneously cutting production time by 60%.

Furthermore, Jon’s expertise allowed him to implement more efficient processes by running multiple machines and programming when possible. This not only increased productivity but also helped alleviate the workload on the permanent workforce.

Key Innovations

Tooling Optimization: Jon’s analysis of the production process led to the identification of opportunities to optimize tooling usage, resulting in significant cost savings.

Process Reengineering: By reconfiguring the production workflow and implementing more efficient procedures, Jon was able to streamline operations and reduce bottlenecks.

Skill Sharing: Jon’s willingness to share his expertise with other team members contributed to a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

Impact on the Business

The successful implementation of Jon’s innovations had a profound impact on the machinery manufacturing company. The company was able to:

Meet Increased Demand: The improved efficiency and productivity enabled the company to meet the growing demand for their products without compromising on quality.

Reduce Costs: The significant reduction in tooling costs and production time translated into substantial cost savings for the company.

Improve Employee Morale: By alleviating the workload on the permanent workforce, the company was able to improve employee morale and job satisfaction.

Strengthen Competitive Position: The increased efficiency and cost savings allowed the company to strengthen its competitive position in the market.

Conclusion

The case study demonstrates the value of partnering with a production solutions provider like FlexTrades. By leveraging FlexTrades’ expertise, the machinery manufacturing company was able to overcome production challenges, improve efficiency, and achieve significant cost savings. Jon’s innovations serve as a model for how skilled tradespeople can contribute to the success of a business by driving efficiency, reducing costs, and improving overall performance.

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 can revel in deep discounts and doorbuster deals, U.S. manufacturers are left with a flurry of benefits and pitfalls. For many, it’s an opportunity to ramp up production and capitalize on the endless desires of US consumers. But for others, it becomes a struggle to meet demand. Here are two of the biggest benefits and struggles for American manufacturers that come from this day of massive demand.

Benefit: Increased Demand and Production Opportunities

Black Friday creates a massive surge in consumer demand, and that directly translates to increases in orders for U.S. manufacturing. Industries producing consumer goods, electronics, apparel, among others tend to be in high demand during holiday shopping.

This spike in demand is important because it allows manufacturers to scale production, increase revenue, and hire temporary workers to meet the demand. These benefits can carry over into the new year to create a great start to the year.

Benefit: Marketing and Visibility Boost for American-Made Goods

In the year 2024, consumers are much more sensitive to where their products are made than ever before. Black Friday serves as an excellent exhibit of quality and value of American-made products amidst discounts. Increased demand for made in the USA is never a bad thing for American makers.

Struggle: Supply Chain Strains and Logistical Challenges

Increased demand in terms of Black Friday can be a double-edged sword. While an increase in business is quite beneficial, it only benefits those suited to meeting the challenge. Those who cannot find themselves in a situation where the rush to fulfill orders creates quality control issues, bottlenecks, and logistical nightmares. In many cases, this leads to delays, back orders, or inflated prices due to manufacturing struggles.

Struggle: Pressure to Compete with Overseas Manufacturers

The pressure to minimize what you spend on products for Black Friday may force some US manufacturers to rely on materials and components from overseas. The overall price of these materials is much cheaper due to lower labor and production costs for these foreign manufacturers. The rapid increase in demand from Black Friday sales can lead to a reliance on such imports to complete orders on time. However, these cheap prices typically mean sacrifices when it comes to product quality.

Need help keeping up with your own customer demand? Reach out to learn how we can help boost production for your manufacturing business. Want to learn more about how online shopping affects manufacturing? Check out our blog about how Prime Day affects supply chains. And remember when you’re doing your own shopping this holiday season, if the deal seems too good to be true check into reviews regarding quality and delivery times before you buy!

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 out of reach come mid-November and they are unaware of how to avoid the looming penalties. These same companies should know that there are alternatives to traditional recruitment, like FlexTrades, that can be the missing piece to catching up and staying on track for their business objectives.

On-Site Project Success Managers

FlexTrades offers a unique solution to ensure staff productivity and success beyond initial deployment. Our full-time Project Success Managers are on-site wherever our technicians are deployed. These professionals are not only deeply experienced in the technicalities of the roles they oversee, but they’re also skilled leaders who can identify and resolve issues, optimize workflows, and improve overall performance.

Rapid Deployment Model

FlexTrades responds quickly to orders and deploys technicians on-site fast. Last year, we received an urgent request for 37 skilled tradespeople to help a client meet year-end order deadlines and avoid penalties. In just a few days, we deployed CMM inspectors, deburr technicians, machinists, assemblers, and painters. Not only did they succeed in meeting the year-end goals, but the technicians stayed on-site an additional three months, giving the client an extra production boost to start the new year strong.

Quality Over Cost

Traditional staffing companies often focus on filling roles for the lowest bid, which can result in high turnover, lower productivity, and project delays. FlexTrades takes a different approach. We prioritize the quality and fit of technicians to help you reach your goals and ensure long-term success. Our technicians bring significant experience, reducing the time needed for onboarding and training. Technicians of higher quality and better fit save you money and minimize disruptions.

If you’re at risk of missing deadlines or facing penalties, FlexTrades is the partner you need. Our on-site Project Success Managers deliver exceptional oversight, our technicians are deployed rapidly, and their expertise provides lasting cost-saving benefits. Don’t wait to find the missing piece for your operations!

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 on high-demand third shifts. One of our clients, a pharmaceutical manufacturer, was facing increasing production demands but had a significant staffing gap. They needed a skilled third-shift maintenance technician who could keep their machines running smoothly, but finding qualified talent locally was proving to be a challenge.

The Solution: FlexTrades Steps In

FlexTrades quickly deployed Raymond, a highly experienced Maintenance Technician with a strong background in troubleshooting and adaptability. Raymond seamlessly integrated with the night shift team and ensured that production remained uninterrupted as the client searched for a permanent hire. One evening, upon arriving for his shift, Raymond encountered a significant issue: one of the critical machines was down. The day shift technician had advised a complete teardown, a time-consuming and costly process that would impact production significantly.

The Results: Quick Thinking, Minimal Disruption, and Major Savings

Instead of immediately following the teardown recommendation, Raymond assessed the machine himself. With his advanced troubleshooting skills, he pinpointed the issue within minutes, identifying it as a manageable problem rather than a severe malfunction. Raymond was able to repair the machine in just 20 minutes, avoiding the need for a full teardown and preventing any major disruption. His swift action saved the client considerable time, labor costs, and potential losses.

The Impact of FlexTrades’ Skilled Talent

This success story demonstrates the immense value of having a skilled, adaptable technician on-site who can troubleshoot under pressure and deliver immediate results. FlexTrades takes pride in connecting companies with the talent they need to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently. For our pharmaceutical client, Raymond’s expertise was invaluable, delivering immediate ROI and proving that the right skills at the right time make all the difference.

Need reliable talent for critical shifts? Contact FlexTrades to schedule your free 15-minute workforce consultation and discover how our skilled technicians can support your team.

Why FlexTrades?

FlexTrades specializes in providing skilled technicians who are ready to step into demanding environments and deliver immediate results. Our clients know they can rely on us for rapid response, expert troubleshooting, and adaptable talent who add value from day one.

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

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 OEM and aftermarket provider facing a critical maintenance challenge.

The Challenge:

The client experienced a sudden disruption in operations due to the unexpected departure of a full-time maintenance technician at one of their Midwest facilities. This loss of expertise threatened to significantly impact production efficiency and lead to costly downtime.

The Solution:

To address this urgent situation, FlexTrades quickly deployed Wesley, a highly skilled Maintenance Technician, to the client’s facility. Wesley’s extensive experience and proven track record in maintenance made him an ideal candidate to provide temporary support.

The Results:

Immediate Response: Wesley’s rapid deployment ensured minimal disruption to the client’s operations, preventing costly downtime.
Cost Savings: Wesley’s expertise in troubleshooting and problem-solving led to significant cost savings of $5,500. By successfully repairing and recalibrating a 40-ton punch press machine, Wesley prevented the need for a costly new computer module.
Technical Expertise: Wesley’s deep understanding of maintenance best practices and his ability to diagnose complex equipment issues demonstrated his value as a strategic asset to the client.

Get in Touch:

FlexTrades’ ability to provide skilled maintenance technicians on demand is a critical advantage for clients facing unexpected challenges. Our commitment to rapid response, technical expertise, and cost-effective solutions makes us the preferred partner for businesses seeking to optimize their maintenance operations and minimize downtime.

Ready to see how FlexTrades can support your facility’s maintenance needs? Book a free 15-minute manufacturing workforce consultation with our team today. Discover how we can provide skilled technicians, minimize downtime, and help you save on operational costs.

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 short-handed, unable to meet their customer demand.

Rapid Response Workforce

In a matter of days, FlexTrades mobilized a team of 37 highly skilled professionals, including:

CMM Inspectors: Ensuring precision and accuracy in every component.
Deburr Technicians: Removing sharp edges and burrs for a smooth finish.
Machinists: Crafting intricate metal parts to exact specifications.
Assemblers: Bringing components together to form complete assemblies.
Painters: Applying protective coatings to safeguard against corrosion and wear.

Mission Accomplished; A Partnership Forged

By deploying this skilled workforce, we enabled our client to not only meet their critical deadline but also to extend the engagement for three additional months. This extended partnership provided the extra capacity and expertise they needed to finish the year strong and set the stage for a successful new year.

Our Commitment to Your Success

This story is a testament to our commitment to providing rapid, reliable, and skilled workforce solutions. Whether you’re facing a sudden surge in demand, a project deadline, or a long-term production challenge, we’re here to help.

How We Can Help You?

Rapid Deployment: Quick mobilization of skilled professionals.
Flexible Workforce Solutions: Customized solutions to meet your unique needs.
Experience: Highly skilled and experienced tradespeople.
Dedicated Support: A dedicated team to ensure seamless operations.

Don’t let unexpected challenges derail your business. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your goals.

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.

Key Benefits

Conclusion

The Challenge

The Solution

The Results

Key Innovations

Impact on the Business

Conclusion

Benefit: Increased Demand and Production Opportunities

Benefit: Marketing and Visibility Boost for American-Made Goods

Struggle: Supply Chain Strains and Logistical Challenges

Struggle: Pressure to Compete with Overseas Manufacturers

On-Site Project Success Managers

Rapid Deployment Model

Quality Over Cost

The Challenge: Meeting Production Demands with Staffing Gaps

The Solution: FlexTrades Steps In

The Results: Quick Thinking, Minimal Disruption, and Major Savings

The Impact of FlexTrades’ Skilled Talent

Why FlexTrades?

The Challenge:

The Solution:

The Results:

Get in Touch:

Rapid Response Workforce

Mission Accomplished; A Partnership Forged

Our Commitment to Your Success

How We Can Help You?

Challenge:

Solution:

Results:

Lasting Partnership:

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