OMA Partnership Helps Company Grow Manufacturing Team

Like many manufacturers, Owner Dave Younge faces a constant struggle to retain enough skilled workers to keep production running smoothly. This challenge is especially pronounced for certain skilled machine operators, who are essential to maintaining a reliable production schedule. For advice, Younge turned to Sharon Harrison, vice president of workforce development for the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance (OMA), part of the MEP National Network™. OMA has worked with Progressive Stamping on numerous projects and is considered a trusted advisor.

Harrison worked with Younge to develop a registered apprenticeship program specifically designed to target relevant skills and meet Progressive Stamping’s unique situation. Harrison has expertise in guiding companies through the design and implementation of customized training programs. The initiative launched with a few apprentices, drawn from of pool of young people as well as seasoned workers. Harrison was able to secure federal grants to offset a portion of the cost to develop the plan. The apprenticeship program offers participants a solid career path to grow within the manufacturing industry. For Progressive Stamping, it not only improves the skills of its employees, but also makes the company more appealing to potential recruits. The endeavor is paying off by dramatically reducing employee turnover, which increases production reliability.

In addition, OMA manufacturing specialists helped Progressive Stamping purchase new equipment and supported the company in integrating advanced technology. The team examined flow, digitizing certain processes to create a computerized model of production movement. This allowed the group to test different scenarios without having to shift actual equipment or combine tasks. The virtual simulations allowed Progressive Stamping to evaluate new technologies without having actual pieces onsite. Optimal schemes were established and then transferred to the real-world factory floor.