Besser Continues Growth, Stays Competitive Thanks to Continuous Training
Since 1904, Besser Company in Alpena, MI, has been recognized as the leader for quality concrete products equipment and parts for the masonry, hardscape, pipe and precast markets. Besser’s goal is for the industry to continue growing by satisfying the needs of today’s construction industry with aesthetically pleasing, durable, safe, and environmentally sound, high-quality manufactured concrete products.
As an employee-owned and operated company – the only one of its kind in the concrete products industry – the strength of Besser Company lies in their passionate, talented, and dedicated employees. Collectively, they keep Besser on the leading edge of production equipment technology for the global building materials industry. Besser representatives state they are fortunate to have found that the largest pool of talent was available right in northern Michigan, which has led to Besser moving a significant amount of work from international facilities to their Michigan facilities.
To ensure employees remain engaged and passionate about the work they are doing, training is not only encouraged, but required. Through seminars, mentoring, and hands-on travel training, employees are pushed to further their knowledge and education, for their own personal growth and the growth of Besser Company.
As a long-standing employment pillar in the rural community of Alpena, Besser heavily relies on manufacturing skills in its plant. Through partnerships with Michigan Works and Alpena Community College, Besser works to create a local skilled workforce, but the demand is often greater than the supply. Besser will continue it’s partnership with Michigan Works! for years to come, filling their skilled-workforce needs with members from the local community.
With the help of Michigan Works!, Besser Company was able to secure $10,880 in Skilled Trade Training Fund awards to be used towards hiring and training an additional 8 workers at a starting wage of $17.27/hr. Workers were trained in Surface Combustion training. Thanks to this training, Besser can continue to maintain their skilled workforce and be a leader in the concrete industry.