LINK Trains 85% of Staff Thanks to Skilled Trades Training Funds
LINK Industries has been a cutting tool manufacturer for over 65 years in Indian River, Cheboygan County. Since 2014, LINK has committed to an ambitious program to turn its Northern Michigan facility around. The company made major investments in new equipment, building upgrades, management team and extensive training for their workforce. LINK works closely with Michigan Works!, North Central Michigan College and strategic Michigan vendors to design a training and hiring plan to make them competitive.
“LINK is very appreciative to receive the STTF grant and the opportunity it has provided to our employees,” says LINK General Manager, Jeff Veryser. “I believe a big part of our growth is because of our employee confidence and the skill efficiency gained from the various training programs.”
As a result of LINK’s 2017 STTF grant funding, the company has been able to invest over $1,000,000 in facility and machine technology upgrades to support the company’s new business growth. Eighteen of the their 21 full-time employees participated in Skilled Training programs this year. Looking to the future; LINK focused the STTF Grant Funds on needed skills for new areas, such as CAD Inventor 3D, more CNC Grinder training, and LEAN Manufacturing principles for both manufacturing and management teams. The $24,440 in training funds not only trained 17 existing workers, but also allowed for the hiring and training of one new hire as well.
“LEAN is not just for the shop floor anymore,” says LINK Customer Service Rep, Charlotte Sacker. “Customers want their orders yesterday, stream-lining the process in the office allows Manufacturing and Shipping the potential to fulfill customer orders early.”
LINK is committed to further invest in facility upgrades and new technology, and also remains committed to Northern Michigan and Cheboygan County. LINK continues to grow the business by upgrading their employee skills which will recreate demand to hire new Michigan talent. LINK has leveraged company funds, along with college and community funds to make them a leader in the region. In fact, LINK just shipped their biggest month in company history, 10% more than any prior month!