Manufacturers are improving operator safety through third-party services, such as continuous training from OEMs, risk assessments and new production line approaches from consultants. In addition, digital training at the machine level is increasing operator safety.
Operator safety is becoming a critical lever for performance in food and beverage manufacturing. As workforce challenges intensify, processors are investing in automation, advanced HMI design and safer equipment to improve both retention and productivity.
Since Kellanova began the partnership in 2021, it has hired 50 employees into its electrical and instrumentation technician training program, which empowers current Kellanova employees, as well as Jackson residents looking to join the manufacturing industry.
The research involved surveying food equipment manufacturing companies to identify pressing workforce challenges and document solutions for attracting, training and retaining skilled talent.
The company reports it has implemented a voluntary early retirement program for a portion of its non-plant workforce, in addition to closing open roles and reducing certain positions across its office-based workforce.
While sales were largely down under dynamic economic and geopolitical conditions, some of the world’s top food and beverage manufacturers experienced revenue growth.
The company says it continues to evolve its business strategy, offer valuable upskilling programs and provide team members with long-term wealth-building opportunities.