February 19, 2025
50 FloraCraft Team Members Receive Lean Training thanks to Going PRO Talent Fund Grant
FloraCraft team members recently completed a leadership training thanks to a grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Going PRO Talent Fund.
Over the course of two days, 50 FloraCraft team members from across the organization participated in structured workshops focused on continuous improvement and lean philosophies – a management approach that focuses on reducing waste and improving efficiency. Team members spent time learning about the philosophies as ways to effectively standardized cross-departmental jobs and processes. Additionally, team members put their knowledge to the test in an engaging manufacturing simulation where they had to work together to build model cars in an assembly line fashion, with minimal defects.
“We strongly believe in leadership development here at FloraCraft,” Vice President of Culture, Safety and People James Morkert said. “The talent within our walls is already very strong so we work to build individuals within as much as we can. The opportunity for our team to learn skills they could immediately take back to improve their day-to-day work was an invaluable experience.
“We are very grateful to LEO for giving us this incredible opportunity. We remain committed to the Ludington community and are proud to continue providing strong and reliable Michigan-based manufacturing jobs.”
Going PRO Talent Fund addresses emerging workforce needs, supports upskilling and reskilling for existing employees, helping them adapt to new technologies and industry trends. Grants through the Going PRO Talent Fund are awarded in partnership with Michigan Works! Agencies. Participating employers play an integral role in defining their key training needs, then work with their local Michigan Works! Agency and other partners to develop strategic training plans.
“When employers invest in their employees through the Going PRO Talent Fund, it increases employee retention, builds a stronger economy and helps businesses throughout our region train the talent they need to stay competitive,” said Shelly Keene, Executive Director for Michigan Works! West Central, which worked with FloraCraft to receive the grant. “Our Business Services team works diligently with employers like FloraCraft to file applications each cycle to request these competitive and critical training funds. The Going PRO Talent Fund is a great tool to help businesses develop their existing and future workforce.”
Hosted by SFM Group, a Michigan-based leadership organization that works with businesses to achieve operational excellence through lean and continuous improvement, the session was well received by all FloraCraft team members who participated.
“I would absolutely recommend it, regardless if you are a manufacturer or have an office environment,” FloraCraft Director of Global Sourcing Jessica Beerman said. “This engaging program taught us how lean philosophies can eliminate waste and improve processes and procedures. I also enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people at FloraCraft and learn more about their roles, which was awesome.”
FloraCraft was one of 697 businesses across the state chosen to receive a Going PRO grant.
The Ludington-based manufacturer aims to be the employer of choice in Mason County and beyond. FloraCraft has been very intentional in creating an environment that supports its team members through ongoing training, comprehensive benefits and safety. In 2023, FloraCraft was recognized by MIOSHA for its leadership in workplace health and safety. More recently, FloraCraft was honored as a best-in-class employer by Gallagher for its comprehensive compensation and benefits program.
More information about careers at FloraCraft can be found here.
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