Unlocking Peak Performance in Manufacturing Through Employee Training

One solution stands out in a world of rising production demands and a shorter labor supply: employee development. This was the focus of Manufacturing Dive’s Webinar: How Employee Development Unlocks Peak Performance in Manufacturing, a conversation led by Megan Billingsley and featuring our own CEO Nate Waltz and our client, Kevin Kelly, President & CEO of Lifeline Foods. 

Together, they unpacked the powerful role of training in building a productive, engaged, and future-ready workforce. 

The Talent Shortage Challenge 

Manufacturing leaders know this story well: production targets keep climbing, but the pool of skilled labor is shrinking. As Nate pointed out, the struggle to attract, retain, and upskill talent has persisted for decades—and it’s more urgent than ever in today’s low-unemployment environment. 

Workers entering the field often lack even basic skills, like using a tape measure. Many don’t realize modern manufacturing is filled with high-tech processes involving robotics, automation, and programming. Unfortunately, lingering perceptions of the industry as “dull, dirty, or dangerous” make recruiting even more difficult.  

Training Is the Smart Investment 

Too often, manufacturers treat training as a cost rather than an investment. But as both Nate and Kevin emphasized, that mindset needs to shift. 

 “Good quality trained employees absolutely equals higher profit.”  
– Kevin Kelly, Lifeline Foods 

Training isn’t just about compliance or onboarding—it’s about operational efficiency, career progression, and retention.  

Kevin shared a compelling case study: by implementing a standardized training program at Lifeline Foods, they reduced turnover from 60–70% to under 50% and significantly boosted productivity in key departments like packaging and operations. 

Creating Customized Standardization at LifeLine 

When Kevin joined LifeLine Foods in 2017, training consisted of pairing new hires with a veteran and hoping all knowledge was transferred. That led to inconsistent training, poor habits, and costly mistakes. 

Lifeline shifted to what Kevin calls “customized standardization”—tailored, department-specific training built on consistent best practices. With WorkForge as a partner, they created video-based modules, quizzes, and follow-ups that not only improved efficiency but also empowered employees to grow in their roles.  

Scaling Training with Technology 

Nate highlighted that managing training manually—via spreadsheets or memory—is not sustainable. A modern Learning Management System (LMS) is essential for tracking progress, assessing skills, and ensuring employees are on a clear career path. 

WorkForge’s platform allows companies to map competencies, assign learning plans, and use data to drive development. It also enables personalized, scalable training that meets employees where they are—whether they're brand new or ready for a promotion. 

Real Results: Productivity, Safety, and Savings at LifeLine 

The numbers speak for themselves. The results Kevin highlighted during the webinar about its partnership with WorkForge underline how much employee development did impact LifeLine’s bottom line: 

• Turnover decreased  
• Uptime improved by 10–15% in certain departments 
• Unscheduled downtime dropped below 5% 
• Packaging throughput doubled 
• Workers’ comp claims decreased, leading to insurance rebates.

These aren’t just operational wins—they’re strategic, bottom-line improvements driven by training and by creating a highly efficient workforce. 

Advice for Getting Started 

Kevin’s recommendation? Start small and focused: 

“Pick your problem child. Whether it's packaging, logistics, or another department, start there. See results, then scale.” 

And remember, training is never one-and-done. Continuous improvement is key, especially as equipment, processes, and workforce needs evolve.  

Training as a Recruitment Advantage 

Younger workers expect training, and they view it as a sign that a company values their development. By discussing learning opportunities during the hiring process, manufacturers can differentiate themselves in a competitive job market. 

Modern employees, especially those entering the workforce, expect access to knowledge and career growth. When companies invest in skilling and upskilling, they send a clear message to that employee, that “you have a future here.” 

Final Takeaway 

Training is more than a necessary task—it’s a strategic lever. Done right, it improves retention, reduces costs, boosts morale, and future-proofs your workforce. 

As Nate concluded: 

“If you do it right, you're plotting a long-term career path. That’s how you keep people engaged and committed for the long haul.” 

Watch the webinar and let us know what you think!