The employees are all in it together at Team 1 Plastics, an Albion, Mich.-based injection molder for the transportation industry.
"Our team members have been great at being flexible," said Robert Clothier, human resources manager. "Whether that's coverage on short-handed shifts or changes in production needs, everybody has worked together to make sure we're meeting our customers' needs."
After a brief slowdown during the pandemic, the whole team came back, and Team 1 has been able to maintain most of its skilled positions. The company has not experienced open position challenges as much as other businesses have, Clothier said. Part of that may be due to improvements made in its benefits package, increased wages and opportunities for flexible schedules and remote work.
Throughout the pandemic, Team 1 delivered random thank-you cards, signed by the owners, with $100 cash to employees as a token of their dedication and hard work.
To honor anniversaries with the company, employees receive a special logo Nike pullover and are recognized at a company meeting. Those reaching 20 and 30 years with the company are given plaques and items such as sporting event tickets and gift cards.
In October 2021, Team 1 employees and their families enjoyed a barbecue food truck at a park, followed by a private film and free concessions at a local theater.
"I love the challenges that the last couple of years have added to the business," Clothier said. "It's given our team the chance to work together more on a strategic level and made the success we've had more rewarding knowing so many people are playing a key part."
