Working Better Together
“There has been a significant change in ‘the way we do business’ daily on site. We are more open to each other, more direct in our communication, more agile and we aim higher in all that we do. I believe that the Dale Carnegie courses will enable the team to grow further together to achieve even more.”
Mark Wilkinson,
General Manager
Challenge
In 2015 the mill was running at less than 50% capacity and a project was underway to attract new own- brand customers by improving logistical and storage capabilities. To meet the expected increase in demand that this investment would bring, Premier Foods recognized that the Andover staff needed to improve their flexibility, inter-shift communications, front line management, cross-functional cooperation, proactive problem solving and personal responsibility.
Solution
Management development focused on core human relations and personal leadership via public program attendance of front line managers in small groups from department heads to team leaders, totaling 7 individuals.
Results
By 2017 the mill was operating at 58% higher capacity and was the highest performing Premier Foods site in the group across a wide range of measurements including employee engagement, customer satisfaction and safety.
The Andover team were recognized by the group with an Aiming Higher Award and employee-led initiatives have been used as a model for other sites.