Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Contact: Tony Jewell (608) 266-9806

GOVERNOR PRESENTS SEPTEMBER WIN AWARD

MADISON—Gov. Tommy G. Thompson today announced that the Vollrath Company, headquartered in Sheboygan, is being presented the Governor’s Workforce Innovation Award (WIN), which recognizes individuals and organizations that create innovative approaches and outside-of-the-box solutions to develop and sustain Wisconsin’s workforce.

"The Vollrath Company embodies all that the Workforce Innovation Award was designed for," Gov. Thompson said. "This is a company that works extremely hard at attracting new employees and works even harder at keeping them."

Vollrath Company LLC, established in 1874, is a manufacturer of stainless steel utensils, food service equipment & mobile cafeterias with 567 employees at the Sheboygan facility. The company also has plants in Kewaunee and Oconomowoc.

Several years ago, the company established an on-site training center with a computer to accommodate the training needs of the senior employees in basic skills and advanced skills including reading, writing and math and provides computer training including classes for the microprocessor controls on new plant equipment. The computer Lab, also known as the Knowledge Work Center, is available for employee use off work hours.

The on-site computer training lab has equipment with various software packages and an instructor to provide training. Training recently was expanded to include the "Vollrath Service Degree" requiring a high school education or its equivalent for completion. The degree involves core courses in PC Literacy, Business Communications, and several other courses. Elective subjects are also available and can include courses such as Accounting for Non-Accountants, Better Business Writing, and Retirement Planning. The company partners with the local Lakeshore Technical College and the private sector for instruction.

"The Vollrath Company is taking that extra step to show employees that they are valued and appreciated, which goes a long way toward retaining a productive workforce for years to come," Gov. Thompson said.

Creative recruiting and retention is a priority for Vollrath, and they are successful at it. Vollrath’s five longest serving employees have an average 46 years’ of service for a combined total of 230 years. The company has a sign-on bonus, career planning and development, with reimbursement for degree-related courses, and reimbursement of 50% of the cost in the purchase of a home computer. The company also offers:

• A comprehensive wellness program that includes fitness programs, weight management, smoking cessation, and a walking program;
• Partial reimbursements for classes based on attendance and performance;
• And, a Job Shadowing Program for high school students, providing opportunities for minority students to observe a variety of office and manufacturing positions in business.

The WIN award is presented each month to highlight innovative approaches and solutions to overcoming barriers to work, empowering individuals to move up the job ladder, and partnering with employers, educators and local government to do what works to build a stronger workforce.

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