FloraCraft, a leader in innovative crafting and floral foam products, is investing in the future of its workforce through the Going PRO Talent Fund. With a $60,000 grant dedicated to employee training, the company has equipped its team with valuable new skills to enhance efficiency, problem-solving and overall operations.

A key highlight of this initiative was the Lean Six Sigma training, completed by 38 employees, all of whom earned an industry-recognized certificate. This achievement not only strengthens their ability to apply lean principles within FloraCraft, but also enhances their long-term career prospects. Employees can now bring these valuable skills — such as problem-solving, process standardization, waste elimination, workplace organization (5S), PDCA application and DMAIC project management — into any role they take on in the future.

The implementation of lean principles taught in this course will allow FloraCraft to improve several internal processes, including onboarding. By streamlining and standardizing training, the company can onboard new employees faster and more efficiently, reducing production slowdowns. This improvement leads to an increase in on-time delivery and production, ensuring customer satisfaction and positioning FloraCraft for future growth.

Beyond Lean Six Sigma, FloraCraft’s training plan also includes a dedicated apprenticeship program. One apprentice is currently working through both the On-the-Job Training (OJT) portion and the curriculum requirements of the program, further strengthening the company’s workforce development strategy.

By investing in employee development, FloraCraft is not only empowering its team but also building a more efficient, productive, and competitive organization. The company looks forward to seeing the long-term impact of these new skills, benefiting both its employees and customers alike.

For more information about the Going PRO Talent Fund, eligible training and how to apply, contact Michigan Works! West Central’s Business Services team today. For businesses in Mason and Oceana counties, contact Kimberly Tagliareni at (231) 679-8787 or ktagliareni@mwwc.org; for Lake & Osceola counties, contact Kevin Welch at (231) 679-6035or kwelch@mwwc.org; and for Mecosta and Newaygo counties, contact Chad Marr at (231) 679-8746 or cmarr@mwwc.org.