20 MiMfg Magazine February 2017
MFG Work
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Herman Miller Earns WorldatWork 2017 Seal of Distinction
Herman Miller , Inc . was announced as a recipient of the WorldatWork Seal of Distinction for the third consecutive year . The Seal of Distinction measures the overall strength of an organization ’ s work-life portfolio and success in creating positive work environments .
“ Herman Miller has always believed that each employee has unique and valuable skills , and we ’ ve worked hard to create an environment where employees feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to the workplace ,” said Michael Ramirez , a senior vice president for Herman Miller . “ We ’ re honored to once again earn the Seal of Distinction because it recognizes our team ’ s efforts to perpetuate this value , and it also serves as a key differentiator in helping us attract and retain the best talent across the globe .”
The Zeeland-based manufacturer offers its employees a highly competitive package of benefits designed to promote health , wellness , and work-life balance , including concierge services , paid parental leave , tuition reimbursement , adoption assistance , flexible work arrangements , phased retirement program and on-site fitness classes and facilities . Herman Miller is the only furniture manufacturer among the 160 companies to be honored in 2017 .
Seal of Distinction applicants are evaluated on work-life programs , policies , and practices that meet the needs and challenges facing employees today , such as caring for dependents , health and wellness , financial support and education , paid and unpaid time off , and workforce experience and engagement .
Herman Miller employees participate in “ Run Ride Remember ,” an annual event that honors the lives of co-workers who passed away during the year and raises money to help their families with the financial hardship .
P . J . Wallbank Springs Announces Investment , New Job Opportunities
P . J . Wallbank Springs , Inc . announced an investment of $ 803,000 and 68 new jobs toward expanding its existing Port Huron facility . The expansion is expected to occur this spring while the new jobs , which would nearly double the company ’ s current workforce , are expected to be filled over a 2-3 year period .
The company designs and manufactures spring packs for automatic transmissions .
“ We ’ re excited for the growth and what we have in store for not just the organization but the community , we ’ re looking forward to the impact it ’ s going to have and really we ’ re focused on continuing to build our organization based on good people and we ’ re optimistic we can get that here locally ,” said Chris Wallbank , president of P . J . Wallbank Springs .
The manufacturer was also awarded a $ 350,000 performance-based grant by the Michigan Business Development Program . The grant will be used toward training and employee recruitment .
“[ P . J . Wallbank Springs has ] two general areas of need , one on the production floor , manufacturing and assembly work , the other is more white collar , engineering , technical and business type of positions ,” said Wallbank . “ We are very excited about what the future has in store for the members of our organization and our community . Our organization will continue to be built on the efforts of great people .”