SpecialFocus
Case Study: Mentoring the Next Generation in Plastics
by NewAge Industries Performance Plastics Group
P

rojections for the high-performance plastics market indicate a consistent growth trajectory in 2024 and beyond, indicative of an overall favorable outlook for the market. Notably, the increase in demand will necessitate the addition of skilled positions in every area of performance polymers organizations with robust professional development and continuing education programs needed to succeed. NewAge Performance Polymers (NAPP) has integrated such programming into its organizational fabric since the group’s inception; in this article NAPP shares a look into their programs to develop and mentor talent to meet the growing need for skilled positions.

Training and Cross-Training
One of NAPP’s most valuable assets is the in-house team of skilled crafters who make the detailed fabrication of all products possible. This team of over 100 highly skilled individuals, working over the span of three shifts, receives hours of initial and ongoing training designed to develop material handlers that are specifically enabled to produce the wide selection of tubing and hose offered. A cross-training program further enhances everyone’s skill set by supplying multiple transferrable capabilities that prepare any one individual to serve in multiple roles, ensuring seamless production, reducing costs and delivery times accordingly.

To enable all employees, NAPP’s goal is to have all employees complete 20 hours of approved industry and position-specific professional development courses. Whether a degreed program via a learning module in the Udemy learning management system, or a certified continuing education class, all are encouraged to continue to seek professional excellence and build upon their existing skillset.

students geared up in blue plastic suits and hair-net face masks to visit NewAge Industries, Inc. on Manufacturing Day in 2023
Students gear up to visit NewAge Industries, Inc. on Manufacturing Day in 2023.
Manufacturing Day
Recognizing the immense value that skilled labor team members bring to our business, NAPP endeavors to actively reach out to viable future candidates by hosting an annual Manufacturing Day. By inviting candidates from the relevant trade and academic programs at local schools, student participants spend the day learning about and participating in the manufacturing roles at NAPP with the goal of attracting candidates to a future career in polymers with the company.

The event was promoted through personalized letters and calls to schools to inform their students of the opportunity. In 2024, these promotional efforts led to a group of a dozen students participating in Manufacturing Day, exposing them to the industry and the varying careers available at NAPP.

Leadership Succession Program
NAPP actively facilitates a leadership succession program, where direct reports are identified for tutelage and mentorship to prepare them to climb to the next rung in their career ladder. This program fulfills a goal within the ‘team member empowerment’ area of the company’s sustainability program. The success of this program was a part of the criteria that led to the recent award of a Gold rating from EcoVadis, placing the organization within the top 5% of companies rated in their class.

Further supporting NAPP’s efforts, are the precepts of their certification as a B Corporation that holds practices such as succession planning, transparency and accountability at the forefront of operation, again due in part by the strong mentorship mindset.

As the organization presses into the second half of 2024 and celebrates its 70th year in business, the goal that CEO Ken Baker had in 2019; to keep the company viable, employee owned and out of the hands of investors through the creation of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, continues to be realized through mentorship and product success.

References
  1. High Performance Plastics Market Size, Growth | Global Report, 2032. LinkedIn. (2024, May 9). https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/high-performance-plastics-market-size-growth-2cwlf/
For more information contact NewAge Industries, Inc. at 145 James Way, Southampton, PA 18966, USA; by phone at (215) 526-2300 or toll free at (800) 506-3924 or online at www.newageindustries.com
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