Workforce Investment Board’s Lean Manufacturing Training Programs keep jobs in California

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (August 31, 2011)–The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board is helping companies keep manufacturing jobs in California.

Six months after taking advantage of a Lean Manufacturing Program funded by the Workforce Investment Board, local employer A&R Tarpaulins has added three positions, including one inventory manager and two entry level engineers, and is still growing.

A&R is better aligned for sustainable growth since implementing process improvements recommended by California Manufacturing Technology Consulting® (CMTC). The lean process training identified where they could use staff more effectively and reduce waste in their processes. Nearly all of A&R’s workforce participated in the program and received graduate certificates.

“We are grateful for the free expert assistance we received from the Workforce Investment Board’s business support team,” said Bud Weisbart, Vice President at A&R Tarpaulins. “One year ago, we were facing the challenges every business owner faces in a down economy: trying to keep all our staff employed and maintain a profit.”

A&R manufactures fabric products for the trucking, aerospace and architectural industries. The Fontana, California based company recently received a 2010 Small Business Recognition Award from United Launch Alliance.

“The Lean Manufacturing Program made us a more competitive business by streamlining our operations, creating an inventory control system and upgrading the skills of our existing workforce,” said Weisbart. “As a result, we added jobs and are growing our business.”

The Workforce Investment Board’s partnership with CMTC, and others like it, is federally-funded and free to employers who participate.

“Our County’s Workforce Investment Board is supporting our businesses so they will continue to employ our County’s residents,” said Josie Gonzales, Chair and County of San Bernardino Fifth District Supervisor. “Creating an environment where businesses can be successful is crucial to our County’s economy.”

The Workforce Investment Board’s business resource team brings funding to businesses for employee training, whether to upgrade the skills of existing employees or hire and train new employees through subsidized and on-the-job training programs. It also offers help with recruiting qualified employees, business consulting, job fairs, market research and business workshops.

“Our Business Resource Team helps our region’s businesses bolster the bottom line,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board and Director of the Workforce Development Department. “It is exciting to see these federal dollars helping employers become more competitive and creating jobs for our residents.”

The Business Resource Team can be reached by calling 800-451-JOBS.

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County

The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors. The WIB strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations. The County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors is committed to providing county resources which generate jobs and investment.

The WIB, through the County of San Bernardino’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County of San Bernardino’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

About California Manufacturing Technology Consulting

A private, nonprofit corporation established in 1992, CMTC is an affiliate of NIST MEP, under the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, a network of more than 60 centers across the country that provide assistance to small, medium and large manufacturers. CMTC serves Fresno to San Diego/Imperial County. For more information, visit www.cmtc.com.