Fischbach offers employees more flexibility with six-hour shift

Work Matters Column by KIRK CHADWICK

For many, a conventional full-time work schedule just isn’t practical. Whether it’s because of school or family obligations, some simply are not able to fit eight or more hours of work per day into their schedule.

When traditional industries only offer traditional full-time positions, employers miss out on a large population of hardworking, dedicated and skilled prospective employees. This is particularly the case when it comes to employers in the industrial sector, where 12-hour shifts are common.

As General Manager of Fischbach USA Inc, I challenged my staff to find a way to access this segment of the population that is under-represented in manufacturing jobs. In response, we have initiated an innovative work model that breaks the mold of traditional full-time factory shift work. Fischbach offers prospective team members opportunities for six-hour shifts as a way to recruit team members who cannot work traditional full-time shifts and need options for better work-life balance.

Prospective part-time team members at Fischbach USA will have the opportunity to work either 18 or 24 hours a week with a competitive wage, primary health care benefits, and most importantly, the ability to balance their career with other life commitments. We are currently looking for part-time team members in the production department to operate automated packaging equipment. This role has potential for advancement as team members gain skills and experience. Our part-time job openings do not require prior training, but experience in manufacturing is preferred.

Fischbach USA Inc. invented the caulking tube over 60 years ago, and we are the world’s largest supplier of plastic packaging and accessories for the sealants and adhesives industry. Our products can be seen on shelves in every hardware store in the U.S. Fischbach USA is headquartered in Elizabethtown and also includes production facilities in Texas and New York. We currently employ approximately 150 team members at our Elizabethtown plant.

If you’re interested in additional training or developing specific manufacturing skills, the Kentucky Career Center – Lincoln Trail can help you determine if tuition assistance or other types of training assistance may be available to you. Tuition assistance is offered by the U.S. Department of Labor via the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to individuals pursuing careers in in-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing.

Fischbach USA’s Elizabethtown plant has experienced rapid growth in recent years, including two significant expansions in the past three years. We are excited to be starting up a 70,000 square-foot production and warehouse addition early next year. We are looking for team members who wish to be part of this rapid growth and who also have a mechanical aptitude, strong attention to detail, and who enjoy seeing a product develop from start to finish. If this describes you, consider applying for a position at fischbach-fi.com or by searching “Fischbach USA” on Indeed.com or Facebook.

Kirk Chadwick is the General Manager for Fischbach USA Inc. in Elizabethtown. Visit the Kentucky Career Center - Lincoln Trail online at LTCareerCenter.org.