R&D/Leverage Bridges the Gap Between Workforce Development and Innovation

LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo., Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- "At R&D/Leverage there has been great pride in American Manufacturing since 1976. And with that pride you will find innovation and workforce development, working hand in hand to attract new employees while providing our customers advanced services and products. We do this as a team," the company CEO Todd Riley explains. 

With this team-first orientation, it is no wonder that company executives, including senior Marketing, Manufacturing and Product Development officials, busily identify and cultivate the next generation of talent.

And these executives are quick to point out that the process is made easier by the intrinsic appeal of the company's value proposition. Far from the old-school, "tool shop" manufacturing mentality, today's R&D/Leverage brand attracts the region's best, using today's tools of choice: communications mediums such as its appealing new website, trade show presentations and advertising, along with technology, innovation and a comprehensive apprenticeship program. 

"There is a place for creative, energetic, passionate young people in U.S. manufacturing," said Robert Schiavone, Global Marketing Director, R&D/Leverage. "We believe in the future of U.S. manufacturing because we see, first-hand, that it is possible to attract great candidates, eager to make their mark by building a real, physical product."

According to Schiavone, the curb appeal of R&D/Leverage rests largely on the company's exciting orientation. "We are at the confluence of consumer research-inspired design and world-class manufacturing," he said. "We combine Structural Brand Development and Mold Manufacturing - and it is a refreshing approach that captivates young 'left-brain, right-brain' thinkers. We are the first and only company to offer these combined services to the plastics industry. No one else can truly say that right now in this industry; it's very exciting, and young high-school and college kids see it the same way."

Chris Lavery, the company's Manufacturing General Manager, agreed. "Ours is a bold, creative and disciplined methodology that serves our customers well and challenges the status quo," Lavery said. "Today's younger professionals see the appeal of a place where insights, imagination and hands-on realism meet, on a global level."                                                         

According to Lavery, the key to sustaining this approach is attracting, nurturing and retaining the young talent to grow with the company. "We are proactive about this process and have developed a proprietary, formalized machinist apprenticeship program," he said, noting that the company's program even won a UK National Training Award in 2011. "Attractive jobs are available in companies such as ours and are a rewarding alternative to the track many youths follow."

Outreach to the regional educational community is essential in communicating the availability and appeal of such programs. In fact, the company's CEO, Todd Riley, is on the advisory board for Pittsburg State University, as well as many local Economic Development Programs. In addition to local colleges, the company is aligned with programs such as FIRST Robotics, Skills USA and has sponsored summer internships for years.

It is the company's people-first culture, embrace of creativity and heritage of innovation that wins young minds to consider a career in manufacturing, according to Bruce Wardlow, Director of Product Development.

One example is the company's new, patent-pending Freedom System for injection blow molding (IBM), a "game changer" for an antiquated technology first developed 65 years ago. "We showcased the new Freedom System at our recent open house and this innovative solution opened a lot of eyes among customers - and potential employees - about the nature and approach of our company," Wardlow said. "It is another example of how we work as a team, hands-on, and with creativity, to solve longstanding industry issues. And, in a larger sense, it represents the career appeal of today's U.S. manufacturing sector at its best."  

ABOUT R&D/LEVERAGE (New website at http://www.rdleverage.com)

With offices in the Kansas City, Missouri metro area and in the United Kingdom, R&D/Leverage is a full-service plastic product solutions company. From idea, to tooling, to manufacturing, the company's packaging solutions support the branded product. Services include full mold manufacturing for PET tooling, IBM, ISBM tooling, injection molds along with research-retail audits, trend and color study, ethnographic research, feasibility studies and a full range of support functions.

Contact:         

Robert Schiavone
R&D/Leverage
816/525-0353
[email protected] 
http://www.rdleverage.com  

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SOURCE R&D/Leverage