Success Stories

MEP Member

Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Story Title

Safety Training

Client Profile

Fortune Plastics in Lebanon, Tennessee is proud to be recognized as one of the top manufacturers of flexible packaging in the United States. Fortune Plastics offers an unrivalled distribution service network and extensive product range to its customers in retail, industrial, food and service markets. They manufacture can liners, small poly bags, healthcare bags, deli grocery and carryout items, supermarket items, food service products and industrial products for sale through all channels of distribution.

Situation

Fortune Plastics takes pride in the fact that their employees are considered one of their greatest assets.  With that in mind, safety is a major initiative at their facility. Fortune Plastics asked The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services, a NIST MEP affiliate, for safety assistance. They wanted each employee to receive a safety overview with specifics about the safety issues in their particular areas.

Solution

The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services provides an annual safety training class to every Fortune Plastics employee.  The safety consultant provides walk through assessments during the year to identify potential safety hazards. These safety assessments were specific to areas in which the employees worked and specific items with potential safety factors were listed.  The company also has realized that a safe facility for their employees is a factor in the evaluation process from potential and current customers.

Results

• Capital investment of $50,000.
• $20,000 workforce investment.
• Sales increases and retained sales of $85,000.

Testimonial

I appreciate the Tennessee MEP’s work.  They have helped our company on many occasions.
Tom Allen, Safety Manager