Case Study: Wisconsin-Based Food Manufacturer Reduces Turnover and Overtime with Staff Management | SMX

Flexible Staffing Solution Broadens Recruitment Reach

Wisconsin-Based food Manufacturer Company, one of the largest sausage producers in the U.S., was struggling with severe recruiting and retention challenges as rapid growth and a rural labor market created major staffing shortages. Previous staffing agency contracts failed to deliver enough quality workers, and overtime for permanent employees climbed above 60 hours a week during peak seasons, driving first-year turnover as high as 70%. Staff Management | SMX was brought in to help redesign the workforce strategy.

Staff Management | SMX implemented an onsite staffing solution with a flexible scheduling program and a dedicated recruitment plan across three manufacturing sites. The team used targeted outreach, phone screening, behavioral interviews, orientations, and job assimilation classes, while onsite managers handled check-ins, performance management, and real-time reporting. In the first year, Staff Management | SMX hired 245 full-time team members, achieved a 96% attendance rate, cut turnover from 70% to 1.9%, and reduced overtime from 11% to 1%.