‍Background:

Dean McKay serves as the HR Director at Skilcraft, a division of O'Neal Industries located in Cincinnati, Ohio and another location in Flagstaff, AZ. Skilcraft specializes in manufacturing parts for jet engines and rockets, employing about 110 people across two locations, with ambitious plans to grow to 140 employees in the near future.

As the sole member of the HR department, McKay's responsibilities span the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retirement. Known for his open-door policy, Dean is always ready to assist employees, managers, and even customers. "My door's always open." Dean emphasizes. 

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Problem:

Skilcraft faced significant hiring challenges in a competitive labor market. The company's growth plans and the specialized nature of their work required a steady influx of skilled workers, particularly in roles such as laser operators, press brake operators, quality personnel, and multi-skilled individuals for customer-dedicated cells.

For about seven years, Skilcraft had been relying on third-party staffing services to meet their hiring needs. However, this approach was becoming increasingly problematic:

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• Declining Candidate Quality: Despite the high costs, the quality of candidates presented by these services was continuously declining.
• Rising Costs: The fees for these recruiting services were escalating, reaching unsustainable levels. Skilcraft found itself spending exorbitant amounts each month on recruitment.
• Inefficient Communication: The process of reaching out to candidates, scheduling interviews, and maintaining contact throughout the hiring process was cumbersome and time-consuming.
• Difficulty Filling Specialized Roles: Some positions, particularly those requiring specific technical skills, remained open for extended periods. For instance, a CNC mill and lathe operator position had been vacant for seven months.
• Limited Talent Pipeline: The existing process didn't allow for building a proactive talent pipeline, leaving Skilcraft reactive to immediate hiring needs rather than strategically planning for future requirements.

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These challenges were hindering Skilcraft's ability to meet its growth targets and maintain its competitive edge in the aerospace manufacturing sector. McKay, with his deep understanding of the company's needs and his commitment to fostering a strong workforce, realized that a new approach to hiring was necessary to overcome these obstacles and support the company's expansion plans.

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Solution:

McKay decided to investigate FactoryFix as a potential solution to Skilcraft's hiring challenges. The platform offered several key features that addressed their specific needs:

1. AI-powered scoring and engagement features

2. Comprehensive network with over 2 million manufacturing candidates

3. Built-in messaging 

4. User-friendly interface

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Results:

• Improved Efficiency and Quality: FactoryFix's AI-powered scoring algorithm and engagement features significantly cut down screening time while boosting applicant quality. The system intelligently ranks candidates, allowing McKay to focus on the most promising applicants. McKay notes, "I'm seeing people that are coming through there that are really high quality." This improvement has made Skilcraft's hiring process notably more effective.
• Faster Time-to-Hire: With FactoryFix, Skilcraft has substantially reduced its hiring timeline. Entry-level roles now take about 7 days from first interview to start date, a process that previously took weeks. Even for more skilled positions like CNC operators, the hiring cycle has been compressed to typically 2-3 weeks. This speed allows Skilcraft to secure top talent before competitors and fill roles quickly.
• Substantial Cost Savings: By leveraging FactoryFix's comprehensive platform, Skilcraft effectively replaced the work of four professional recruiters they previously employed through a staffing agency. This shift has led to significant reductions in their hiring budget, allowing for reallocation of resources to other critical areas of the business.
• Improved Communication: The platform's integrated messaging feature has transformed how Skilcraft interacts with potential candidates. It enables quick, real-time communication, often yielding responses within seconds. This rapid turnaround keeps candidates engaged throughout the hiring process and allows for faster decision-making on both sides.
• Moving Talent across Open Roles: FactoryFix has empowered McKay to think creatively. He can now identify candidates who may be a great fit for roles they hadn't initially applied for, broadening the potential talent pool for each position. This flexibility has enhanced Skilcraft's overall hiring strategy, allowing them to uncover hidden talent and make better matches between candidates and roles.
• Filling Challenging Roles: The platform's effectiveness is exemplified by Skilcraft's success in filling hard-to-place positions. A CNC mill and lathe operator position, which had remained open for 7 months using traditional recruiting methods, was filled in just 8 weeks using FactoryFix. This demonstrates the platform's ability to connect employers with niche talent in specialized fields, solving persistent hiring challenges

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Impact:

FactoryFix has become an essential tool in Skilcraft's hiring process. It has allowed McKay to build a proactive talent pipeline, identifying promising candidates even when there isn't an immediate opening. This strategic approach positions Skilcraft for long-term success in a competitive Cincinnati labor market.

The time saved through FactoryFix's efficient processes allows McKay to focus on other critical aspects of his role as an "HR department of one." From employee relations to training and development, he now has more bandwidth to ensure Skilcraft's workforce is not just adequately staffed, but also engaged and productive.

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Future Outlook:

In an industry where finding skilled labor can be a significant challenge, FactoryFix has provided Skilcraft with a competitive edge. By dramatically improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their hiring process, FactoryFix has positioned Skilcraft to meet its growth targets and continue delivering high-quality products to its customers in the aerospace industry.

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