14510 Botts Rd.
Kansas City, Missouri, 64147
Project Type: Expansion
Industry: Specialized manufacturing
Sector: Non-nuclear components
New Jobs: 450
Investment: n/a
Year: 2018
Website: aerospace.honeywell.com
Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technology LLC, manufacturer of non-nuclear components for the United States nuclear stockpile, announced recently that it plans to add 450 more jobs at the plant. Due to the federal government’s 20-year program to modernize the nation’s nuclear stockpile initiated in 2016, the company will hire 450 additional employees in manufacturing areas such as assemblers, welders, machinists, toolmakers, inspectors and electrical technicians. EDCKC helped the company with identifying available workforce resources and incentives for the hiring effort.
Honeywell has seen explosive growth in recent years, increasing staff to 3,600 last year with financial assistance from EDCKC and the Planned Industrial Expansion Authority (PIEA). In addition, Honeywell President John Ricciardelli said that more than 50 percent of the current workforce will be eligible for retirement within the next five years, amplifying the company’s workforce needs.
As one of the top advanced manufacturing employers in the area, Honeywell recognized the need to get creative in its recruiting efforts. According to a study by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute, U.S. manufacturers will need to fill about 3.4 million jobs between 2015 and 2025, and projections indicate about 2 million of those jobs could go unfilled.
As a result, the company initiated a unique recruiting effort directly targeting local high school students to create its own pipeline of future employees. Honeywell began working one-on-one with area high school vocational program teachers and school counselors, inviting students to visit the plant where they can see first-hand the high-tech, modern equipment and employees at work. The effort enables students to envision themselves on the job, creating a connection to Honeywell. A scholarship, Honeywell Opportunity and Prosperity through Education, or HOPE, adds further incentive for students to consider the company. Through its efforts, Honeywell has been able to identify students to invest in — through mentoring, scholarships to help with training and certifications and, finally, offering a job.
The initiative has been very well received by economic and workforce development professionals, school officials and, most importantly, the students. Honeywell has successfully created an innovative approach to manufacturing its next generation of skilled workers.
Partner Assistance: Missouri Department of Economic Development, Metropolitan Community College
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