As the finishing manager at Worzalla, one of the nation’s largest book manufacturers, Jamie Kemnitz oversee all post-press production, as well as functions associated with logistics, including shipping, receiving, Inventory, and fulfillment. His primary goals are to create an environment that is conducive to the overall growth and development of the workforce and to use continuous improvement to lead the finishing areas to higher levels of performance. He has held multiple positions with the company during his 25-year tenure, including quality manager. Since 2021 he has been leading the company’s implementation of the Worzalla Training System, based on the Training Within Industry (TWI) methodology, in order to standardize training and work processes and reduce turnover.
Using TWI for Training and Retention
(Process & Tools–Fundamentals) Training Within Industry was initially introduced during World War II to meet the high demand for wartime materials from a smaller and less-experienced workforce. It has continued to be used, and compliments Lean, because of its methodology that empowers the frontline. Our industry’s current situation with short staffing and inexperienced workers was the motivator for Worzalla, a major book manufacturer, to base its Worzalla Training System on TWI. The company reveals the structure of its new training system and why it has made a big difference.