DOES WORKFORCE INVESTMENT WORK?

ASK LANZ CABINETS...
In 2002, Lanz Cabinets, in Eugene, OR was in growth mode. The company makes, distributes and installs custom cabinets. At the time, Lanz Cabinets wanted to buy new milling equipment, but faced expensive training costs on top of the outlay for the equipment. It turned to the Lane Workforce Partnership to access Employer Workforce Training Funds to help off-set some of these costs. "The program pushed us over the edge to purchase the computerized equipment we may have held off (buying)," said Brent Lanz, co-owner of Lanz Cabinets, which received $84,135 for training at its 250-employee facility in west Eugene.

Lanz used the money on programs to train 200 employees in such skills as basic
woodworking and using new computerized equipment to reduce waste and production cycle times. The company used Employer Workforce Training Funds to develop a series of in-house training videos to reduce new employee training time and ensure consistency.

The effort was part of Lanz's strategy to offer quality products and quick delivery to compete with cheaper cabinets made in countries with low-cost labor. The company offers competitive wages as well as an excellent benefits package. It is committed to its workers and its community.

Since the initial training grant, Lanz has continued to invest in worker skill training and advancing its employees. The recent economic downturn has hit the industry hard. But Lanz has continued to compete by reducing waste in manufacturing processes, and increasing the accuracy and quality of its production. The company has also opened its doors to internships for at-risk youth and provided learning tours to promote manufacturing as a viable career option.

Does Workforce Investment Work? Ask Lanz Cabinets.

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