Global Fastener News

June 12, 2012 FIN – MEDIA SPOTLIGHT — Fastener manufacturer Termax Corp. and other U.S. companies increasingly are tapping temporary laborers to meet workforce demands, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The American Staffing Association’s employment index shows temporary and contract staffing employment rose 24% through May, according to the Sun-Times.

“Chicago area temporary staffing companies say they’ve seen big jumps in business this year despite last week’s May national unemployment report showing disappointingly weak overall job growth,” writes Francine Knowles of the Sun-Times.

Increasingly, temp positions in the Chicago area are six months in length, and many offer benefits.

At least one fastener company is filling its workforce needs this way.

Lake Zurich, IL-based Termax Corp., a manufacturing and engineering company specializing in metal and plastic fasteners, is using temp workers.

Termax owner Bill Smith hired Matt Fuller to work as a die designer. Fuller told the Sun-Times that he began taking on temp assignments in 2009 after two companies he had worked for, including one founded by his dad, went under.

Fuller is one of 15 temp workers employed by Termax to augment the work of its 273 permanent employees.

Smith said Termax has turned to temps because there is a shortage of skilled manufacturing workers. He is also hesitant to add permanent staff that he might need to cut in a couple of months.

“During the recession, he said the company, which relies on the automotive sector for business, went from 212 workers down to 67,” writes Knowles. “Sales dropped nearly 70% during the worst of the industry downturn.”

“But amid the auto industry recovery, he said the company is up about 60 employees from a year ago, and sales are running about 20% ahead of last year.”

Smith said temp positions have turned into permanent positions for some workers.

In April 2011 Termax announced plans to expand its fastener manufacturing facility at 1155 Rose Road in Lake Zurich. Plans called for the addition of 37,353 sq ft to its building.

Editor’s Note: Articles in Media Spotlight are excerpts from publications or broadcasts which show the industry what the public is reading or hearing about fasteners and fastener companies.©2011/2013 Fastener Industry News.

For information on permission to reuse or reprint this article please e-mail: FIN@GlobalFastenerNews.com.