Faces of Manufacturing is a newer show to Michigan Business Network. Cindy Kangas, Executive Director, CAMC, Capital Area Manufacturing Council, Lansing, Michigan, co-hosts with Joy Wagner, HR Manager of Granger Waste Services, also Lansing.
Cindy and Joy strive to share the corporate culture, personal stories, and unique personalities of those making a living in manufacturing today, in Michigan. With that in mind, this month they connected with several team members of Granger Waste Services.
What does it take to keep a Detroit manufacturing company growing for more than 140 years? Jason Grobbel, fourth-generation president of EW Grobbel, joins Faces of Manufacturing to discuss the people, workplace culture, and workforce strategies behind one of Michigan’s longstanding food manufacturers.
Founded in Detroit’s Eastern Market in 1883, EW Grobbel produces 22 million to 25 million pounds of corned beef annually and operates a portfolio of brands that includes Grobbel’s, Sy Ginsberg’s, Freirich Foods, Topor’s Pickle Company, and Ba-Tampte.
Grobbel discusses building a strong workplace culture in a physically demanding industry, developing employees into long-term team members, retaining skilled workers, and preparing for expansion into a third Michigan facility in St. Clair Shores.
The conversation explores how manufacturers can compete for talent, invest in employee development, and preserve their culture while growing. It’s a look at the people behind Michigan manufacturing and the workforce that keeps production moving.
Faces of Manufacturing highlights the people, leadership, and workplace cultures shaping Michigan’s manufacturing sector.
Segment 2: Company Overview, 140+ Years of Detroit Manufacturing
Segment 3: Team Culture, Leading a Physical, High Turnover Workforce
Segment 4: Workforce Growth, Expanding into a Third Michigan Facility
Segment 5: Employee Retention, Keeping Skilled Trades Staffed and Engaged
