Founded in 1953 as a small manufacturer of aluminum storm windows, storm doors, awnings and screen rooms, Champion became an industry pioneer in vinyl replacement windows in 1975. It moved into its new 502,000-square-foot corporate headquarters and manufacturing campus in 2000.
OTHER: Job cuts slow nationally, speed up in Ohio
We asked Steward five questions about the company’s growth and the challenges it faces. Here’s what she had to say.
Q: What are some of the major challenges Champion and others in the manufacturing industry are facing?
A: “The low unemployment rate is making finding candidates a challenge. There are so many companies competing for the same talent. It’s also a challenge finding team members that are looking to grow with the company and create a career in manufacturing.”
Q: In what ways are you uniquely positioned to help the industry address those challenges?
A: “We do cross-training for team members to learn new skills and have a multitude of incentive and bonus programs to reward the work. We also offer weekly pay, and our team members help manufacture a quality, Made-in-America product.”
OTHER: Little job growth, but jobless rate lowest in 16 years
Q: Why is this round of job growth such a crucial component for company growth?
A: “Champion is experiencing significant growth. The new jobs are crucial to meet the consumer demand of our products. The positions are incremental to what we currently have filled.”
Q: What’s the most prevalent roadblock the company encounters when it comes to hiring and what can jobseekers do to remedy that situation?
A: “Attendance and being punctual. Jobseekers can remedy by coming to the interview on time, and being punctual when coming to work. Jobseekers should communicate when it comes to attendance in the interview and on-boarding process.”
Q: What is the company’s vision of growth for the near future and for the long-term?
A: “Champion Home Exteriors has been in business for over 60 years and continues to grow. We look forward to expanding our locations across the country. We want to enhance the comfort, beauty, and energy efficiency to millions of homes.”
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