// CASE STUDY
From High Turnover to High Performance:
Lifeline Foods’ Workforce Transformation
What began as an effort to improve onboarding ultimately became a company-wide workforce initiative. As a result, it increased retention, strengthened employee performance, and delivered lasting operational results.
How Lifeline Foods improved employee retention with custom training
LifeLine Foods is a farmer-owned corn milling and manufacturing company based in Saint Joseph, Missouri, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In fact, it’s one of the world’s largest corn milling facilities, spanning 780,000 square feet. More than 185 employees work there, supporting well-known clients like Frito-Lay and Georgia-Pacific.
Although LifeLine was excellent at meeting food safety standards, the company struggled with employee retention, consistent training, and bringing new hires up to speed.
The Challenges
Consistency: Training relied on manual methods, such as PowerPoint presentations and paper quizzes, and tracking and reporting were done by hand. Consequently, content delivery was inconsistent, and the workforce wasn’t fully prepared to handle the demands of their roles.
Comprehension: Oftentimes, employees didn’t fully understand how to operate machines or perform key tasks safely. As a result, this gap puts both productivity and safety at risk.
Turnover: Because training wasn’t accessible, certain positions saw high employee turnover.
Because the facility operates around the clock, LifeLine needed a training solution that was customizable, repeatable, and comprehensive. Additionally, national manufacturing turnover still averages 26 to 28 percent a year (Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey), so LifeLine’s challenge was far from unique.
“The big things for me are safety and quality. When you have well-trained employees, you have an advantage as a food manufacturer.”
Kevin Kelly
Former President & CEO, LifeLine Foods
The Solution
Custom Training Modules: WorkForge created 30+ custom modules. Specifically, each one is designed for LifeLine Foods’ operational needs, covering New Employee Orientation, Safety, and department-specific equipment and process modules.
Interactive Learning Experiences: Modules feature LifeLine employees demonstrating correct procedures alongside assessments and written components. This approach improves engagement, reinforces knowledge retention, and enables administrators to monitor completion.
Targeted Support for High-Turnover Areas: WorkForge developed specialized training for multiple departments. Packaging and other historically high-turnover areas received additional focus.
“Our employees really like the custom content because they can see the things that are around them… it makes it very easy for employees to understand.”
Adrea Sobetski
Director of HR, LifeLine Foods
“Before, we were struggling to hit 2,000 bags a shift. We now hit 4,000. Training has been a big part of that.”
Kevin Kelly
Former President & CEO, LifeLine Foods
Looking ahead
Ultimately, LifeLine’s partnership with WorkForge was a pivotal decision. By investing in a customized training program, the company improved productivity, reduced turnover, and created a safer, more consistent environment on the floor.
Ready to achieve similar results? Book a demo to learn how WorkForge can help your organization build a more skilled and engaged workforce.
