Kisko Products Production Efficiency Rises 20 Percent with Alchemy

Kisko Products, the largest manufacturer of freeze pops in Canada, has improved production efficiency by 20 percent by deploying the employee training and communications platform from Alchemy Systems. More than 2 million frontline workers at 15,000 locations across the food industry use Alchemy to improve food and workplace safety.

Kisko employees produce a variety of freezable treats at a modern 115,000 square-foot facility in Woodbridge, Ontario. The company recognizes that frontline employees are the key to meeting waste and downtime goals and that engaging training for them is a key component.

“We needed to see the production efficiency grow based on company targets,” said Randy Josephs, Kisko vice president of operations. “Specifically, we were looking for waste reduction and downtime reduction. And you can’t increase profits without making your employees and operations more efficient.”

Frontline worker engagement through friendly competition

Kisko worked with Alchemy to implement a group-based training program that uses interactive remote control devices to engage employees and ensure comprehension.

The Alchemy courseware is professionally designed to address the unique challenges that frontline food workers face. The program incorporates short quizzes and competitive lightning round games to ensure engagement and friendly competition. All test responses are recorded and stored securely for 24/7 audit readiness. Kisko supplemented Alchemy courses with their own courses to focus on operational procedures at the facility.

In addition to testing and training through Alchemy resources, Kisko looked to their employees for ideas on how to reduce waste. Josephs created a forum for employees to share ideas that were vetted and added to the company’s standard procedures. The company reinforced these ideas by incorporating them into the Alchemy training programs.

Greater Efficiency, Less Waste

Kisko experienced dramatic improvements in operational efficiencies, as frontline employees were able to engage and understand the company’s safety and operational goals.

“We saw our production efficiency start to climb,” said Josephs. “We increased efficiency by 20 percent over the course of a year with the Alchemy training program. We also reduced waste by more than $500,000 a year and downtime by 1,300 minutes a month. When I look at what the payback is, the Alchemy investment is a no-brainer for us.” VIDEO

Josephs will be one of several customers who will present their stories at the 7th annual Alchemy Conference in Austin, Texas, Sept. 21 – 23. Click here for more information about the Alchemy Conference.