The Longaberger Basket Company is shaking things up at the manufacturing plant, from the basket making process up to the location of their processing plant. The company says that the changes are being made both in an effort to streamline operations at the company, but also in an effort to save energy and increase productivity.
The changes in the basket will come in the stain used to finish the baskets. The company will convert to a roller system staining the basket before they are woven rather than spraying them afterwards. The move will not only use less of the stain but will also make the entire process more energy efficient.
Along with the changes in the basket making process, the company will move its basket making plant from Hartville to Frazeysburg. The current plant will be shut down. The 30 employees at the current plant are being given the option to move to Frazeysburg. If they choose not to make the move, they will be paid through the first of the year and receive career counseling.
“This is a landmark manufacturing improvement that will lead us into the next generation of basket making while at the same time solidify our commitment to our century-old craft,” said Kelly Walker, Longaberger’s vice president of operations. “These process improvements put us in a better position to make dramatic reductions in our annual energy consumption and raw materials use. Our goal is to integrate process improvement with environmental stewardship.”
The company would like to assure all of its loyal customers that while the basket making process will change slightly the quality of the baskets and the Longaberger brand itself will remain intact. Just hope they dont decide to change the look of the corporate office which is by far one of the coolest buildings around.
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