EPISODE 9: TRANSFORMING MANUFACTURING TRAINING WITH TECH

Many organizations struggle with retention, or they risk losing vital knowledge when their experienced team members retire. But there are actions L&D leaders like you can take now to bridge the gap. Michael Noble, VP of AllenComm Advisory, meets with Teresa Taylor, a regional operations manager at McElroy Metal, to explore ways in which leaders can foster a sense of belonging while overcoming the unique challenges of training in a manufacturing environment. Their insights focus on strengthening the future of learning by capturing knowledge, standardizing processes, and supporting the next generation of team members as they discover their personal value within an organization’s legacy.

Top Takeaways

1. McElroy Metal has transitioned to an employee-owned company, maintaining a family-oriented culture.
2. Change in manufacturing is essential for improving operations and efficiency.
3. Onboarding processes were revamped to provide consistent and professional training across all plants.
4. Technology is being integrated into training to attract younger workers and improve efficiency.
5. Capturing tribal knowledge is crucial as the workforce ages and experienced workers retire.
6. Resistance to change is common, but can be managed with proper support and communication.
7. The use of technology in training can enhance learning and accessibility for employees.
8. Collaboration with external partners can provide necessary expertise in technology and training.
9. Continuous improvement is a key focus for operations management in manufacturing.
10. Future training initiatives will focus on updating SOPs and job aids for better resource accessibility.

About Teresa Taylor

Teresa Taylor’s career is a testament to hard work, growth, and a genuine love for helping others succeed. After earning her accounting degree from Shepherd University in 1990, she started with Southern States Cooperative, where she spent 10 months in their Management Training Program. In April 1991, she joined McElroy Metal as a Senior Accounting Clerk at the Winchester, VA plant. Six months later, she was promoted to Accounting Manager (later renamed Administrative Leader), where she thrived for over a decade, eventually earning the title of Senior Administrative Leader.

In 2003, Teresa took on a new challenge as Operations Manager for the Winchester plant, a role she held until 2015. That’s when she stepped up as Operations Regional Manager, overseeing up to six plants at once—a role that stretched her leadership skills and her ability to build strong teams.

Today, Teresa’s focus is on empowering others through training. She supports 14 plants company-wide, and one of her proudest achievements has been partnering with AllenComm to create a web-based onboarding program for the Operations Team, available in both English and Spanish. For Teresa, this project wasn’t just about training; it was about making sure every team member felt supported and valued.

Outside of work, Teresa knows how to enjoy life. She’s a big Disney World fan and jumps at any chance to soak up the magic. She’s also a dedicated Washington Nationals fan, rarely missing a chance to cheer them on. At home, Teresa and her wife, Becca, share their lives with three energetic 9-year-old rescue dogs who keep them laughing and on their toes.

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