PRIER was introduced to the Missouri One Start program through a community partner, Metropolitan Community College. Since joining the program more than a decade ago, PRIER has used vital funding to train its diverse team of associates and expand its operations.
“We consider ongoing training a vital spoke in our strategic wheel,” said Brady Poskin, Vice President of Manufacturing at PRIER. “Our business has grown significantly in the past decade. Last year PRIER increased its FTE headcount by more than 30 percent. Part of our growth can be attributed to recruitment and training resources provided by Missouri One Start.”
As a proud partner with Missouri One Start, PRIER has used funds to train and upskill its associates. PRIER’s diverse workforce of associates includes Latino, African American, Caucasian, Asian and people with disabilities such as vision impairment. PRIER compensates entry-level associates more than a living wage for the area and offers many benefits not found at other companies.
“I was able to broaden my experience and knowledge beyond what I ever imagined,” said LaTausha Taborn CPIM, Production Controller at PRIER. “The APICS training has helped me further advance my career and provided me with the necessary skills to train other associates.”
PRIER encourages ongoing education and specialized skills training for all associates. From Lean manufacturing methods to APICS certification, associates have applied their knowledge to help PRIER run a more efficient and quality-driven organization. With improved productivity, PRIER has been able to invest in capital improvements, equipment upgrades and expansion of its business.
The company reimburses full tuition expenses and helps pay for educational materials for every associate. Many associates have earned undergraduate and graduate degrees which may not have been financially possible for them.
PRIER’s products are found at thousands of suppliers and retailers across the U.S. and Canada. PRIER has realized annual double-digit, organic growth for the past five years and recently expanded its presence to Canada. Since 2004, PRIER has grown its operations to four facilities.
PRIER embodies a culture of honoring God, respecting others and giving back. It donates at least 10% of annual profits to worthy charitable causes through its charitable foundation. The company has helped numerous children and adults throughout the greater Kansas City area.
