A Better Way to Reach the Frontline
Customer Company Size
Large Corporate
Region
- America
Country
- United States
Product
- MIX
Tech Stack
- Self-generated
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Employee Satisfaction
- Customer Satisfaction
Technology Category
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Connectivity Platforms
Applicable Industries
- Food & Beverage
Applicable Functions
- Business Operation
Use Cases
- Remote Collaboration
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
About The Customer
McKee Foods Corporation is a well-established, privately-held company known for its Little Debbie line of baked goods, which is America's leading snack cake brand in terms of unit and dollar sales. The company generates annual sales of approximately $1.5 billion. McKee Foods is deeply rooted in family ownership and leadership, now into its third and fourth generations. The McKee family remains actively involved in both the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the business. The company has a long-standing reputation for innovation and a commitment to conducting business with honesty and integrity. McKee Foods is dedicated to maintaining a family-oriented culture and values the importance of doing business the right way. The company employs over 6,000 individuals across various states, including Tennessee, Arkansas, Virginia, and Arizona, with a significant portion of its workforce being deskless employees.
The Challenge
McKee Foods Corporation faced a significant challenge in effectively communicating with its more than 6,000 employees, most of whom are deskless and spread across multiple states including Tennessee, Arkansas, Virginia, and Arizona. The company had been relying on a traditional intranet, bulletin boards, and kiosks to disseminate information and resources. However, this ecosystem was not efficient in ensuring that key information reached the intended employees. The lack of effective communication tools made it difficult to determine which messages were being received by specific groups or individuals. This communication gap was particularly concerning given the high employee turnover rates in the manufacturing industry, with more than half of US manufacturing employees planning to leave their jobs in 2023. McKee Foods recognized the need for a more intelligent communication strategy to engage and retain their workforce.
The Solution
To address the communication challenges, McKee Foods implemented MIX, a custom-branded intelligent communication platform developed by Firstup. This platform enables the company to deliver the right message to the right employee at the right time, significantly improving the effectiveness of their internal communications. MIX allows McKee Foods to move beyond the limitations of traditional intranet systems, bulletin boards, and kiosks, providing a more dynamic and targeted approach to employee engagement. The platform is designed to enhance employee satisfaction and retention by fostering a culture that aligns with the company's family-oriented values. Since the implementation of MIX, McKee Foods has observed a positive shift in the culture of its frontline workers, reminiscent of the company's earlier days. The platform has been instrumental in re-establishing a sense of community and belonging among employees, contributing to a more cohesive and engaged workforce.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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