While shorter lead times, sustainability, quality, and economics are all considerations for label converters, arguably the biggest challenge centers around workforce. The newest cutting-edge flexo press translates to far less if there is no one there to operate it. This is not a new trend, either. Manufacturing companies have grappled with this reality for years, but the problem has been exacerbated. In many cases, the pivot to AI and automation is not to replace employees for cost-saving purposes. In fact, the technological shift performs tasks that there are currently no employees to conduct on their own.

This continuing challenge has served as a focal point for TLMI. During the recent TLMI Committee Summit, held December 3-4, 2025, in Dallas, TX, USA, the dedicated Workforce Committee gathered to address the staffing issues facing the industry. The problem goes beyond attracting talent, too. Label companies must work diligently to retain the talent already under their roof.

The Workforce Committee highlighted several aspects of the future labor pool, from college internships and member training grants (aimed at retention) to attracting the next generation of grade school students.

“At Crane Consumables, we want to get students’ eyes outside of just college or fast food restaurants,” explained Robert Crane, vice president, Crane Consumables. “We have 4-5 different schoolkids meet with us, take them on a tour and show them how the equipment works. Then we work with them to present themselves as an employee and even how to interview – important soft skills. These are skills students in high school may have never seen.”

Retention is just as important for the Workforce Committee, too. “Upskilling and reskilling are critical,” stated Kristen Shields, president, Graymills. “We want to help member companies get finances for training to help with retention.”

According to Nick Spina, VP of strategic accounts at PLPS, the Committee is focusing on college engagement with Clemson and Cal Poly. Part of the process is creating a career vision and step ladder for students.

Mapping growth

As part of the Workforce Committee, members are actively populating a map with member companies who currently have internship programs. This initiative promotes opportunities nationwide across the label and package printing industry.

Many of the Workforce Committee’s initiatives and resources are available on TLMI Community. The hub serves as a central resource for members.

Our industry needs help in promoting internship and employment opportunities, as well. “We want to make sure teachers and guidance counselors understand the viability of the label and package printing manufacturing industry,” noted Crane.

For example, the Phoenix Challenge Foundation (PCF) works with guidance counselors, principals and educators, where they go through 4-5 printing processes and explain the academic part.

“We also have to educate people within our own organizations on how to talk to different schools,” remarked Bettylyn Krafft, co-founder, PCF.

Other initiatives include better utilizing LinkedIn to help drive membership and awareness for the industry. Specifically, social media can tout the highlights of TLMI and its benefits.

Scholarships, member training, and internship opportunities – in addition to Community mapping – could be posted and shared amongst various social networks for engagement.

“We’re looking for other ways to get people in the door to connect with our industry,” commented Spina. “We’re talking to the board about sponsoring students to attend the LLT (Label Leaders of Tomorrow) event in the summer. LLT is more of a learning and training event, where you network with the younger generation. That is something we’re trying to launch for the next event.”

A safe future

During the sessions, the Workforce Committee also emphasized the importance of safety. In many smaller organizations, HR has to wear many hats, so the need for safety in this industry is significant. In the future, TLMI would conceivably look to operations people for the committees to develop best practices and a range of other resources for members.

“We need to focus on safety more because it’s such a big part of what we do,” said Dale Coates, president, TLMI. “We’re here to educate. We’re trying to take the best of the industry to make it easy for our members to find resources. Adding safety is another aspect that adds value and makes it easier for businesses.”

TLMI has discussed making Safety its own committee or establishing it as a subcommittee under Workforce with the aid of training grants.