This morning, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved a grant from its People Works Program to Engineered Profiles, LLC. The $142,500 agreement will pay for a portion of the training costs associated with hiring 114 new employees over three years to support the company’s growth on the South Side of Columbus. In line with the People Works program model, Engineered Profiles will train and hire county social service clients into living wage jobs.
“This People Works agreement is a win for everyone involved,” said Franklin County Commission President John O’Grady. “Engineered Profiles will get the employees they need as they continue to grow, and 114 of our residents currently on public assistance will receive training and a sustainable, living wage job that we hope leads to a successful career. ”
Engineered Profiles, formerly Crane Plastics, has been providing leading-edge plastic extrusion solutions to a wide array of industries for more than 65 years. This People Works grant will support the expansion of its operations at 2141 Fairwood Avenue on Columbus’ South Side, adding more than $3 million in new payroll, and a capital investment of approximately $250,000.
“We know that there are many good people out there today that simply need to find the right situation where a structure is in place to help them succeed,” said Mike Davis, President of Engineered Profiles, LLC. “We are confident that when implemented, the new employee training grant will help us to grow the company, which will in turn create additional jobs, as well as higher paying positions in Franklin County.”
“People Works is about jobs and the people that need them,” said Commissioner Paula Brooks. “This innovative program is an investment in people and we wish those that will be hired the best of luck in their future careers, and thank Engineered Profiles for growing on the South Side.”
Additionally, as part of this agreement, the Columbus Urban League will provide wrap-around services, such as soft skill training and life coaching to include financial literacy and workplace communication.
“We continue to be excited about the commitment that the Commissioners show as they invest in individuals transitioning out of poverty and into the world of work,” said Toni Cunningham, Vice President and Chief of Program Performance and Innovation at the Columbus Urban League. “The Columbus Urban League is committed to supporting this partnership by offering supports for those “non-workrelated” issues that might keep an individual from being successful at work. Through our wrap around services, we are able to fortify the training and development efforts of the employer with the expectation that new employees will make it successfully through their first 90 days and beyond.”
"Our People Works Program aims to do just that – put people to work,” said Commissioner Marilyn Brown. “If you are an employer and you have a need for trained employees, we’d love to partner with you to help you find and train the employees that you are looking for. Thanks to Engineered Profiles and the Urban League for partnering with us to provide a pathway out of poverty for 114 of our residents and their families.”
Employers looking for help to train new and existing employees can visit
www.FranklinCountyOhio.gov. for more information or call 614-525-7304.