Case Study - L-D Tool & Die (ldtd)

Introduction

L-D Tool & Die (LDTD) is a small manufacturer in Ontario who specializes in designing andmaking customized moulds as per customer’s requirements. LDTD was found by LaurieDickson in late 1980s. Since its inception, the company has continuously serving itscustomers by providing quality products and services. LDTD has developed a loyal customers throughout the years in business. The main services of LDTD are transforming synthetic resins and plastic material into a wide range of finished products, parts for other manufactured goods, and intermediate products consisting of shapes and forms made bya variety of fabricating methods. LDTD’s customers are mainly found in packaging construction, automotive industry, and plastic industry. These industry account for nearly eighty percent of the company’s output.

As the demand increase, more workers are needed to be recruit, despite the vacated andretired personnel. LDTD is looking to fill many skilled workers position including moulddesigner, computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine programmer, CNC machineoperator, mould makers, and mould making assistants. However, as skilled workers areshort of supply in the Ontario area, LDTD has facing a challenge in finding experiencedskilled workers to fill the opening positions. In addition to the shortage of adequate human resource, LDTD also facing technological changes difficulty. Nevertheless, since itsinception, LDTD has never had a proper recruitment and selection process in place norhad an individual responsible for solving human resource (HR) related issues to ensure thatthey have hire quality workers, as well as, ensure that HR related problems were solved.These problems combine has created a crisis that LDTD can no longer afford to look over.LDTD must now find a way to recruit more skilled workers in order to meet their customer’s contract.

Problems Defination

Shortage of Skilled Workers

As customers’ demands increase, LDTD requires more skilled moulds makers to performspecialized tasks to meet customer’s requirements. However, the rapid growth in theindustry has caused a shortage of skilled workers in Ontario area. The shortage is theresult of cutbacks in apprenticeship training during the economic slowdown. However, asthe economy starts to pick up, the number of skilled workers has already been in shortsupply. In addition, Dickson does not believe that graduates from technical college tradeprogram process necessary skills set or experience required to have an immediate effecton the business. Another reason of skilled workers shortage is due to an unsounded working environment such as exposure to noise, hazardous materials, and unsafeequipments. They also required lifting and carrying parts of up to twenty-three kilograms,as well as, many other strenuous physical activities. These