Multi-Generational Family Farm Benefits from Long-Term Relationship to Support Sustainable Business Practices

Company Profile

Wilcox Family Farms was founded in 1909 by Judson and Elizabeth Wilcox, when they purchased land at Harts Lake in Roy. Today the family business is still being lovingly ran by 4^th and 5^th generation Wilcox family members and employs 150 people. The farm produces eggs and egg products found across the Pacific Northwest, and as far east as Colorado, courtesy of happy hens that roam freely on the fertile pastures (and are protected by pasture dogs). In addition, the multigenerational farm creates compost/fertilizer products.

Situation

Impact Washington began working with Wilcox Farms in 2013 and has helped the business achieve significant and positive impacts. The organization was growing and there was a need for increased productivity and an expansion of their distribution network, all while ensuring successful development of production management and process improvement at the line level. At the beginning, Training Within Industry (TWI) was relied upon to maintain and grow staffing levels. Through the years the needs for support and training evolved.

Solution

Impact Washington worked on a series of projects starting in 2013 through 2021, including Lean Training, Food Safety, Organization Development, and later Management Coaching, more Lean Training and implementation, Supervisor Development, COVID safety support, and Animal Welfare support for the hen farm. The relationship was long and helped foster increased trainer confidence, and decreased turnover.

One of the largest projects was a Lean-related JSP. The project included training key leaders in lean thinking through Impact Washington’s Lean Enterprise Certificate Program. Next, key opportunities for waste reduction and process improvements were identified during Value Stream Mapping of both the facility operations and logistics operations. Kaizen events, with a focus on cross-functional teams, were performed to help implement the lean solutions through Wilcox facilities and the logistics operations. Total Maintenance Training (TPM/5S) also took place, highlighting the importance of maintenance.

Management consulting included monthly discussions with Andy Wilcox (or designee) outlining coaching topics and more, and ½ day and full day visits to Roy for mentoring, coaching, and project work for a four-month period. Phone calls also were available to Wilcox around the clock as needed.

In 2020, COVID Prevention Assessments for Washington, Montana and Oregon facilities were provided, as Wilcox was considered an essential service during the pandemic. The goal was to help Wilcox keep employees safe while keeping facilities clean and open. Impact Washington also assisted in creating a plan for employee returns, and creation of third-party assessment reports.

In 2021, Impact Washington helped implement the Hen Euthanization Safety Project, which included 16 hours of safety-related services. It provided third-party oversight in the operations related to hen euthanization and may include further consulting and training in the future.

Results

• Increased sales by $8,000,000
• Retained $75,000,000
• Created 18 jobs
• Retained 45 jobs
• Cost savings of $325,000
• Investments of $2,765,000 includes $1.9 million into new facilities and equipment, $650,000 toward new products, $55,000 into workforce development, and $160,000 to information systems and other business needs.