Workforce News

Companies come to the Manufacturing Institute when they need solutions to their workforce challenges, whether that be a single area or the full spectrum of workforce needs. Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in paper-based packaging manufacturing, shows what is possible when companies partner with the MI to take a holistic approach to workforce development. 

Heroes MAKE America: Smurfit Westrock’s partnership with the MI started with Heroes MAKE America (HMA), an initiative that builds connections between the military community and the manufacturing industry.  

This partnership facilitated the hiring of veterans such as James Goppert, a retired United States Army Master Sergeant and now HR Business Partner at Smurfit Westrock. After more than 25 years in the Army, holding a variety of human resources positions both in the U.S. and abroad, James transitioned to civilian life with the support of the HMA program. HMA equipped him with insights into manufacturing as well as industry recognized certifications and connected him with Smurfit Westrock, an employer ready to see his potential.  

With military training and experience, particularly with advanced technology, veterans are ideal candidates for manufacturing careers. Manufacturers that hire veterans gain dedicated, proven, dependable and skilled team members who bring a unique perspective and approach to problem-solving.  

STEP Ahead: Beginning in 2020, Smurfit Westrock actively supported STEP ahead, the MI’s initiative to strengthen the modern manufacturing workforce. Through leadership development, mentorship and community building, STEP Ahead supports and empowers the workers leading the industry at every level—from the shop floor to the C-suite—helping individuals build successful careers in manufacturing while strengthening the industry’s future.    

Smurfit Westrock’s own A’donna Garrett, Director of IT Digital and Portfolio Management, was recognized as a STEP Ahead awardee in 2025. As an awardee, she participated in a two-day leadership conference in Washington, D.C., ahead of the Awards Gala, focused on peer learning, leadership development and inspiration. During the Awards Gala, A’donna shared her success surrounded by cheering colleagues and her daughter, who saw firsthand what it looks like when hard work and leadership are recognized.  

FAME USA: Smurfit Westrock is also a strong supporter of FAME, the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education), the premier American model of manufacturing skills training. As an employer partner across FAME’s national network, Smurfit Westrock sponsors FAME students to become highly skilled, professional maintenance technicians. The FAME model centers on employer leadership, allowing employer partners to play a role in everything from curriculum design to student recruitment at each chapter, building talent pipelines uniquely suited for their local needs. 

Commitment to this investment is shared at the highest levels of the organization. On a visit to their facility in Athens, Alabama, Smurfit Westrock CEO Laurent Sellier met Steffen, a FAME graduate, and called him a great example of the talent driving Smurfit Westrock’s success.  

The power of holistic investment: Smurfit Westrock demonstrates the power of investing in people and meet them where they are—whether they are transitioning from the military, starting their careers through FAME, or pursuing leadership opportunities, the impact extends far beyond a single location. It ripples through communities, strengthens industries, and builds the workforce of tomorrow. 

This promise of workforce development done right is why the Manufacturing Institute exists; to help companies like Smurfit Westrock transform potential into opportunity and opportunity into lasting success.