Learning, Leading, and Delivering Results

For more than 70 years, Walbro has been a leader in engine management and fuel systems, manufacturing complex assemblies for the automotive and sport/utility vehicle industries. With a long-standing presence in Michigan, the company continues to invest in one of its greatest strengths, its employees. By creating opportunities for workforce development, Walbro is committed to helping employees build new skills, advance their careers, and support the company’s continued growth.

To further that commitment, Walbro partnered with GST Michigan Works! and successfully secured a $32,000 Going PRO Talent Fund (FY25 Cycle 2) award to support both incumbent worker training and on-the-job training for new employees.

The investment had an immediate impact across the organization. Eleven new employees were hired and trained through the On-the-Job Training program, while eleven current employees expanded their skills through specialized professional development opportunities. Leadership Foundations training prepared four employees to better understand their leadership styles, build confidence, and strengthen their effectiveness as emerging leaders. Two employees completed Green Belt training, enhancing their expertise in problem-solving, project leadership, data analysis, and lean manufacturing principles. An additional five employees completed FANUC training to develop the skills needed to operate and program industrial robots.

The benefits of the training extended well beyond the classroom. Walbro promoted two employees into new roles, strengthened internal career pathways, and developed in-house expertise that now allows the company to perform robot programming internally rather than relying on outside service providers. The result has been reduced costs, increased equipment uptime, and greater employee knowledge. The additional skills gained through the training also contributed to a three percent increase in press productivity.

Reflecting on the experience, Abbey Salcido, Human Resources, shared, “We are so glad we had the opportunity to provide growth for each trainee. The training improved many different aspects of our business and allowed our employees to feel greater work satisfaction. Thank you, GST Michigan Works!”