Why Employees Stay: Inside the Culture of State Line Foundries

Employee longevity is essential to the success of State Line Foundries. The company specializes in low-volume castings that are often difficult to produce. Meeting those challenges requires a veteran team that has seen just about everything.

So how does State Line retain employees in the specialized foundry industry? It starts with taking nothing for granted – and earning the trust and loyalty of employees.

Below is a closer look at the culture, values, and practices that shape this workplace and keep team members engaged, supported, and growing.

A Company That Values People

The basics, specifically competitive pay and benefits, must be met. But State Line’s commitment goes beyond compensation.

“At State Line Foundries, people are treated the way anyone would want to be treated — with respect, understanding, and grace at times,” explains Jesse Milks, president of State Line Foundries, which includes Winnebago Foundry and State Line Foundry.

Milks acknowledges that “life happens.” Employees could face health issues, the loss of a loved one, or something as routine as car trouble. In such instances, leadership has stepped in   To help and support employees and employee’s families in ways that larger organizations typically wouldn’t.  

“These actions aren’t in a policy manual,” Milks offers. “They’re simply the right thing to do.”

While many large companies may operate strictly by the book, State Line makes exceptions for extraordinary circumstances. “We act like a small company and treat employees like family,” Milks clarifies. 

Flexibility and compassion are valued, and that approach is consistently reciprocated by employees. “There’s a family feel to it,” shares Angela Sengsouvanh, HR Manager at State Line.

The company’s approach is noticed by newcomers. Several employees recently were hired from a nearby foundry that closed. They’ve expressed appreciation for State Line’s atmosphere and the way employees are treated — a strong affirmation of the company’s values.

More Than Compensation

While a paycheck matters – and State Line most certainly pays competitive wages – there are other reasons employees stay.

• Internal growth: Talent and ambition are recognized, with strong support for internal career advancement. “We look to promote from within,” affirms Sengsouvanh.
• Work-life balance: Many employees are raising families, and the company supports their need to prioritize both work and home.
• Supportive culture: The work environment is collaborative and all are encouraged to speak up and be heard. “It’s very casual here, with an open-door policy,” Sengsouvanh verifies.

Training, Education, and Retention

Investing in employee development is another retention tool. Whether bringing someone new into the foundry world or helping experienced team members earn certifications, growth is taken seriously.

• On-the-job training: Most new hires arrive without foundry experience. The company provides hands-on instruction for making cores, molds, and handling technical work safely and correctly.
• The buddy system: New employees are paired with seasoned peers to ensure they learn the ropes and feel supported.
• Tuition and certifications: employees showing initiative have received help with tech school certifications and other educational endeavors.

Keeping The Experienced Engaged

Foundry work at State Line is technical, precise — and never monotonous.

“As a low-volume, high-mix operation, most days are not the same,” Milks points out. “Every day, there is a different mold or core or casting to make. There are different irons and alloys to produce. There are unique challenges we face continually. It keeps things interesting.”

Workplace Culture: Built on Trust and Pride

The foundry industry demands more than skill. It requires pride, precision, and camaraderie.
At State Line, teams are tight-knit. In fact, approximately 80% of hires come from referrals, a testament to the workplace culture. “It’s a pretty close group  – lots of friends, neighbors, brothers, daughters,” Milks says. 

Long-term use of temporary hiring services  isn’t part of the model. Leadership doesn’t believe in keeping workers in limbo. “We are diligent that if a staffing agency employee comes in, and is successful, we want to hire them into our organization as quickly as possible,” Milks details. 

Real Stories, Real Commitment

State Line is a technologically advanced foundry, but it still relies heavily on human expertise. “Those who really understand the foundry industry know that the plant is run by people, not machines,” Milks states.

State Line works hard to retain that expertise. As experienced team members near retirement, their role in passing down “tribal knowledge” — the type that isn’t in a manual — becomes essential to the company’s continued success.

Final Thoughts

“I grew up here,” Sengsouvanh shares. “I got married, bought my first house, and had opportunities that shaped who I am — personally and professionally.”

That sentiment echoes across many careers at State Line Foundries. This isn’t just a place to work — it’s a place to build a career, a life, and a community.