Thanks to our partnership with Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership (AMIP), in May, the Workforce Innovation Center hosted an Employer Tour at GMi Companies, a leading visual communication products manufacturer based in Lebanon, OH.
Company Overview
GMi Companies is a family-owned manufacturing company that began operations in 1976. Originally known as Ghent Manufacturing, GMi has been crafting and serving their customers’ needs with innovative and customizable communication, collaboration, and learning solutions for over 40 years.
Workforce Training & Upskilling
GMi’s low-tech, high collaboration environment is an ideal introduction to manufacturing. Many positions at their 13 ½-acre facility do not require prior experience or certifications, making GMi a great starting point for jobseekers looking to grow their career in the manufacturing industry. For example, one GMi employee we met on our tour mentioned that they come from a retail background.
The company fosters a culture of hiring managers from within, offering advancement opportunities through manufacturing and technical skills training and leadership programs.
In addition to traditional manufacturing jobs, GMi hires positions in Information Technology (IT), Engineering, Human Resources (HR), and more.
Education & Community Engagement
GMi offers their employees opportunities to expand their educational horizons, providing tuition reimbursement equal to the maximum allowed by the IRS, in addition to internship and co-op opportunities through partnerships with area schools.
GMi performs a variety of different community outreach and involvement activities that contribute to their mission of service to the community, including volunteerism, donations, sponsorship opportunities, and other community-based programs. GMi makes every effort to involve their employees in these community outreach decisions and encourages their participation.
Gavin Wright is a Junior Maintenance Technician. He was introduced to GMi through the local high school community relationship and joined the team in 2021. Since then, he has shown interest in becoming a maintenance technician and GMi was able to send him to Sinclair to complete his certification (he graduated this year from the program).
Hiring, Pay, and Benefits
GMi is currently hiring for both full-time and part-time roles, including short-term positions ideal for students seeking summer work. Most employees work first shift (Monday – Friday, 5 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.) with pay starting at $17 per hour; however, GMi plans to add second shift hours this summer featuring a premium pay rate (shift differential) for second shift hours.
GMi employees enjoy numerous benefits, including:
- Vacation Time, Personal Time, and Paid Holidays
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- 401k Profit Sharing Plan with Generous Company Match
- Company-Paid and Voluntary Life Insurance
- Company-Paid Long and Short Disability
Additionally, GMi is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. As a veteran-owned business, GMi is an equal opportunity employer to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
For additional information about open roles at GMi Companies, visit the job board on their corporate website. Thanks to GMi hosts Amanda O’Cull, Employee Services and Safety Manager and Kyle O’Connell, Employee Services Coordinator for the wonderful tour and discussion with our participants!
If you’re interested in discovering more about local employers through our Employer Tours program, click here to register for upcoming events. Interested in hosting an Employee Tour at your company? Fill out an Employer Tour: Host Interest Form to begin planning your tour today!
This program is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number 21.027 awarded to Hamilton County, Ohio by the U.S. Department of the Treasury
