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How Laborup Delivers Top-Tier Aerospace & Defense Talent for Oak Ridge Tool Engineering
Laborup
>70%
Savings in Cost-Per-Hire
5x
Faster Time-to-fill
90%
Candidate Retention Past 90-days
For over 50 years, Oak Ridge Tool Engineering has delivered high-precision manufacturing for aerospace, defense, nuclear, and energy industries. ORTE played a key role in the International Space Station, supplying complex tooling and hardware ahead of schedule. Their defense expertise includes machining the Target Acquisition Designated Sight (TADS) for the Apache Helicopter and producing critical components for the F-14 Tomcat’s LANTIRN and targeting pod systems.
Beyond defense, ORTE has driven scientific innovation, manufacturing target modules for the Spallation Neutron Source and key components for the High Flux Isotope Reactor. With a legacy of precision and reliability, ORTE remains a trusted partner for mission-critical manufacturing.
The Challenge: Finding Skilled Craftsmen, Not Just Botton Pushers
Hiring the right talent wasn’t just difficult—it was essential. ORTE needed machinists and engineers who could build their own tooling, set up complex machines, and troubleshoot on the fly, but traditional hiring methods fell short. Staffing agencies often sent unqualified candidates and later poached their own hires. Job boards attracted applicants looking for short-term work rather than long-term careers. Internal hiring drained valuable time and resources, pulling key employees away from production.
"Finding the right people is the hardest job in the world. We don’t just need button-pushers—we need craftsmen who understand precision work. That’s hard to find"
– Steve Mullins, President at ORT-E
The Solution: Laborup’s AI-Powered Hiring Platform
Laborup took hiring off ORTE’s plate and delivered pre-vetted, highly skilled candidates ready to work.
- Faster Hiring: ORTE filled key roles quickly, reducing downtime and overtime costs.
- Better Matches: Every candidate was carefully screened for skills, experience, and long-term commitment.
- Cost Savings: ORTE saved thousands in staffing fees, eliminated wasted time on unqualified candidates, and reduced expensive hiring mistakes.
- Improved Retention: Laborup’s rigorous screening process meant 80-90% of hires stayed long-term, up from 40-50% before.
"By the time Laborup sends me someone, I already know they’re a good fit. I don’t have to waste time vetting—I can just hire them."
– Steve Mullins, President at ORT-E
The Results:
"I’d be afraid to tell my competitors about Laborup—they’d get an edge on me. Laborup is the best way to hire. The time, the quality, the cost savings—it’s a no-brainer."
With faster, more precise hiring, ORTE has eliminated hiring headaches and built a stronger, more committed workforce. Now, instead of struggling to find top talent, they can focus on delivering the precision manufacturing that powers aerospace, defense, and nuclear innovation.
Introduction
Our client is a prominent supplier in the tire industry, specializing in the precise handling of chemicals and materials critical to tire production. They oversee a complex process that involves the meticulous weighing of powders and pellets through partnerships with major manufacturers. They maintain high standards of quality across two locations, particularly in response to the importance of their product and fluctuating demand throughout the year.
Problem
In late May 2024, our client partnered with Traba to address persistent challenges with their existing staffing provider. They encountered significant issues with worker attendance and quality, which disrupted their operations and complicated efforts to transition temporary staff into full-time roles. They previously depended on a legacy staffing firm and had not actively pursued a new solution until Traba's outreach highlighted potential improvements. Acknowledging the need for a more efficient and dependable staffing strategy, our client sought a partner capable of delivering qualified workers at scale to meet their operational requirements.
Solution
Traba implemented a comprehensive staffing solution designed to build a qualified talent pool aligned with the client's unique operational demands. During peak periods in Q4, they require up to 30 staff members daily, with fluctuations based on production needs. The Traba platform enables our client to effortlessly post shifts and invite specific workers, streamlining the staffing process. They value the ability to access real-time data on attendance, which enhances accountability and operational efficiency. Our client manages their entire contingent workforce through the Traba portal, describing it as intuitive and easy to navigate. Additionally, they appreciate the collaborative approach fostered by in-person interactions with the Traba team, strengthening their partnership in workforce management.
Results
Since engaging with Traba, our client has unlocked new capabilities within their operations, achieving 95% consistency that facilitates effective workforce expansion. This partnership has positioned Traba as a key provider of staffing solutions within their broader network, empowering our client to grow while upholding the high-quality standards essential to their tire manufacturing processes. Their temp-to-hire positions have resulted in a 87% successful worker hire rate. With enhanced staffing support, they are better equipped to meet the evolving demands of the industry and ensure optimal operational performance.
Our Success
Customer Success
Hire top manufacturing talent in 3 weeks or less at half thecost of traditional staffing firms.
