Driving Success: How Workbox Staffing Helped Meet Unprecedented Demand

Project Background

Since the company was founded in 1848, Knapheide has been a trailblazer in the transportation industry. From building wagons to becoming the nation’s leading provider of truck bodies, vehicle equipment, and upfitting solutions, Knapheide has continuously evolved to meet the demands of the modern workforce. But even an industry leader can face challenges when demand skyrockets. That’s where Workbox Staffing came in.

This is the story of how Workbox Staffing helped Knapheide scale their operations, meet tight deadlines, and maintain their reputation for excellence.

The Challenge: Scaling Amid Supply Volatility

In early 2022, Knapheide faced an extraordinary challenge. They had secured a significant contract involving fleets of vans but needed a staffing partner who could help them scale operations quickly while remaining flexible amidst supply chain uncertainties.

Knapheide’s new contract required them to upfit an unprecedented number of vans in a short period. However, supply chain disruptions led to unpredictable delivery schedules, meaning Knapheide’s labor demands fluctuated drastically.

To meet production goals, they needed a staffing partner capable of responding to these changes with speed, flexibility, and a consistent pool of high-quality workers. Recognizing the complexity of the task, Knapheide turned to Workbox Staffing in January 2022 for a solution.

Why Workbox Staffing?

Knapheide chose Workbox Staffing for their reputation as a reliable partner capable of responding to complex demands. This wasn’t their first encounter; the companies had worked together briefly in 2018, when Workbox Staffing provided short-term solutions during a busy period. That initial partnership left a strong impression, demonstrating Workbox Staffing’s ability to deliver high-quality workers on short notice.

Another critical factor was Workbox Staffing’s expansive talent pool, which proved invaluable when supply chain issues created staffing gaps. Workbox Staffing had the resources to bring new talent on board quickly, ensuring minimal disruption to Knapheide’s operations.

More than simply quantity, though, Workbox Staffing provides partners with high-quality workers. A testament to this is that when associates were furloughed due to supply issues, many found employment elsewhere. Fortunately, Workbox Staffing continually recruits a deep pool of talent to be ready to fill roles quickly.

Perhaps most importantly, Workbox Staffing built a genuine connection with Knapheide’s team. Representatives like Shawna went beyond transactional interactions—stopping by regularly, bringing cookies and donuts, and fostering a relationship built on trust and camaraderie. For Knapheide, this personal touch reinforced their confidence that Workbox Staffing was the right partner to help them succeed.

Workbox Staffing's Impact

Workbox Staffing’s ability to adapt quickly and scale efficiently made an immediate difference for Knapheide. After initiating the partnership in January 2022, Workbox rapidly mobilized a team of associates, ensuring production was underway by March. This timely response was essential in keeping Knapheide’s operations on track despite supply chain fluctuations.

Over the course of two years, Workbox provided a continual pipeline of associates who were instrumental in increasing Knapheide’s production capacity by 200%. With Workbox’s support, Knapheide expanded from two upfitting lines to six, enabling them to meet their ambitious goal of upfitting 450 vans per day—a significant leap from their previous output of 150 vans daily.

The results weren’t just measured in numbers. Workbox’s ongoing support, including direct-hire services, positioned Knapheide for sustained growth. The partnership didn’t merely solve a short-term problem; it provided the foundation for a scalable and resilient operation capable of meeting future demands with confidence.

Results:

Scaling for Success with Workbox Staffing

For Knapheide, the partnership with Workbox Staffing wasn’t just about meeting a temporary need – it was about building a foundation for long-term success. Together, we tackled unprecedented challenges, scaled operations, and solidified Knapheide’s position as a leader in vehicle upfitting.

If your business is ready to overcome challenges and achieve transformative growth like Knapheide, contact Workbox Staffing today to see how we can help.