The Georgia Center of Innovation’s Manufacturing team has helped address a labor shortage at TSG Resolute, a manufacturer based in Americus, Georgia, by connecting the company with Atlanta-based technology firm Casi. This partnership has enabled TSG Resolute to quickly mobilize a flexible workforce using text messaging.
TSG Resolute produces items such as gaskets, thermal insulation, and electrical insulators for other manufacturers. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the company shifted some production to make face shields for hospitals in Atlanta and Crisp County. According to Reagan Barksdale, President of TSG Resolute, “They sent photos, and it turned out we had all the materials available to make face shields that go over N-95 masks,” adding that production ramped up from none on Thursday to 10,000 per day by Monday.
Georgia Southwestern University’s athletic department supported initial assembly and distribution efforts. As demand grew during the pandemic, labor shortages became a challenge for TSG Resolute. The company reached out to the Georgia Center of Innovation—a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development—for assistance.
Barksdale had previously worked with John Morehouse, Director of the Center’s Manufacturing team, and Derek Woodham from Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP), supplying Kia’s plant in Georgia with face shield materials. When seeking solutions for workforce needs, Morehouse suggested contacting TeamWRX from Atlanta’s Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC). However, after further discussion within the Center of Innovation teams and their Executive Director, Morehouse was referred to Casi.
“My colleagues in the Center of Innovation Logistics team and our Executive Director had been working with TeamWRX on other projects,” said Morehouse. “When I shared TSG’s needs, they referred me to Casi, a sister company that had designed a software suite to serve a very similar purpose. I held an initial conversation with Casi, and they were excited by the opportunity to help manufacturers, especially in Georgia. I was thrilled because if the project was a success, it could help not only TSG but could serve as a model for manufacturers around the state to implement an innovative, flexible workforce solution that’s good for companies and workers alike.”
TSG Resolute collaborated with Casi for about a year before launching their texting platform. Initially used internally for communications, it was adapted so part-time employees assembling face shield kits offsite could be coordinated more efficiently.
According to Barksdale: “We met with Casi and worked with them, facilitated by the state, for about a year before launching the texting platform. We began using it for internal communications and were then able to structure it for communicating with the part-time employees who would be assembling face shield kits offsite.”
More than 500 community members—including professionals and retirees—signed up as part-time contract workers through this system. Lines formed at TSG Resolute’s Pack Center as people picked up assembly kits. The process now includes assembly kits not only for face shields but also core products like lighting components and insulation.
Each day between 50 and 100 people assemble parts for TSG Resolute using this system. Customer Service Manager Jason Williams explained: “Using the Casi system we are able to text individuals about open opportunities… Once they respond and accept we label the box or boxes for them to pick up… We request that these parts be returned…in one or two days for quality inspections…”
Williams noted that this approach has increased output: “We are constantly working to make sure we have enough parts at the Pack Center to have opportunities available as many are claimed within minutes.”
Casi CEO Justin Rainer described their collaboration: “Working with the TSG Resolute team has been a win-win for both organizations…TSG came to Casi with a new idea around creating a pool of on-demand employees that could assemble products at home. Casi’s innovative on-demand scheduling through text messaging allowed TSG to optimize their scheduling process. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with forward-thinking clients like TSG.”
Barksdale added: “Casi’s system is built on people who want flexibility – the ability to earn a paycheck while working safely and comfortably in their homes…We’re just a text message away from enough people…so we’re able to grow our plants contribute to local workforce and invest in more assets.”
He continues regular communication with staff at Georgia Center of Innovation: “We know they’re here to help when we need it,” he said. “If companies have issues they should reach out…Usually [they] know people they can connect you with…I would encourage anyone use them whether it’s materials processes or just something you don’t know how find…”
To learn more about how businesses can access resources through this organization visit georgia.org/center-of-innovation.
