The Importance of Plant Tours in Recruiting

By Kellsie Fink | Flexo Finders & Print Pack Careers

In the competitive world of printing and packaging, it takes more than just a strong salary and benefits package to attract top talent—especially for skilled press operators, supervisors, and technicians who often have multiple job opportunities to consider. One often overlooked but incredibly impactful tool in the recruiting process is the plant tour.

While clients sometimes view plant tours as a final step before an offer is made, many candidates see it as a critical part of their decision-making process. From their perspective, a walk through the facility is more than just a chance to see the equipment—it’s a window into the company culture, team dynamics, and the work environment they’ll be stepping into every day.

Why Plant Tours Matter to Candidates

1. Firsthand Look at Equipment and Technology

Whether someone has experience with flexo, digital, or offset presses, most candidates want to understand what machinery they’ll be working with. A tour gives them the chance to evaluate the tools, layouts, and operational flow—important factors for someone who takes pride in running top-quality work.

2. Insight into the Work Environment

No job description can fully capture the atmosphere of a facility. During a plant tour, candidates can observe how teams communicate, how clean and organized the pressroom is, and whether safety protocols are visible and enforced. These things matter deeply to seasoned professionals who value consistency and care in their workplace.

3. A Chance to Visualize Themselves on the Team

A tour allows a candidate to ask themselves, “Can I see myself working here every day?” It's an emotional connection that can influence whether they choose one offer over another—especially in a candidate-driven market where options are plentiful.

4. Demonstrates Transparency and Trust

When a company offers a plant tour, it signals confidence in their operation and a willingness to be open with candidates. This builds trust and reinforces the idea that the company values its people and is proud of the environment they’ve built.

The Added Value of Onsite Visits for Out-of-State Candidates

For candidates considering a relocation, an onsite visit is not just important—it’s essential. These professionals are not only evaluating the job, but also the community, the commute, the cost of living, and what their life could look like outside of work.

Bringing out-of-state candidates onsite for a tour allows them to:

• Meet the team face-to-face, which fosters a stronger connection and builds buy-in.

• Get a feel for the city or region, which is critical when uprooting their life.

• Ask questions they didn’t know they had until experiencing the plant and local environment firsthand.

Covering travel for top-tier candidates can be a modest investment compared to the cost of turnover or a long vacancy in a critical role. It also shows that your company is serious about bringing on the right person—and values them enough to invest in a smooth, thoughtful hiring experience.

Tips for Employers: Making Plant Tours Count

• Be Prepared: Have a clear plan for the tour, including introductions to key team members and time for questions.

• Showcase Strengths: Highlight your equipment, safety measures, employee tenure, and any recent upgrades or expansion efforts.

• Be Authentic: Candidates aren’t expecting perfection—they’re looking for honesty. A genuine conversation about challenges and goals goes a long way.

• Follow Up: After the tour, check in. Ask for their impressions. Often, this conversation reveals what the candidate is truly looking for.

  
  

Final Thoughts

In recruiting, every touchpoint matters—and a plant tour is one of the most powerful opportunities to leave a lasting impression. For candidates, it’s the moment when a job posting turns into a tangible opportunity and the company becomes more than just a name on paper.

Especially for out-of-state candidates, investing in an onsite experience can turn uncertainty into confidence—and a curious candidate into your next long-term hire.