Why Preventative Maintenance Is Becoming a Recruiting Advantage

In this labor market, packaging and printing companies are getting creative about how to stand out--better pay, flexible schedules, sign-on bonuses, you name it. But there’s one advantage that often gets overlooked: a strong preventative maintenance program.

It might not sound flashy, but for many candidates (especially experienced press operators, maintenance techs, and production supervisors) it’s becoming a major selling point when deciding where to work.

The Candidate Perspective: “I Don’t Want to Fight with My Equipment Every Day.”

Let’s be honest, no one wants to spend their shift constantly reacting to breakdowns or working with machines that never seem to run right. Skilled operators and maintenance techs take pride in their craft. When they see a company that values uptime, invests in its equipment, and schedules regular maintenance, it signals something bigger: this place runs smart.

Preventative maintenance tells candidates that:

• The company values quality and efficiency.

• Downtime won’t be a daily battle.

• Leadership understands the connection between equipment care and operator morale.

It’s not just about machine reliability; it’s about creating a culture where people can do their best work instead of just putting out fires.

Fewer Breakdowns = Happier Teams

A plant that runs on chaos burns people out. When presses, laminators, or slitters constantly go down, frustration builds...and so does turnover. Preventative maintenance programs reduce unplanned downtime, improve scheduling predictability, and help teams hit their targets.

That reliability means fewer Saturday call-ins, less finger-pointing between production and maintenance, and a smoother overall workflow. For employees juggling family life and shift work, that kind of consistency is priceless.

How Preventative Maintenance Boosts Your Employer Brand

If you’re trying to attract top production or maintenance talent, here’s how to turn your PM program into a recruiting asset:

1. Talk About It in Job Descriptions. Mention your maintenance program right alongside pay and benefits. “Regularly scheduled PMs and proactive maintenance culture” might sound small, but to the right candidate, it stands out immediately.

2. Highlight Equipment Investments. If you’ve recently upgraded presses, added sensors, or implemented predictive maintenance tech, share it. Candidates want to see that you’re investing in both technology and people.

3. Let Your Team Tell the Story. Showcase employees talking about how a good maintenance program makes their jobs easier, safer, and more productive. Real voices have more impact than corporate jargon.

4. Connect It to Safety and Culture. Preventative maintenance is about care--for equipment, for quality, and for people. Framing it as a safety and culture investment can resonate with both technicians and operators.

The Bottom Line

In today’s competitive market, where everyone is fighting for the same skilled trades talent, the companies that win aren’t just the ones paying the most, they’re the ones that run the smartest.

A well-executed preventative maintenance program doesn’t just protect your assets; it builds credibility with the people who keep your presses running.

So next time you’re thinking about your recruiting strategy, don’t overlook the quiet advantage sitting right on your production floor--your maintenance program might just be your strongest selling point.