Plant build-up: how I find skilled people for new sites
Published on 29 September 2026 · 5 min read
During the build-up of new plants in Brazil and Mexico, I supported around 6,000 hires within the recruiting team – from production staff to managers. Here is what I learned.
Profiles first, then speed
The most common mistake in a plant build-up is starting the search before the profiles are clear. Together with plant management and the specialist departments, I first define which roles are needed when and what a candidate really must be able to do. Only then does the search start – at full speed.
Volume hiring is a process of its own
Hiring hundreds of production workers within a few months requires standardised selection processes, clear decision paths and close steering of external providers. In Brazil we recruited around 1,500 employees this way with an external partner; in Mexico, around 4,500 with a dedicated plant recruiting team.
Leadership and engineering need a different network
Shift leaders, process engineers and plant managers are not found through job ads alone. What counts here is industry experience, a well-kept network and the ability to assess candidates honestly – professionally and personally.
What remains
A new site succeeds or fails with its people. Clarifying profiles, processes and responsibilities early means faster hiring and consistent quality – from machine operators to plant management.
What this means for your business
Plant build-up is staffing under time pressure. Clear profiles, standardised processes and a strong network decide speed and quality.
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