Taylor Farms, Salinas, Calif., opened two employee training centers dedicated to the continued education and advancement of employees across the organization. 

The new employee training centers are designed to transition team members to work alongside more sophisticated equipment, and create an environment that fosters the development and advancement of employee skill sets. 

“Our business is constantly evolving, and we are now entering a new era centered around automation,” says Mark Borman, chief operating officer, foodservice division. “Automated technologies are reframing the traditional, labor intensive role, and these training centers are investments in making sure our current employees have the resources to learn and grow along with our company.” 

Taylor Farms invested more than $1 million in a 4,500-square-foot facility in Yuma, Ariz., and a 2,200-square-foot facility in Salinas. The centers currently offer training around programming, engineering and machine operation.

“I’ve never had the opportunity for a job like this. I thought everything was done manually,” says Erika Torres, an employee. “I got to the training facility, saw the robots and couldn’t believe it. I’m very interested in getting this education and advancing with the company. I’m going to take advantage of these opportunities.”