AbstractsBusiness Management & Administration

This qualitative study examined the startup phase of a new manufacturing facility in the rigid plastics packaging industry. Thirteen personnel were interviewed for their impressions of the startup experience, and were asked for their recommendations for the type of leadership, training and knowledge sharing, and organizational systems and support needed for a new plant startup to succeed. Participants noted both successes and challenges related to the plant manager, training and support delivered, and communication and other organizational systems in place. Participants offered several recommendations, including improving leader selection and preparation; optimizing training resources, schedules, and materials for each area; improving coordination, communication, and training for visiting support staff; and adapting human resources, project management, and equipment. Based on these findings, several recommendations for executive leaders, project management, and organization development consultants were identified. The key suggestion for continued research is to repeat the study with an enhanced research design.