By Joel Wood and Allison Maggy • Photos by Jessica McCafferty
Back Left: Frank Butler, Claudio Caicedo, Claudio Zantana; Front Left: Michelle Watts, Jessica Humiston, Darleni Boling
MRP Solutions, formerly known as Mold-Rite Plastics, is redefining what it means to be an inclusive and supportive workplace in Plattsburgh, New York. By embracing recovery-ready policies, MRP Solutions is opening doors for individuals facing substance abuse, mental health issues, and other barriers to employment. To learn more about the company’s commitment to employee support services, we sat down with Eric Zeisloft, Vice President of Operations, who shared the company’s journey toward becoming a recovery-ready workplace, highlighting the impact of its efforts on, not only their employees, but the broader community.
From Caps to Community
Founded in 1976, MRP Solutions has grown into one of the largest cap manufacturing companies in the United States, with facilities in Plattsburgh, New Jersey, and Ohio. The Plattsburgh location, employing about 500 people, is the company’s largest. “This plant produces in the neighborhood of about four billion caps per year,” Zeisloft proudly noted. “I could walk into just about anyone’s kitchen and find a cap that was produced here.”
The company’s wide range of jobs reflects its diverse operations. From machine operators and mechanics to quality inspectors, engineers, and sales professionals, MRP Solutions offers numerous employment opportunities for people with varying skills and backgrounds. “We have a self-contained manufacturing factory within our physical building,” Zeisloft explained, highlighting the company’s comprehensive in-house capabilities.
Eric Zeisloft
Recovery-Focused Workplace Initiatives
When Zeisloft joined MRP Solutions, he discovered a company that boasted unique drug and substance policies that emphasized recovery and support over punishment, as well as workplace safety. “Internally, we have a strong drug and substance policy. If someone fails a random drug test, we put them in a recovery program and work with them to try to help them get better, to try to kick their habit, and continue their employment,” said Zeisloft, highlighting MRP Solutions’ goal to see employees succeed.
The company’s commitment to second chances extends beyond initial interventions. “We’ve had employees fail out of the recovery program and then a year or so later they’ve come back to us and said, ‘Hey, we got ourselves squared away. Things are good.’ We test them, and as long as they stay healthy, we’ve rehired them.” Zeisloft offered.
Conversation with Mike Carpenter, President and CEO of MHAB Life Skills Campus in Plattsburgh, has helped further solidify MRP’s resolve to support individuals in recovery. MHAB serves as a resource for people in recovery and their families. After learning about the need for recovery-ready workplace, MRP began offering in-house counseling services through Employee Assistance Services (EAS) with Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN). Although initially provided on-site, these services have since shifted online following the emergence of COVID-19. Employees can take time during work hours to attend counseling sessions without sacrificing job performance. It is estimated that approximately 10-15% of MRP Solutions’ total workforce is utilizing the counseling services. And the best part? Employees can access EAS services for free, as a benefit of being an employee there.
MRP Solutions takes a compassionate approach to hiring, recognizing that potential employees may face challenges in their personal histories. If gaps in employment or criminal charges arise during the hiring process, the HR team works closely with candidates to understand and support them.
“People have a lot of stress in their lives. We want this to be a place that feels safe, a place where they can feel comfortable, where they don’t have to be ashamed of something that happened to them in the past,” Zeisloft explained. “We want to give people a chance to come here, make a good living, and be productive.”
Comprehensive Support for Employee Well-Being
MRP Solutions extends its commitment to employee well-being beyond recovery programs. The company offers a range of support services to help employees manage their personal and professional lives. “We try to work with the employees if they’re having an issue — regardless of what it might be — to help them manage their time so they don’t miss work,” Zeisloft emphasized. This includes honoring New York State required sick leave policies, accommodating leave requests, and providing flexible solutions for employees facing personal challenges.
In addition to providing services to support the mental health of employees, MRP Solutions also prioritizes employees’ physical health. The company’s facility includes a full gym equipped with free weights, machines, and cardio equipment, open 24/7 to employees.
MRP Solutions offers transportation support, partnering with local services to help employees get to work. The company provides bus services between Plattsburgh and Malone and WeCare operates a shuttle for guest workers staying at Renaissance Village. If transportation issues arise for any employee, MRP Solutions does everything possible to accommodate them, including providing taxi passes when needed.
MRP Solutions also ensures that employees have access to the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and work gear. “We supply all shirts. We all wear MRP t-shirts, we provide all of the gear and equipment they need to do their jobs,” Zeisloft explained. For those required to wear steel-toed shoes or prescription safety glasses, the company provides vouchers.
Results of a Supportive Environment
MRP Solutions’ commitment to a recovery-ready workplace and comprehensive employee support has yielded significant results. The company’s Human Resource team, which consists of three dedicated professionals and three trainers, plays a vital role in ensuring employees receive the personal attention they need. “Our HR team does an amazing job with 500 people to look after,” Zeisloft stated.
These efforts have translated into improved employee retention, with many workers having been with the company for decades. “Several of our employees are over the 40-year mark, and a lot have been with us between 20 and 30 years,” Zeisloft said. The company celebrates these long-term relationships through employee appreciation activities, such as cookouts, ice cream days, and providing meals to their employees for celebrations and other special events.
The impact of MRP Solutions’ recovery-ready policies is evident in the success stories of its employees. “We’ve got so many people who are in good recovery in this facility, and most of them are pretty open about it,” Zeisloft noted. “We have some people who were in a bad point in their life, and now they’re doing great.”
A Story of Resilience and Redemption
One MRP Solutions employee, who faced significant personal challenges, has become an inspiring example of resilience and determination. After battling addiction in another part of the state, he moved to Plattsburgh in search of recovery. Three years ago, he joined MRP as an entry-level employee. Through hard work, dedication, and strong leadership qualities, he has earned two promotions and now holds a leadership role.
Through his personal journey, he discovered he had a daughter, whose mother passed away due to her own struggles with addiction. He took steps to gain custody of his daughter and has worked tirelessly to provide for her, recently achieving his goal of purchasing a home. Throughout his time at MRP Solutions, he has utilized the company’s counseling services to stay on track, demonstrating the power of perseverance and the impact of a supportive work environment. His story is a testament to overcoming life’s obstacles and striving for success for himself and his family.
Investing in People, Building a Community
MRP Solutions’ commitment to being a recovery-ready workplace goes beyond corporate policy, it’s about investing in people and building a supportive community. “Everyone deserves a second, even a third, a fourth, or a fifth chance. There are a lot of reasons that people experience poor health around those types of things. There are many things in life that cause people to stray from the path they are on, but I’ve seen so much positivity in people who have literally turned their lives around,” Zeisloft explained. “It’s really worth the investment to help people and to give them a chance to be able to make another run at it and to live an enjoyable, healthy life.”
By providing a safe and supportive environment for its employees, MRP Solutions is not just manufacturing caps, it’s manufacturing hope, second chances, and brighter futures for the people of Plattsburgh and beyond.
MRP Solutions
1 Plant Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518 561-1812
Comments