Automation investments and upskilling retool commercial baking workforce

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Automation investments and upskilling retool commercial baking workforce

6 Jun 2025

Mari Rydings

Mari Rydings is a versatile content creator, editor and marketer with experience developing dynamic, results-driven materials for B2B and B2C audiences. As the editorial director for Avant Food Media, she leads the day-to-day editorial operations for the company’s print and digital magazines, newsletters and social media platforms. Outside of work, she loves reading, hiking, putting together jigsaw puzzles and spending time with her husband and their twin daughters.

KANSAS CITY, MO — Disruption via innovation takes many forms: a new product that satisfies an unmet consumer need, a first-of-its-kind business model, technology that significantly increases productivity. It’s the latter, often in partnership with AI, that’s driving disruption in manufacturing across all industries.

Automation has advanced to the level that machines can now perform many of the manual, repetitive tasks traditionally handled by humans, and they can do so faster, more efficiently and often at a lower cost than people. Robotic technology, in particular, has progressed to the point where robots can analyze data, learn from it, and adapt accordingly to optimize operations.

While some companies view investing in automation strictly as a way to reduce their workforce, others — industry disruptors — embrace automation as an opportunity for job evolution vs. elimination. They know how vital it is to have employees who can understand, manage and troubleshoot these advanced, often complex, systems. That’s why when they allocate capital to automation, they also invest in upskilling resources that can help employees gain the skills and knowledge needed to future-proof the business.

“Investing in workforce training ensures employees remain valuable contributors in an evolving industry while improving workplace safety, efficiency and innovation,” said Thomas Bailey, director of government relations at the American Bakers Association (ABA). “Automation creates a growing need for upskilling, allowing workers to develop valuable skills in data analysis, predictive maintenance and supply chain optimization.”

Walmart is an example of a company that embraces advanced technology in its supply chain network — and the need for educating its workforce — with open arms. The company’s wide range of upskilling programs creates new types of jobs, enhances the associate experience and strengthens its ability to deliver for its customers.

“Walmart is paving the way for good jobs and great careers in our supply chain,” said Tim Cooper, senior VP of supply chain operations for Walmart U.S. “This is more than an investment; it’s a commitment to our associates, our communities and our future.”

“AI presents significant opportunities to enhance the existing workforce and improve the job quality of individuals on the manufacturing floor.” — Thomas Bailey | director of government relations | American Bakers Association

Gains from tech investments

The intangible benefits related to upskilling can be just as impactful as the tangible ones: reduced employee turnover; increased morale, job satisfaction and engagement; higher productivity as a result of having people who are better equipped to do their jobs; the development of an innovative and creative culture; and a future-ready business.

“Automation has improved my quality of life,” said Chance Bayless, an automation equipment operator in one of Walmart’s high-tech regional distribution centers who completed one of the retailer’s upskilling programs. “Before, I was doing manually intensive labor: 85 percent manual labor and just a small fraction of that was mental. Now, I’m doing 85 percent mental and about 15 percent physical. I’m using my mind to solve problems instead of my body. It’s increased my quality of life, but it’s also increased my job longevity.”

It’s impossible to talk about automation without mentioning AI. According to ABA’s 2024 AI in the Commercial Baking Industry study, nearly 70% of the commercial baking industry has adopted or plans to adopt AI in some capacity, including via pilot programs in the next 12 months, with the top areas of focus being marketing and sales, supply chain management and manufacturing.

“AI presents significant opportunities to enhance the existing workforce and improve the job quality of individuals on the manufacturing floor,” Bailey said.

A well-rounded upskilling program, one that builds technical, digital and soft skills simultaneously, is essential as employees transition from manual tasks to ones that demand more interaction and critical thinking.

“Knowledgeable operators who can maximize runtime, minimize downtime, manufacture high-quality packaged products and handle a variety of tasks are productive, satisfied, self-sufficient, and typically the employees with the lowest turnover rate,” said Cliff Fitzgerald, technical training manager for Harpak-Ulma Packaging. “Learning how to operate and maintain automation requires digital skills, but the success of companies also depends on people who can communicate, cooperate and collaborate with others.”

This story has been adapted from the April | Q2 2025 issue of Commercial Baking. Read the full story in the digital edition here.

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