How Waupaca Foundry Keeps 3000 Employees Informed and Engaged

“It’s made a real difference. Our people are more informed, more connected, and more engaged. That’s the kind of impact that lasts.”
— Austin, Waupaca Foundry

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The Communication Wake Up Call

In 2018, a severe snowstorm hit Wisconsin, forcing Waupaca Foundry to shut down operations across multiple plants.

The real challenge was not the shutdown. It was communication.

Nearly 3,000 employees needed updates, many without company email or access to internal systems. The team relied on phone calls and social media, but it was not enough.

“That storm really exposed how unprepared we were to reach everyone quickly, especially the people who needed it most.”

That moment forced a shift in thinking. By early 2019, Waupaca launched theEMPLOYEEapp to connect directly with frontline teams.

A 6 Year Evolution: From Emergency Alerts to Everyday Engagement

It Started Small.Then Everything Changed

The rollout began with just 10 percent of the workforce. Adoption grew steadily through a phased approach, onboarding plant by plant and encouraging usage with clear communication and incentives.

By the end of the first year, more than half the workforce was active.

Then came 2020.

The pandemic turned the app into a critical communication channel for schedule changes, health updates, and direct CEO messages.

“That period changed everything. People started relying on the app because it gave them clarity and consistency when things were uncertain.”

Adoption surged to 85 percent, not because it was mandated, but because it became essential.

Today: A Core Part of the Frontline Experience

By 2021, EngagedlyFX wasn’t just a helpful tool, it had become part of how Waupaca communicates, operates, and builds culture across its plants. Every new hire is introduced to the app during onboarding, making it a core part of the employee experience from day one.

Today, usage has stabilized at a strong 70% company-wide, and the app is woven into the rhythm of daily life on the shop floor.

• Frontline workers check it for shift schedules instead of scanning bulletin boards.
• HR policies and benefits info are available 24/7, no more waiting in line to ask questions.
• Milestones like anniversaries and retirements are celebrated through posts that employees actually see and engage with. And perhaps most importantly, leadership is more visible than ever.

“Before, if you weren’t on email, you didn’t hear from leadership. Now, every employee, deskless or not, can watch business updates on their phone.”

Those regular video messages from the CEO aren’t just updates, they’re a symbol of inclusion. EngagedlyFX has helped close the loop between office and operations, turning top-down communication into something every employee can access and respond to no matter where they work.

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Personalized Comms That Respects Local Culture

One of EngagedlyFX greatest strengths at Waupaca Foundry is its flexibility. Rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach, the app empowers local teams to adapt communication styles based on what resonates with their workforce.

Some teams prefer to keep push notifications limited to urgent alerts, while others rely on regular updates like shift schedules, HR announcements, or benefit reminders to keep employees informed throughout the day. Across the board, personal milestones such as retirements and work anniversaries are celebrated through the app, helping employees feel recognized and valued.

“The culture in each area is different, and the app lets us respect that. It’s not top-down, it’s relevant.”

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The Meaningful Impact

EngagedlyFX has delivered real results across Waupaca Foundry:

• Faster Emergency Alerts: During sudden plant shutdowns (like “bottom drops”), alerts are sent in seconds, preventing unnecessary commutes and ensuring safety.
• Leadership Visibility: CEO video updates now reach all employees, not just those with email access, fostering transparency and connection.
• Reduced HR Load: Employees use the app to find policies and benefits, reducing routine HR inquiries and saving time.
• Higher Engagement: Employees are commenting on posts, reacting to updates, and feeling more connected to the company than ever before.

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