Arizona MEP Helps ChemResearch Launch 12-Month Training Program
ChemResearch Corporation, based in Phoenix, is a leading metal finishing company serving the aerospace, defense, medical, semiconductor, electronics, space, and heavy equipment industries. Its customers include regional and national machine shops as well as OEMs such as Boeing, Honeywell, Rolls-Royce, and SpaceX.
Over its 65-year history, ChemResearch has invested heavily in facility upgrades, AS9100 and NADCAP certifications, quality management systems, and employee development. The company’s services have expanded to include abrasive and non-abrasive blasting, light assembly, prototype finishing, and testing to ensure compliance with strict customer specifications.
Investing in Employees
ChemResearch employs approximately 80 people, with an average tenure of 10 to 15 years. In a competitive labor market, the company continues to enhance its benefits and training programs to support retention, particularly for entry-level employees.
“You have to engage employees at the start of employment and continue to remind them not only about the 401(k) benefit, but the entire benefits package, including medical and auxiliary plans,” said Tony Bouie, ChemResearch’s HR Business Partner. “Training is part of that investment. It helps employees develop new skills and advance their careers.”
To support this strategy, ChemResearch developed a structured 12-month training program focused on skill development and process improvement.
Launching a 12-Month Training Program
With support from Arizona MEP, ChemResearch applied for and received a grant through the Incumbent Worker Training Program offered by Arizona at Work and the City of Phoenix. The grant provided financial assistance to support training initiatives for existing employees.
“Arizona MEP was a big help during the grant application process and helped us build a well-rounded training program that exceeded our expectations,” said Bouie.
Leveraging Arizona MEP expertise in Lean manufacturing, organizational development, and business operations, ChemResearch delivered a variety of training options tailored to employee needs.
“Our work with ChemResearch is a great example of how we support manufacturers,” said Rodney Nelson, Senior Client Advisor at Arizona MEP. “We identify business goals, match the right resources, and help implement solutions, not just recommend them.”
Building Skills and Strengthening Reputation
The training program delivered immediate benefits. Employees who completed Excel, customer service, and sales training gained foundational skills applicable to both current and future roles. Lean manufacturing training incorporated hands-on activities that produced immediate operational improvements.
“The Lean manufacturing training produced some of the best results for us,” said Bouie. “The team focused on one operational area and applied Lean principles to reorganize, clean, document, and streamline processes. Now when potential customers tour our facility, they often comment that it’s one of the most organized facilities they’ve seen.”
Reinforcing HR Policies and Supervisor Skills
Arizona MEP also supported ChemResearch by delivering supervisor training focused on HR best practices. The training covered communication, conflict resolution, performance evaluations, and legal compliance.
“The supervisor training was very beneficial,” Bouie noted. “After the training, I saw a noticeable improvement in how managers delivered feedback to employees.”
Nationally Certified Aerospace Training
In addition to Arizona MEP-led training, ChemResearch enrolled two employees in the Airline and Aerospace Finishing course offered by the National Association of Surface Finishing. The self-paced course provides foundational instruction on aerospace metal finishing operations.
Employees selected for the program demonstrated strong performance and interest in expanding their roles within the company.
Continuing the Training Program
While the grant helped launch ChemResearch’s training program, the company remains committed to continuing employee development beyond the funding period.
“Arizona MEP services and training materials put us on a strong trajectory to continue this program after the grant funding ends,” said Bouie. “Next year, we’ll focus on specific areas to maximize the impact of our training budget.”