TPM West MI | Manufacturing Talent Alliance

Align Your Talent Strategy with Your Business Needs

Manufacturers across West Michigan face mounting pressure to meet production demands with a skilled, reliable workforce. The Manufacturing Talent Alliance empowers employers to take control—aligning talent strategy with business goals and building sustainable pipelines.

Led by TalentFirst and launched in partnership with the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA), this cohort convenes HR, operations, and business leaders from manufacturing companies across West Michigan. Together, members will solve shared workforce challenges through the proven Talent Pipeline Management® (TPM) framework from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Machine operator in advanced manufacturing

What is Talent Pipeline Management®?

It is a proven, employer-led approach to workforce planning. TPM applies supply chain principles to workforce strategy—helping employers take a proactive, data-driven role in closing talent gaps. Participants will:

  • Organize for employer-led collaboration
  • Project future job demand
  • Align and communicate job requirements
  • Analyze gaps in the talent supply
  • Build and manage talent supply chains
  • Improve performance through continuous feedback
  • Reduce costs in recruitment, training, and onboarding

TPM by the Numbers

  • 10-year proven track record
  • 33+ regional collaboratives
  • 3,000+ engaged employers
  • 1,000+ certified practitioners in 42 states
Download the Info Flyer
Download the TPM West MI | Manufacturing Talent Alliance flyer

FAQs

As a collaborative member, your company will:

  • Work alongside peer manufacturers to address shared talent needs
  • Reduce hiring and training costs through strategic alignment
  • Gain visibility into real-time talent demand and supply data
  • Strengthen relationships with local education and training partners
  • Position your organization as a leader in workforce innovation

TalentFirst & MMA will provide:

  • Strong facilitation and support from TPM-certified staff
  • Expert and confidential data analysis
  • Clearly defined solution and action plan to identified talent gap(s)

This is for manufacturers with a presence in West Michigan who are ready to lead the future of workforce development and talent creation.

Types of roles engaged from employers:

  • Executive sponsors who align the effort with company strategy
  • HR leaders who own talent strategy and workforce planning
  • Operations leaders who link talent to production

We’re seeking participants who are:

  • Strategic and data-driven
  • Collaborative and committed to collective progress
  • Reliable and action-oriented
  • Visionary in their approach to workforce innovation
  • 6-month cohort | July – December 2025
  • Monthly in-person working sessions
  • Ongoing virtual collaboration and data exchange
  • Confidentiality guaranteed for all employer-contributed data

Ready to Solve Your Talent Gap?

Join the Manufacturing Talent Alliance and help shape a stronger, more competitive future for West Michigan manufacturing.

Contact Carly Smyly to learn more, c.smyly@talentfirst.net.