What began as a crisis response during a 2018 snowstorm has become a cultural mainstay at Waupaca Foundry. Today, theEMPLOYEEapp is more than a comms tool—it’s how Waupaca keeps 3,000+ employees informed, connected, and empowered, every day.
“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
In 2018, a severe snowstorm hit Wisconsin, dumping over 30 inches in just a few days. Waupaca Foundry was forced to shut down operations across multiple plants.
The challenge? Reaching nearly 3,000 employees, many of whom had no company email or access to internal systems. With nearly half the workforce deskless, the HR team scrambled to get the word out. Phone calls were made. Social media posts were shared. But it wasn’t enough.
“That storm really exposed how unprepared we were to reach everyone quickly—especially the people who needed it most.”
— Austin, Communications, Waupaca Foundry
That moment became the catalyst for change. By early 2019, Waupaca launched theEMPLOYEEapp—a mobile-first platform designed to connect directly with frontline teams.
Waupaca’s initial rollout of theEMPLOYEEapp in 2019 started small, with just 10% of the workforce on board. But adoption grew steadily as the team took a thoughtful, phased approach– introducing the app plant by plant and boosting participation with swag giveaways and clear onboarding. By the end of that year, over half the workforce was actively using it.
Then, in early 2020, the pandemic hit– and everything changed. The app quickly became a lifeline for real-time schedule changes, health updates, and direct video messages from the CEO.
“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% almost overnight, not because people were told to use it—but because they needed it.
By 2021, theEMPLOYEEapp 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.
“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. TheEMPLOYEEapp 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.
One of theEMPLOYEEapp’s 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.”
theEMPLOYEEapp has delivered real results across Waupaca Foundry:
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