The hum of machines.
The steam coming off freshly made mozzarella cheese.
They’re just some of the sights and sounds inside Lactalis American Group on South Park Avenue in South Buffalo.
Lactalis makes about 200,000 lbs of mozzarella cheese in a day and that's also only one of its products. It also manufacturers ricotta, provolone, and whey protein.
“It's very interesting to me,” said cheese maker, Ray Zeis.
Zeis has worked at Lactalis for 34 years. “I don't like to sit in one job or a desk job. I like to get my hands into things.”
At 57-years-old, Zeis is considering retiring soon. Bill Senay is the plant director. He said the aging workforce is one reason why the company is looking to hire. About 30% of employees have been there at least 25 years.
He said the challenge is low unemployment. “We're up against it and we're trying to recruit good employees just like everyone else.”
The company offers a 50 percent discount on products to employees once a month. Although, Senay said new hires have other perks in mind. “Flexibility. We want more flexibility. We don't want a 9 to 5 or 6 to 2:30 job,” he explained. The company is working with human resources to accommodate applicants.
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