Rumiano Cheese, a 106-year-old family-owned company, has a rich history of innovation and community support. Founded in 1919, this dairy manufacturer has consistently adapted and evolved, from its early support of the Apollo crew during the first lunar landing to its pioneering role as the first West Coast plant to produce organic cheese at scale in 2005. In 2021, Rumiano reached a significant milestone with the opening of a new packaging plant in Willows, California, set to double its packaging volume by 2026. However, the company’s vision for this facility extends beyond mere business growth; it is designed to foster community support and provide a nurturing environment for employees to thrive and succeed.
Patrick Henson, Rumiano’s VP of Operations, emphasizes the company’s commitment to being a leader in West Coast packaging while also prioritizing community welfare. The expansion plans for the Willows facility, which aims to increase from 50,000 to 200,000 square feet over the next few years, reflect Rumiano’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and workforce development. As a longstanding pillar of the community, Rumiano has always placed equal importance on business growth and employee well-being. This dual focus has created a culture of trust and collaboration within the company, essential for integrating automation into its operations.
In recent years, Rumiano has embraced an employee-centric culture, investing in its workforce to demonstrate its dedication to their development and growth. By engaging in open dialogue about automation, the company has successfully transitioned employees to more value-added tasks as they introduced automation technologies. This shift has not only improved productivity but has also empowered employees to take on more complex roles, enhancing their sense of value and contribution to the company.
Automating key processes like palletizing has been a strategic move for Rumiano, and finding the right partner was crucial to its success. Formic, with its innovative approach and maintenance support, proved to be the ideal collaborator for Rumiano. By adopting Formic’s $0 upfront model, Rumiano was able to redirect capital towards more impactful projects while benefiting from Formic’s maintenance expertise and operational flexibility.
Rumiano’s commitment to its people is at the core of its operations. As automation becomes increasingly integrated into its processes, the company views it not just as a tool for efficiency but as an opportunity to upskill employees and empower them to operate and manage new technologies. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and blending tradition with innovation, Rumiano is not only securing its future in manufacturing but also strengthening the community that has supported it for over a century.
In conclusion, Rumiano Cheese’s journey exemplifies the power of visionary leadership, a strong commitment to community, and a people-first approach to business. By prioritizing employee well-being, investing in innovation, and forging strategic partnerships, Rumiano has positioned itself as a forward-thinking and sustainable company in the dairy industry. As the company continues to evolve and adapt to changing market dynamics, its focus on its people remains unwavering, ensuring a bright and prosperous future for both Rumiano and its community.
