Waco, Texas—Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas celebrated the recognition of Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) and Knauf North America (Knauf) at the Texas Workforce Commission’s 27th Annual Texas Workforce Conference, which was held Dec. 4-6 in Grapevine.
The employers were recognized during the conference’s annual employer awards luncheon on Thursday. PCA was recognized as a finalist for the Large Employer of the Year Award, and Knauf North America earned the 2024 Texas Workforce Solutions Local Employer of Excellence Award. Nominated by Workforce Solutions, both companies were honored for their impactful partnerships that drive economic growth, advance employee training, and support talent retention in the Heart of Texas region.
“More than 653,000 employers call Texas home, and businesses like PCA and Knauf North America are the engine driving Texas’s economic success,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “By tapping into resources offered through the Texas Workforce Solutions system, employers help build a stronger, more skilled workforce.”
With over 150 years of industry leadership, PCA earned its recognition as a finalist for the Large Employer of the Year Award through its focus on workforce development. By hosting welding internships and teacher externships and participating in the annual YES! Expo, PCA helps prepare students and job seekers for successful careers. The company also partners with Workforce Solutions to enhance hiring processes and connect with top talent.
“This recognition highlights the impact we’ve made in Waco and the Heart of Texas by fostering career opportunities and building strong relationships,” said Mark Vera, general manager of PCA. “We’re proud to provide training and growth opportunities that strengthen both our workforce and the local community.”
The Local Employer of Excellence Award was awarded to Knauf for its collaborative efforts with Workforce Solutions to recruit, hire, and train employees for its new facility in McGregor, TX. Knauf has hired and trained up to 150 employees, with plans to train over 130 more through Workforce Solutions programs. The company is also an annual participant in the YES! Expo and partners with McGregor ISD and community organizations to support local youth programs.
“Knauf has built a workforce committed to safety, quality, and innovation,” said JT Tristan, Manager, Human Resources at Knauf. “We’re very proud of the support we’ve received and the opportunity to grow our organization while contributing to the Heart of Texas region.”
About the Awards:
The Large Employer of the Year Award honors companies with 500 or more employees that collaborate with Workforce Solutions to create meaningful job opportunities. The Local Employer of Excellence Award recognizes employers that make measurable impacts in their communities and the Texas workforce system.
For more information about Workforce Solutions and its programs, visit www.hotworkforce.com.
Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas serves Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan counties and is one of 28 local workforce boards funded by the Texas Workforce Commission.