How do you hold on to workers? What makes a 390-year-old company last so long, and hold on to its employees? Let's take a look in this case study.
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| Mark Lovell of Zildjian crafts the basic shape of a cymbal in the Avedis Zildjian Factory in Norwell, Massachusetts. (Photo Credit: Getty Images) |
Zildjian is a massive, international company, with cymbals sold in many countries... but with very few workers in the company as a whole. As of 2011, Zildjian had an estimated value of $50 million, but the company only had four people in its finance department (Infor9). Yes, you read that right, four people. Four people do all of the finances for such a successful company. According to Glen Cobbett, director of finance at Zildjian, the company stays competitive by "managing costs" and using "Infor F9" as one of the "tools we use to help manage those costs" (Infor9). With such efficient software and management, it's no wonder the company doesn't need too many workers.
In fact, despite its international reach and being the largest cymbal manufacturer in the world, Zildjian only has 70 employees on its production line (Dotson). While the company has remained private and does not disclose specific sales information, it remains an impressive feat to keep up with demand while maintaining such a small staff.
According to Craigie, current CEO at Zildjian, the secret to the company's success is much simpler than people think. "It comes down to trust doesn't it?" she says. "You take care of us, and we'll take care of you." That pledge has remained unbroken since the beginning, which is why Zildjian has retained its current workforce for years (Dotson).
In addition, all laborers on the workforce are heavily involved in the production of each cymbal. "Every person on the line must approve the work they do. That's a big reason why [the company] has never outsourced a job overseas" (Dotson). By involving employees and making them feel valued, they are enjoying their time at Zildjian; this increased job satisfaction helps Zildjian to keep its workers. As a result, Zildjian hardly ever loses employees to layoffs. According to an interview with Mark Lovell who has spent 26 years with Zildjian, he has "never seen a layoff... ever" (Dotson).
So, what does this say about Zildjian? It shows the company cares about employees. It treats them fairly, their labor is valued, and the labor is never sent overseas; when Zildjian moved to the U.S., it stayed. The labor supports the U.S. economy, and shows Zildjian cares not just for employees, but about all stakeholders. That includes you, the reader. Zildjian loves for people like you to be a part of this family, and by purchasing and using Zildjian, you help to uphold important values: hard work, honesty, integrity, community, and, of course, music.
Disclaimer: The Zildjian Informer is for educational purposes only, and does not represent the Avedis Zildjian Company officially.
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