Bridgewater Interiors, a leading supplier of automotive seating systems, has launched a new partnership with the Michigan Language Center (MLC), a global language training company, to provide onsite English classes for its non-native English-speaking employees at the Lansing facility. This initiative, driven by Bridgewater’s commitment to employee development and engagement, is already generating excitement and positive feedback among staff.
A Strategic Investment in People
The decision to offer English language classes came after Bridgewater added a third shift and recruited a significant number of non-English-speaking employees. With eight different languages spoken at the Lansing facility, the majority being Spanish, the need to bridge communication gaps became clear.
Elaine Tingle, Vice President of Human Resources and Community Affairs at Bridgewater Interiors, shared her perspective on the partnership and its significance for the company’s mission:
“We saw a huge gap in communication between our manufacturing employees and our leadership team. Offering these classes ensures our employees understand their work instructions and safety protocols, which is crucial in manufacturing. But more importantly, it shows the company’s commitment to employee development and engagement. If employees don’t feel comfortable in their work environment, they are not going to stay. We want to retain our great employees and help them feel empowered.”
The English classes, which are run by Michigan Language Center, are held onsite before shifts begin and are tailored for mixed-level beginners. Prior to starting the classes, MLC assessed and interviewed all participants to fully understand their English level and their learning goals. This allowed the MLC team to provide personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. The program is entirely free for Bridgewater employees, reflecting the company’s investment in its workforce.
LaTora Walker, HR Manager at the Lansing Plant, shared how she’s seen a significant improvement in employee confidence after a few months of classes. One of the most exciting outcomes is the boost in confidence among our employees, which has been overwhelmingly positive. Students appreciate the structure of the program and having the classes before work. This approach shows we respect their time and are committed to making learning accessible.
Employees are not just learning English, they are using it. LaTora commented: “Many have shared how they now feel comfortable trying English in real-life situations, which is a huge step forward. Even with day-to-day operations, there’s a noticeable improvement in employees coming into the HR office more confidently to ask for help whenever they need it. I believe that the employees appreciate this initiative. Our company has a passion for helping employees reach the next level.”
Beyond the Workplace: Building Confidence and Community
Bridgewater Interiors’ commitment to its employees goes far beyond manufacturing automotive seats. The company places a strong emphasis on providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, believing that employee development is essential for both business success and community engagement. By fostering a culture where people are encouraged to improve their skills and become more engaged at work, Bridgewater ensures its workforce is well-equipped to meet customer demands and contribute positively to their communities.
Elaine emphasized: “It’s not just about work. It’s about our employees’ overall well-being and how they express themselves outside of work as well. Some employees haven’t had opportunities to learn English before, and now they don’t have to rely on translation tools or their children to interpret for them. This helps them become more independent and confident, both at work and in their communities.”
Bridgewater Interiors’ partnership with the Michigan Language Center is a testament to the company’s belief that investing in people drives business success and strengthens communities. With this initiative, Bridgewater Interiors is setting a standard for employee engagement and development in the manufacturing sector—proving that when companies invest in their people, everyone wins.
Martin Calvillo, HR Administrator at the Lansing Plant commented: “It’s more than just a class. It’s a chance for our employees to feel seen, supported, and empowered. Watching them grow more confident in using English, especially in the space that respects their time and culture, is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.”
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About Bridgewater Interiors:
Founded in 1998, Bridgewater Interiors is a joint venture between Epsilon Technologies and Adient plc, specializing in automotive seating systems for major automakers. With four facilities and 2,400 employees, Bridgewater is committed to quality, diversity, and community engagement.
