Peter Krauss, CEO of Plasticard Locktech International, held a series of internal town hall meetings to announce that, effective April 3, 2016, no one at PLI will make less than $13/hour. This surprise announcement comes after a previous commitment from the company to gradually raise employee’s wages to a minimum of $12/hour over a year’s time. The new pay increase plan will immediately increase all employees (who are not in their 90 day introductory period) to $13/hour, and set the starting minimum wage at PLI at $13/hour. This represents a $670,000 investment in their workforce, and further solidifies the company’s commitment to its employees and to Asheville. PLI’s Manufacturing Departments (production, printing, logistics, shipping, quality assurance, etc.) will predominately be affected by this increase in wage.

“One of PLI’s primary goals is to be an employer of choice, and our Vision statement is to be the ultimate destination for Customers and Talent. In order to be that, you must pay not only a livable wage, but a competitive wage as well,” said Mr. Krauss.

“With growing competition for talent in the Asheville area, coupled with our desire to continue to be one of the best employers in our market, this pay increase was in keeping with those goals and is simply the right thing to do,” added Amber Pressley, Director of Human Resources for PLI.

“PLI is looking for the best of the best. With starting wages at $13/hour, along with great benefits and being EMPLOYEE OWNED, we expect to be able to attract and retain the best talent in our area,” added Krauss.