PRIDE Seating and Panel Systems has continued to win new facility projects state-wide ranging from a three (3) cubicle site expansion to a state-of-the-art Regional State department facility. An additional focus has been providing furniture for school and county libraries and updating lobby furnishings. In the past two years, PRIDE has introduced seven new chair lines as a result of working hand-in-hand with their customers to develop new products. Many customers are turning to refurbishing their existing product instead of buying new furniture which has resulted in doubling the plant’s refurbishing business. Partnering with current vendors and developing new vendors has achieved excellent cost reduction results and production opportunities. Through it all, the focus continues to be on inmate on-the-job training and Mission Goals.

PRIDE Seating and Systems has won numerous industry awards including New Chair Development, Custom Made Woodworking and Refurbishing Networking.

PRIDE inmate workers are trained in 50 certified programs including Computer Assisted Design Drafting (CADD), Wood Fabrication, Wood Milling, Industrial Machinery Operation, Woodworking and Welding, Fabric Layout, Sewing, Upholstering and Assembly, Furniture Refurbishing, Furniture Assembly, Finishing, Powder Coating, Inventory Management, Quality Control, Administrative Assistant, Shipping and Receiving.

PRIDE Wood Products recently developed a number of new products which are being viewed with great interest by our customers..   Circulation desks show potential for expanding the library/media business. A new kiosk product design has been developed and soon will be visible in various sporting good stores in Florida. A line of furniture is being developed for off-shore customers and plans for developing church/courthouse benches are almost complete.

Inmate workers at PRIDE Wood Products are trained in over 20 certified programs including Wood Fabrication, Wood Milling, Industrial Machinery Operation, Woodworking, Fabric Layout, Upholstering and Assembly, Computerized CADD Design & Drafting, Computerized Inventory Management, Drill Press Operator, CNC Operator, Computerized Panel Saw Operator, Computerized Edge Bander, Hardwood Edge Bander, Advanced Finishing Operation, Computerized Router, Quality Control, Quality Control Shipping and Quality Control Receiving.

The addition of a CNC laser cutter machine and CNC presses has expanded the plant’s capacity and provides the necessary equipment to enter into new markets with innovative products.  A recent building expansion has provided much needed space for the new equipment and inventory storage. The result has been increased productivity driven by improved flow of materials. Now able to compete in a world-class market, PRIDE Metal Products has successfully met the demands of an increasingly sophisticated global customer base.

PRIDE inmate workers are trained in every area of production and are involved in the entire manufacturing process. They are trained in 50 certified programs including Computer-Assisted Design Drafting (CADD), MIS Systems Specialist, Machinist, Tool and Die Maker, Metal Fabrication, Welding Fabrication, Drill Press Operator, Metal Saw Operator, Quality Control, Materials Handler, Forklift Operator, Punch and Notch Press Operator, Milling Machine Operator, Mechanical Drafting, Bid Estimator, Metal Grinding, Finishing and Painting, Inventory Control, Shipping and Receiving, and others.

PRIDE Paint is a producer of Environmentally Safe, Water Based Road Paint approved and accredited by the Florida and Georgia Departments of Transportation. Products are tested and certified in an in-house, state-of-the art lab to meet stringent, quality driven customer specifications.

In 2009, PRIDE Paint sales exceeded expectations. Private sector sales grew significantly with new striping contractors and paint distribution outlets being added throughout Florida and the Southeast. The addition of Federal stimulus money to road and bridge projects definitely had a positive effect on paint sales.

PRIDE has been working with FDOT to develop a paint product with durability properties that rival those of hot spray thermoplastic. This high durability paint would open up a new market that has traditionally been serviced by thermoplastic products. Laboratory specifications have been developed and an outdoor certification test (“deck test”) will be scheduled in 2010.

PRIDE inmate workers are trained in certified programs including Paint Mixing, Liquid Setup and Labeling, Warehousing, Forklift Operations and Quality Control. Training includes Material Handling, Use of Lab Testing Equipment, Paint Mix and Packaging, Hazardous Material Specifications, Inventory Control, Shipping and Receiving.

In 2009, the state of Florida transitioned from a 5-year to a 10-year license plate creating available manufacturing capacity to support the needs for foreign, other states, federal, county/city government, or private entity needs.  All license plates are made from conversion coated aluminum and high-quality 3M vinyl sheeting and inks.

The Tag Plant works with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles and the 3M Company to develop new specialty tags that support various organizations across the state.  In 2009, five new specialty license plates were created that further expanded the variety of specialty tags for Florida’s citizens to choose from. The vanity (front-end) plate product line was increased to provide additional choices for organizations to identify themselves or to use in fund raising activities across the state.

A 2010 highlight for the Tag Plant is the completion of our embossing press configuration/standardization program. These configuration changes increased our manufacturing flexibility, enhanced production capacity, and improved tag quality. In 2009, we replaced upgraded our curing oven’s temperature control system with ultra violet sensors. The new ultra violet temperature sensors provide accurate oven control system inputs needed to maintain precise curing temperatures and proper ink and sheeting hardness requirements. PRIDE Tag/License Plates has received numerous awards including National Corrections Association Awards and State Davis Productivity Awards.

PRIDE Tag/Metal License Plate training programs are certified by Florida State University and Florida A&M University, College of Engineering. PRIDE’s inmate workers are trained in certified programs including Laminating Machine Operator, Embossing Press Setup and Operator, Coating Machine Operator, Shear Operator, Quality Assurance, Inventory Control, Shipping and Receiving, Production Management and Fork Lift Operator. PRIDE Tag Plant’s primary goal is to offer all their workers the opportunities to rehabilitate themselves by helping them to become productive members in society upon release.

As part of its Quality Management System, SM&S offers extensive, and sometimes intensive, training in the requirements of the American National Standard, ISO 9001:2008. Certification programs offered including ISO Internal Auditing and Lead Auditor, both of which entail specialized learning that can give any prospective employee an edge. Internally, ISO certification offers classes in New Hire ISO Orientation, Job Specific Procedures and Instructions, and Quality Team Member.

PRIDE SM&S has a comprehensive training and development program for both its inmate and civilian employees. Through classes offered both internally and externally, SM&S is able to maintain a highly effective and efficient workforce that prepares inmate workers for their re-entry to the outside labor force.

PRIDE SM&S inmate workers receive extensive On-the-Job Training (OJT) in different fields receiving PRIDE’s bronze, gold and silver training certificates for all departments.  PRIDE also offers courses from the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA), and certifications from Florida Atlantic Marine University (FAMU) & Florida Department of Education (DOE) for all completed employee training modules.

Lumber products recently enhanced its customer service by adding two trailer-mounted delivery forklifts. The dedicated team of truck drivers excel at efficiently and carefully delivering customers’ material on time and unloading as requested.  Another upgrade has been the addition of several outdoor furniture products made from recycled plastic lumber.  Trashcan receptacles, picnic tables, and benches have been redesigned to utilize the new innovative “green” plastic lumber.  Customers now have the option of purchasing these new recycled products in a variety of colors or the traditional wooden outdoor furniture products for which PRIDE is known.

PRIDE’s inmate workers receive accreditation from the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau, American Wood Protection Association and the Florida Department of Transportation. Certificate programs include Forest Management, Sawmill Operations, Planermill Operations, Forestry Operations, Pressure Treatment Plant Operations, Heavy Equipment Operations and Park Furniture Assembly. These operations require trained skills in Lumber Grading, Post/pole Sizing and Grading, Lumber Measurement, Care and use of Saws, Drill Presses and Mortisers, Lumber Stacking and Storage, Unit Conversions (board-feet, cubic feet, cords), use of Property, Plant and Equipment, use of Material Handling Machinery (forklifts, front end loaders, dozers), Reading Plans and Engineering Drawings.