From the Floor to the Field: Tristar Glass Stays Connected with Mobile Tools
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At Tristar Glass Products, internal communication is more than just sharing updates - it’s about creating a connected workplace where every employee feels seen, valued, and informed. As a leading commercial glass fabrication company with 220 employees across three U.S. plants, Tristar specializes in insulated and tempered glass for large-scale construction projects. But with a mostly deskless workforce, maintaining consistent employee communication across locations was a major challenge - until they implemented mobile communication tools.
The Challenge of Reaching a Deskless Workforce
“Email is a real struggle,” said Karen Kelley, CFO of Tristar Glass. “Most of our employees are on the floor, not sitting at a desk checking email.”
Before adopting a mobile communication solution, Tristar relied on printed flyers and word-of-mouth updates passed through plant managers. Important messages weren’t always reaching the right people at the right time, creating communication gaps and employee frustration.
That’s when Tristar turned to Engage by Cell’s mobile communication platform to streamline internal messaging and better engage their workforce.
Reliable Employee Communication, Direct to Their Phones
Using Engage by Cell’s texting platform, Tristar now sends timely, relevant messages directly to employees' mobile devices - ensuring critical updates reach everyone, whether they’re on the factory floor or off-site.
They use mobile messaging for:
- Urgent alerts, such as weather-related closures and power outages
- Open enrollment reminders and benefits updates
- Monthly newsletters with company news and announcements
- Interactive content, like riddles and giveaways, to boost morale
But perhaps the most impactful use has been the automated messages sent for birthdays and work anniversaries.
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“All of our employees have their start date and birth date in the system. On their birthday and work anniversary, they get a personalized text - sometimes even with a little GIF,” said Karen. “It thanks them and tells them how many years they’ve been with us. I’ve received them myself, so I know they go out!”
These automated messages help build connection and appreciation, without adding more work for HR.
Centralized HR Resources with a Mobile Web App
In addition to texting, Tristar uses Engage by Cell’s mobile web app as a centralized hub for employee resources. The app hosts 401(k) information, insurance documents, and other HR materials - all accessible 24/7 with no login required.
“We made it clear from the start: if you want to stay informed, this app is where to go,” Karen explains. That clarity has improved employee engagement and reduced repetitive HR questions.
Strengthening Culture Through Employee Engagement
Implementing mobile communication tools has done more than streamline updates - it’s helped Tristar Glass strengthen its company culture.
“We’ve tried to maintain a family-oriented culture as we grow,” Karen said. “These tools help us keep that connection. The little things - like a birthday text - really do matter.”
Tristar Glass shows how investing in mobile communication tools can transform internal communication, especially for companies with a deskless workforce. By delivering timely updates and personalized messages straight to employees’ phones, Tristar ensures its people feel informed, engaged, and appreciated, no matter where they work.
