With Relay, Recycle Management achieved instant English–Spanish translation, clearer team communication, faster task execution, and improved emergency response—all contributing to increased productivity and worker confidence.
RECYCLE MANAGEMENT
Metals Recycler Overcomes Language Barriers with Real-Time Translation
USE CASES
With 75% of staff being primarily Spanish-speaking, Recycle Management needed a way to reduce language barriers and streamline team communications. The metals recycler is now boosting productivity and increasing safety for all its employees with Relay’s TeamTranslate.
Recycle Management Simplifies Communications and Operations for its Diverse Team
Recycle Management LLC operates a sprawling 20-acre metals recycling facility in Rockingham, Virginia, recycling everything from household appliances and automotive vehicles to industrial scrap and recreational equipment. Handling heavy materials in a dynamic environment that is inherently loud, dusty, and dirty requires precise coordination. For the team at Recycle Management, clear and immediate communication isn’t just about efficiency—it’s critical for safety and smooth operations. However, language barriers within their workforce were hampering the team’s ability to communicate effectively.
Communication Bottlenecks in the Harsh and Demanding Environment
Operations Manager Blaine Cash emphasized the importance of clarity in their environment, stating, “Communication is very key back there, either loading the right material or staying out of the way of whatever else might be going on.” Before adopting Relay, attempts to bridge the language gap were inefficient and often frustrating. Yard Supervisor Nathan Walker recalled, “Trying to communicate before Relay was Google Translate or I had to go find somebody that was bilingual. It was difficult, especially if you needed something quick.”
These makeshift methods often led to misunderstandings and costly errors. “When we were communicating with just cell phones, the guys back there would say they would understand us, and then be off doing the exact opposite thing,” Blaine shared. This not only affected productivity but also placed an unfair burden on the bilingual employees. “The bilingual guys would feel like we’re always going to them, putting them in a position that they really didn’t want to be in,” Blaine added.
Finding a Robust, Multilingual Solution
Recognizing the need for a fundamental change, Recycle Management sought a communication tool that could provide instant language translation, withstand the elements in their harsh physical environment, and cut through the loud machinery noise, especially during critical safety situations. Relay stood out with its integrated real-time translation capabilities, rugged design suitable for demanding industrial use, and clear audio performance. “Listening to the guys in the loud environment back there, I can hear them clear as a bell,” Blaine remarked. The ability to communicate instantly with individuals or the entire team also addressed their operational efficiency and safety needs. Dependable battery life has further contributed to their confidence in choosing Relay, with Blaine noting, “I haven’t had anyone run out of battery yet. I think they can go 2-3 days.”
Real-Time Translation Boosts Productivity, Safety, and Confidence
The implementation of Relay yielded immediate and substantial benefits across Recycle Management’s operations. The most significant impact came from overcoming their language barriers. “With Relay, they’re actually understanding us,” Blaine confirmed, highlighting the effectiveness of TeamTranslate. “English to Spanish works great, the guys are understanding what we’re saying now and it’s boosting production. We’re not having to go back and ask guys to do what they already should have done.”
This newfound clarity streamlined daily tasks and even simplified routines like morning meetings. Previously the bilingual owner needed to conduct separate briefings. “Now with Relay, I’m able to hold the meetings, translations happening in real-time, and we only have to say it once,” Blaine explained. These positive changes extended to the team’s morale, as non-English speaking workers feel more empowered to ask questions and are more confident in their ability to understand instructions.
Beyond productivity and language translation, Relay has significantly enhanced safety protocols. “One of the big things with Relay is emergency situations. With a cell phone you’re just texting one person. With Relay, you’re getting it out to the whole crew,” Blaine stated, emphasizing the critical advantage of instant group alerts.
Just with the communication side and everyone doing what they need to do at the time they need to do it, communicating through the device, we already know it’s a big return on the investment.”
– Blaine Cash, Operations Manager at Recycle Management LLC
- Workforce is 75% Spanish-speaking – teams work across large indoor and outdoor areas with heavy machinery
- 20-acre metals recycling facility
- High-traffic, loud and fast-paced environment requiring constant coordination
INDUSTRY
OBJECTIVE
Upgrade and modernize team communication by implementing a rugged, multilingual communication system to eliminate language barriers, enhance team coordination, and improve safety at a 20-acre metals recycling facility.
RESULT
