Sauder's Eggs Cracks Communication Barriers, Boosting Efficiency and Morale

Sauder’s Eggs isn’t your average egg company. What began as a humble family operation in the 1930s has become one of the nation’s leading egg companies. For decades, they have built their business by partnering with over 100 local, family-owned farms across Pennsylvania and Ohio to deliver some of the freshest eggs possible. At their packing facilities, like the one in Lititz, PA, a dedicated team works around loud, fast-moving machinery to grade, pack, and ship fresh eggs to customers across the country.

A Scramble to Be Heard

Inside Sauder’s busy packing facilities, however, past communication methods couldn’t keep pace with their commitment to quality. Plant Manager Cody Rhinier, knew the old system was flawed. They had previously used traditional walkie-talkies with long cords that would snag on equipment. This led to a less-than-ideal workaround. “Half the time people were just yelling across the production floor,” Cody shared.

The challenge was compounded by a significant language barrier. With a team that is roughly 50% non-English speaking—including speakers of Spanish, Vietnamese, and Arabic—clear, real-time communication was often difficult, relying on typing into translation apps or using an on-call phone service. This not only slowed down operations but also limited opportunities for talented employees who weren’t fluent in English.

A Fresh Way to Connect the Flock

Having heard about Relay at a previous company, Cody knew it could be the right solution for their diverse Lititz, PA facility. He introduced the devices to bridge the gaps in their operations and the impact was immediate, especially for overcoming language barriers. No longer limited by impersonal apps, team members could now speak in their native language and be understood instantly by others.

This unlocked new potential for the team. “It’s easier to move some of these non-English-speaking employees into some more key positions that do require radios and communication,” Cody explained. “And now, we have some very good employees who don’t speak any English, but they’re some of my key people on the floor that I need every day.”

The change was deeply felt by employees. Cody shared a story about introducing the Relay device to a key Vietnamese-speaking line lead: “I spoke into it and she heard it in English and she goes, ‘oh good.’ And then it started translating in Vietnamese and she just kind of looked at me and she was so happy. It was just a really really cool reaction to see and now we use them every day.” 

The sentiment was echoed by Sophie Schmitt, Senior Director of Marketing at Sauder’s Eggs who had recently been discussing the capabilities of Relay with Sauder’s CEO. She shared his feedback that he wished he had Relay back when he was running the plant because it was often difficult to be understood, resulting in wasted time and miscommunications.

Clearer Communication Delivers Grade A Results

With Relay in hand, Sauder’s has transformed its day-to-day operations. The crystal-clear audio has eliminated the need to shout over machinery, creating a more organized and professional environment. “With the radio’s running off 4G, I can hear them whether I’m here or if I run to another facility for something,” Cody adds, highlighting the reliability of the network.

• Operational Efficiency: In egg packing, precision is everything. Miscommunication can lead to over-packing one order while shorting another. With Relay, the team can coordinate seamlessly. “It’s just crucial to have good communication to make sure orders are getting completed as efficiently as possible,” said Cody.
• Enhanced Safety: Should a team member need assistance, they can use their Relays to instantly alert Cody and a supervisor, far faster than if they had to walk to the intercom, page someone, and wait for a callback or to be met at a specific location. The intercom system didn’t allow the team to communicate additional details quickly and could be difficult to hear over the facility’s loud machinery.
• Stronger Culture: For Cody, the biggest change has been in the team’s culture. He can now connect with every employee, regardless of the language they speak. “I’m a huge people person, and when I come in on a Monday, I like to ask people how their weekend was. Before, I could only ask whoever spoke English, but now that we have so many different languages, I can go around, use the radio and ask everybody,” he said. This ability to build personal connections, he believes, is critical for retention.

“Relay creates a more personable experience and you build a stronger relationship with your employees. I think this will help make them feel more comfortable here and want to stay rather than go to another company where they can’t talk to anybody.” 

– Cody Rhinier, Plant Manager, Sauder’s Eggs

For Sauder’s Eggs, the decision was simple. The affordability and immense value made it an easy choice. As Cody put it, the cost was a “no brainer.” By investing in their people and their ability to connect, Sauder’s Eggs didn’t just find a better walkie-talkie; they found a tool that strengthens their entire operation from the ground up.