Layoffs are mounting and businesses are closing throughout the city and state, but some companies are managing to stay afloat and prosper. Some are even hiring despite the poor economy.

OnProcess Technology, located on Father Devalles Boulevard, is one company that has stemmed the tide of layoffs. But it hasn’t been easy.

“We’ve made some cost-cutting measures and held off on merit raises in lieu of laying people off because we wanted to protect jobs,” said Edward Barry, the company’s president.
Based in Ashland, the inventory and management services company opened a Fall River office in January 2007. OnProcess hired 26 people upon arriving and has continued to add to its ranks. The company now has 190 employees, and the additions aren’t over, Barry said.

OnProcess is looking to fill another 12 customer service positions for a number of second shifts.

The company spent Thursday thanking employees for their efforts, with a cookout and an ice cream truck handing out frozen treats on a steamy afternoon.

Many companies have cut extra expenses, but Barry said it was important for the company to continue its annual employee appreciation day. The event was on a smaller scale than in past years, but Barry said the company needed to let employees know where they stand and what impact they have in its success.

“We have these kinds of events every year, but in other years we’ve done them at other places where we’ve included the whole family, but due to the economy, we had to cut back on that,” said Barry.

Instead, the company catered an outdoor barbecue party at the business. Games were plentiful, and prizes including a flat-screen television set, gift cards and other prizeswere available. A number of employees were also recognized for their innovation, customer service, accountability and more.

“We felt it was important to show the employees how important they are to us and the success of our business,” said Barry. “We can’t lose sight that our associates perform a vital service here.”

Rick Lunetta, vice president of human resources for OnProcess, said the company’s conservative planning in recent months is one reason for tis continued success.

“That’s why we’ve been able to continue to add new help on,” said Lunetta.

Anne Borges, a job specialist at the Fall River Career Center, said roughly 75 percent of the people hired at OnProcess have come through the Career Center. The center has also helped the company secure 14 interns over the summer.

She said OnProcess is looking for second-shift workers, with six positions available for shifts on Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight. Another six jobs are available to applicants who can work Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. shifts. All positions are full time with benefits.

“We ask that people interested in these positions should come to the Career Center with a resume and three references,” said Borges. “We will set up a time to meet with them and go through a prequalification and a data entry and call center etiquette testing process.”
Barry said roughly 95 percent of OnProcess hires have come from the greater Fall River area.

“There’s just been so much doom and gloom out there in the business world, and we were hoping to bring some positive news to the area, that we are holding our own and still looking to hire more people,” said Barry. “We also wanted to continue to recognize the dedication of our staff today and feel that with them, we will continue to grow despite the difficult economy.”

E-mail Jay Pateakos at jpateakos@heraldnews.com.