Gentex’s Spanish-Speaking Manufacturing Program Celebrates 5 Years

Zeeland, Mich., August 6, 2026 -- Gentex Corporation is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its Spanish-speaking assembly lines, or Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Program. The milestone reflects the company's commitment to removing barriers to employment, creating opportunities for Spanish-speaking employees, and strengthening its workforce. Since launching in 2021, the program has grown from a single production line on one shift to a multi-facility initiative that supports employees across all three shifts.

Gentex is a technology company and long-time supplier of electronic products for the global automotive, aerospace, fire protection, medical, and consumer electronics industries. The company is Ottawa County’s largest employer.

The LEP Program was established following the COVID-19 pandemic as Gentex sought new ways to address workforce needs while creating more opportunities for members of West Michigan's Spanish-speaking community. A cross-functional team put in place Spanish-language work instructions, safety procedures, onboarding materials, supervisory personnel, and company communications to ensure employees could fully understand expectations, stay safe, and feel included in the workplace. Recruiting efforts also strengthened relationships within the Latino community to connect more individuals with meaningful career opportunities.

Gentex LEP team member Araceli Pedroza

Over its five-year history, the LEP Program has averaged 200 employees at any given time, reflecting its sustained impact on Gentex's workforce. Since the program's launch, 74 employees have advanced beyond the LEP Program into other roles within the company, demonstrating the opportunities available for career development and growth at Gentex.

"In West Michigan, where Spanish is the second most spoken language, we recognized an opportunity to remove barriers and create pathways to meaningful careers," said Rosa Estrada, Vice President of Accounting and Corporate Controller, who helped spearhead the program. "The success stories we've seen over the past five years demonstrate what is possible when people are given the support and opportunity to succeed." 

The programs impact extends beyond hiring. Over the years, Gentex has expanded LEP resources to include on-site English-language learning classes in partnership with the nonprofit organization Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) and Zeeland Adult Education.

With additional skills training opportunities, employees who joined the program have advanced into roles such as Team Member Support, Material Handler, and other positions throughout the organization. 

Gentex LEP team member Elizabeth Rodriguez

"This program has given us the opportunity to grow and develop, and it has given us the confidence to perform our work to the highest standards," said Elizabeth Rodriguez, a Gentex employee who joined the program five years ago. "We are very grateful for the support, training, and trust the company has placed in us."

Employees also point to the positive workplace culture as a key part of the program's success.

Gentex LEP team member Silvia Almendarez

“My supervisor is always open to hearing any suggestions. He maintains good communication with our team,” said Silvia Almendarez, a five-year participant in the program.

The program has also played an important role in helping Gentex meet workforce needs while expanding access to employment opportunities.

"The LEP Program has helped Gentex connect with talented individuals who may have previously faced language barriers when pursuing manufacturing careers," said Seth Bushouse, Vice President of Human Resources. "By creating pathways for Spanish-speaking employees to join, develop, and advance within our organization, the program has strengthened our workforce while helping us meet long-term hiring needs. Just as importantly, it has allowed us to better reflect and serve the diverse communities where we operate."

As Gentex celebrates the program's fifth anniversary, the company remains committed to ensuring employees have the tools, support, and opportunities needed to build successful careers.

"Language should never be a barrier to opportunity," said Estrada. "The success of this program belongs to the employees, leaders, translators, trainers, and community partners who have helped make it possible. We look forward to continuing to build on that foundation in the years ahead."