Danone prepares 20,000 workers for the AI revolution

In Poland, Danone is transforming its nutrition plant in Opole into a center for workforce training in AI and digital technologies. By 2026, the company plans to train up to 20,000 frontline workers to use AI tools, collaborative robots (cobots), and digital twins effectively. This initiative is in response to the pressing need for retraining existing employees whose job roles are evolving due to automation. Workers are receiving hands-on lessons in writing effective prompts, analyzing sensor data, and utilizing digital assistants, ensuring they remain relevant in the fast-changing landscape of work. As industries evolve, many roles previously viewed as stable—such as customer service and packaging—are becoming automated or their responsibilities are redefined. The World Economic Forum has predicted that nearly 60% of workers will need to acquire new skills by 2027, with one in four jobs potentially changing or disappearing. This situation poses challenges for companies like Danone, which recognizes that merely hiring new talent is inadequate; instead, they're focusing on upskilling the current workforce to meet the demands of the future. Furthermore, the potential benefits of AI adoption are significant. A report from McKinsey indicates that generative AI can unlock value ranging from $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion annually, contingent upon skilled personnel effectively managing these systems. Danone's proactive approach to training reflects an urgent priority to circumspectly navigate this transformative era, preparing employees for forthcoming challenges with a robust skill set. With its initiatives, Danone envisions setting new industry standards for human-machine collaboration. This forward-thinking mindset ensures that whenever the factory undergoes upgrades, whether it involves introducing cobots or advanced data management systems, workers can immediately deploy their training on the factory floor. This upgrade in skills not only boosts efficiency but also enables Danone to provide better service to its consumers and ultimately fulfill its corporate objectives.