CHALLENGE

PE-backed battery manufacturer with two segments entered a critical phase of restructuring, operational realignment, and confidential sale preparation. The stationary battery business serving data centers performed strongly, while the motive power segment serving automotive, forklift, and golf cart markets generated sustained losses and was being prepared for carve-out. Simultaneously, the long-tenured CHRO announced an unexpected retirement, creating leadership risk during a sensitive period. Near-term priorities included a union negotiation at a California facility, workforce reductions in the underperforming division, elevated health and safety risks, and high turnover in manufacturing roles. Leadership required an experienced, steady presence to manage labor risk, employee communications, and human capital strategy while supporting restructuring and sale readiness.

OUR ROLE

ETONIEN was engaged to provide an Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, reporting directly to the CEO, to stabilize HR leadership and manage these highly sensitive initiatives. Acting as a core member of the executive team, ETONIEN’s Interim CHRO supported the CEO, CFO, General Managers, and PE stakeholders through labor negotiations, restructuring execution, and preparation for a potential sale while maintaining continuity across a global workforce of 2,700 employees.

SOLUTIONS

Labor Relations & Union Negotiation Leadership

• Led preparation for and execution of union labor negotiations at a California manufacturing facility
• Balanced cost containment, workforce stability, and risk mitigation during a sensitive bargaining cycle

Restructuring & Workforce Communications

• Designed and executed employee communication strategies to support footprint changes and SG&A reductions
• Partnered with leadership to manage redundancy planning with clarity, empathy, and legal rigor

Strategic HR Leadership & Executive Partnership

• Elevated HR from a transactional function to a strategic advisor to the CEO, CFO, and General Managers
• Provided guidance on organizational design, leadership alignment, and talent implications of restructuring decisions

Health, Safety & Workforce Stability

• Oversaw HR support in challenging manufacturing environments involving high heat, hazardous materials, and stringent safety requirements
• Addressed elevated turnover and recruiting challenges through targeted workforce strategies

Sale Readiness & Continuity Planning

• Supported confidential sale preparation by stabilizing HR leadership, mitigating labor risk, and ensuring clean HR processes and documentation
• Provided continuity through a prolonged interim period, and reduced disruption during a sale process

OUTCOME

ETONIEN stabilized human capital leadership at a pivotal moment for the client, mitigating labor risk and strengthening executive decision-making during restructuring and sale preparation. The company successfully navigated union negotiations, executed workforce changes with minimal disruption, and transitioned HR into a trusted strategic partner to leadership. By ensuring continuity, credibility, and disciplined execution, ETONIEN’s interim professional positioned the organization to move forward with confidence through its restructuring and anticipated sale process.