Oster named top industry
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The IDB developed the annual recognition in an effort to show appreciation to those industries that make Warren County a better place to live and work.
Oster was lauded for its economic impact on the area, employee relations, community involvement and relations, environmental stewardship and its overall business performance.
Plant manager Greg Sweeton said the company, which is currently expanding into the former Aquatech building, is pleased to be chosen for the recognition.
‘We’re very excited about it,’ Sweeton said. ‘Next year will be our 50th year in the community, and we’re pleased to be recognized for our past successes and what we’re doing right now. We’re all very thrilled to know we’re still a vital part of the local community.’
Sweeton gave much of the credit for the company’s success to its workforce.
‘Our success is really due to our employees,’ Sweeton said. ‘We have a lot of employees with long-term seniority. We have some with over 45 years seniority with us, and 50 percent of our workforce has 20-plus years seniority. We’ve had people who their children, and now their grandchildren, are working here, so it’s really truly a family type atmosphere, and people feel that community spirit through all the years that they’ve been associated with the business.’
One of the criteria for the award is the company’s community involvement, and Oster has always been noted for its support of charitable organizations in Warren County. Sweeton says the company believes this is an major aspect of its business.
‘As you know, our employees are very much involved with all the major charity events, and we have something we call the community fund, which is where the employees contribute a percentage of their paycheck, and then our company matches it dollar for dollar,’ said Sweeton.
Local organizations, particularly those involved with children at risk, or families at risk, can then apply for funds. After being reviewed by a panel made up of company employees, these groups receive financial support from this program.
In presenting the award, director of economic development Jeff McCormick talked about the company’s success as a world-class manufacturer, as well as its dedication to the community and to its employees.
‘Jarden is a global leader in the grooming equipment business,’ McCormick said. ‘Most importantly, Jarden Consumer Solutions is not only continually thinking of ways to make their products better, but they are also continually thinking of ways to make the McMinnville-Warren County area a better place to live and do business.’
County Executive John Pelham also lauded the company and its employees for their dedicated service to the community over its almost 50 years in the area.
‘I want to share with you today, how important you are to our community,’ Pelham said. ‘I want to say how proud we are of the past, and how excited we are about the future. We hear so much today about industry leaving our country, going overseas, going to Mexico.
‘Let me tell you something with confidence,’ Pelham continued. ‘Let me tell you about what we have here in America that other countries do not have. We have you, the American worker. And I think we’re starting to see a trend of jobs coming back as people realize how special you are, how dedicated you are, and that you simply cannot be replaced. I applaud you.’
In July 1958, Oster began its McMinnville operation with 11 employees, and in February 1959, moved into a new 57,000-square-foot facility at the present Cadillac Lane location. In 1963, an addition to the building was completed, doubling its size to 115,000 square feet.
The company has had a major effect on the local economy. Over the past five years, they have contributed approximately $50 million in payroll and contributed approximately $6.3 million to the local economy in purchases and services. In addition they have made capital improvements to the local plant of approximately $8 million.
They have been involved in community projects such as Kids of the Community, March of Dimes, Relay for Life, American Heart Association, among many others. Jarden is conscious of the environment and are true environmental stewards, as evidenced by awards, including the Governors Award for Excellence in Hazardous Waste Management.
‘We appreciate everything Oster has done for the community over the last almost 50 years,’ said McMinnville Mayor Royce Davenport, ‘and we are looking forward to another 50 years for the company here in Warren County.’