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Portage Plastics co-owners Kevin Putnam, David Bernard and Gary Larkin show off their SHARP awards from WisCon and OSHA, as well as a congratulatory plaque from the Wisconsin Legislature signed by State Senator Luther Olsen and State Representative Jake Hines.
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PORTAGE, Wis. - The production lines were quiet for a few hours on Tuesday, November 18th as the owners and employees of Portage Plastics Corporation received the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) award from the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) WisCon occupational safety and health consultation program and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Portage Plastic's SHARP honor is one of only 15 in Wisconsin and about 1,400 nationwide. The thermoforming plastics manufacturer produces custom packaging products for many specialized markets, including food (individual disposable cereal bowls), medical packaging (sterile surgical trays), automotive (windshield wipers), agricultural (bird suet packs), personal care, hardware, consumer and industrial electronics.
To achieve the SHARP honor, Portage Plastics demonstrated a commitment to the health and safety of their employees and met or exceeded all of the requirements for participation in this voluntary program. The company had comprehensive safety and health evaluations from WisCon and corrected all hazards identified.
"Very few of these awards are given and we feel blessed and humbled to achieve this honor. It wasn't an easy task and we're very proud of our employees' efforts, especially our Safety Manager Christine Finger," Portage Plastics Corporation Co-Owner and President David Bernard said. "Our company is known in the industry for our quality, creativity and consistency. Achieving SHARP status adds to the strength of our corporation because it demonstrates that are employees are safe, healthy and happy."
Co-Owner and Vice President of Operations Kevin Putnam brought a bit of Hollywood to the celebration telling employees, "I'm proud to say I work with a bunch of 'Top Guns'. You are the best of the best."
Portage Plastics employees were joined at the award ceremony and lunch by representatives for Senator Herb Kohl, Senator Russ Feingold and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin. State Senator Luther Olsen and State Representative Jake Hines sent a congratulatory plaque. Portage Mayor Ken Jahn called the company "an asset to the community."
"Employees make the difference in the city of Portage," Jahn said. "That's what makes a community strong."
The SHARP award is only the latest recognition of Portage Plastics' commitment to quality. In 2002, the company achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification for quality management and customer satisfaction. In 2004, the company was named Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year and in 2006 was certified by the American Institute of Baking to produce food packaging.
Portage Plastics Co-owner and Vice President of Finance and Quality Gary Larkin acknowledges keeping employees healthy and safe makes good business sense, too.
"Our premiums for worker's compensation have been reduced and we've received rebates from our insurance company," Larkin said.
Process and Food Safety Manager Christine Finger echoes Larkin's thoughts.
"These types of certifications are very important for growing businesses," Finger explains. "Potential clients send us lengthy questionnaires about our safety and production. These companies look closely at the operations of their potential vendors. Recognitions like the SHARP award and our AIB and ISO certifications show these companies we take these issues seriously."
For Materials Handler Judy Jarogoske and Office Manager Betty Nadolski, the SHARP award represents the recognition of a lot of hard work by company employees.
"I think it's pretty impressive. Definitely two thumbs up," Jarogoske declares.
"I think it's super," Nadolski said. "The tenaciousness of Chris (Finger) led us to achieving it, and without the help and support of employees it wouldn't have happened."
The privately-held company is run by four co-owners: Bernard, Putnam, Larkin and Anthony Domerchie, Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Safety Manager Chris Finger and Portage Plastics' 115 employees have been working with WisCon consultants toward achieving SHARP status for a year.
WisCon Environmental Health Specialist Kim Dietz and Occupational Safety Consultant Program Supervisor Dick Lentz, along with Industrial Hygiene Supervisor Terry Moen, Acting WisCon Program Manager John Chapin and OSHA Assistant Area Director Galen Lemke presented the Portage Plastics co-owners their SHARP award.
Part of WisCon, SHARP honors small and medium employers that operate top safety and health management systems, while also maintaining an injury and illness rate below the national average for their industry.
The voluntary WisCon Program provides free assistance to employers to establish and maintain a safe and healthy workplace. Consultants conduct on-site monitoring for chemical, biological, radiological, and physical hazards; perform ergonomic evaluation; assess the employer's safety and health programs; and present occupational health-related training.
WSLH Photo Gallery of OSHA SHARP Award for Portage Plastics Corporation.
November 18, 2008 - Portage, Wis.
Frank Blume runs the first-shift cereal bowl line.
120,000 disposable cereal bowls are produced
every 8 hours. Portage Plastics bowls are used
by national instant cereal brands, as well as
institutional suppliers.
Materials Handler Judy Jarogoske makes a
last-minute delivery before the award ceremony.
Process and Food Safety Manager Christine
Finger stands next to rolls of plastic that will
become Portage Plastics products.
Story and Photos By: Jan Klawitter, WSLH Public Affairs and Training Manager
Date: November 21, 2008
