Marine
Mercury Marine Propeller Plant Reaches Safety Milestone
FOND DU LAC, Wis. – Mercury Marine's propeller manufacturing plant (Plant 98) reached a safety milestone on Feb. 7, 2007, rarely achieved in the world of heavy manufacturing and never before achieved by this facility – two years without a lost time safety incident.
Mercury Marine is the world's leading producer of aluminum and stainless steel propellers for recreational marine engines. The company churns out more than 400,000 propellers in a year for worldwide consumption.
A lost-time incident, as defined by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is an occupational injury or illness that results in an employee being released from work by a physician.
In a plant where daily activities include pouring 3,000-degree liquid metal, surpassing this milestone was a challenge for its 75 employees.
According to Pete Schumacher, Furnace Maintenance Technician, the employees in Plant 98 made a decision about six years ago to place a greater effort on the prevention of injuries.
A safety committee was formed in the plant that included both plant employees and managers. Furnace Operator Bob Nolan is the Chairman of the committee.
Employees are encouraged to bring their suggestions for safety improvements to members of the committee. The efforts of this committee have resulted in improvements in the operation of the plant, enabling people to operate their equipment and perform their work in much safer ways.
“The more people see what we've accomplished around the plant, the more people are getting involved,” said Nolan.
A renewed commitment to safety was one of the primary initiatives driven by Patrick C. Mackey when he became Mercury's president in 2000, and every employee has since been tasked with creating a workplace where no one gets injured.
What's even more remarkable about this achievement is that the plant is at an all-time high in production volume.
“We are making more product than ever before and staying safer while we do it,” said Schumacher.
“I would like to congratulate each and every employee in Plant 98 for the recent safety achievement. This could only be accomplished through the efforts of all employees thinking ‘safety first,' ” said Dan Radke, Plant Safety Manager. “I would especially like to thank everyone involved in our safety committee.”
Darlene Fyvie, Plant Manager added, “Congratulations and thank you to everyone in Plant 98 for achieving two years without a lost time injury. The efforts of all employees in Plant 98 have resulted in this significant safety accomplishment. By looking out for each other, being aware of the working environment and identifying safety solutions we will continue to be a leader in safety at Mercury Marine.”
Mercury Marine is the world's leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A $2.3 billion division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury and its 6,200 employees worldwide provide engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications. Mercury's industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Mercury and Teignbridge propellers; MotoTron electronic controls; Mercury inflatable boats; Mercury SmartCraft electronics; and Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils. In 2007, Mercury Marine's OptiMax engine was once again ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Two-Stroke Outboard Engines in a Tie" by J.D. Power and Associates, and Mercury MerCruiser engines were ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Sterndrive Engines" for the second year in a row. More information is available at www.mercurymarine.com.
CONTACT: Ashley Bruckschen
Mercury Marine
Phone: 920-924-1373
Email: ashley.bruckschen@mercmarine.com
