Representatives from the North Carolina Department of Labor and a host of elected officials joined employees of Profile Products to commemorate 750,000 consecutive hours without a lost-time incident at the company’s manufacturing facility in Conover, N.C. The company reached the milestone in August, following a streak that began more than five years ago in February 2008.

A celebration, held at the production plant Sept. 17, was highlighted with remarks from North Carolina Commissioner of Labor Cherie Berry, in addition to comments read from U.S. Sen. Richard Burr’s office.

"Three-quarters of a million hours worked without incurring a lost-time injury is something that should be celebrated," Berry said. "It’s not often a company anywhere has the fortitude and focus to reach this milestone. We thank Profile Products for keeping safety top of mind for its employees and for setting such a great example for other North Carolina businesses to follow."

The Conover facility, under the ownership of Profile Products since March 2000, has a history of safety awareness. To ensure its employees remain up-to-date on safety procedures, the company holds biweekly safety meetings. Monthly safety tours are also conducted to check machines for deficiencies and to certify employees have safe access to equipment.

Profile Products is the world leader in hydraulic mulch production and a majority of that is produced at the plant in Conover. The plant manufactures and packages all of Profile’s engineered fiber matrix hydraulic mulches, erosion control blankets and wood fiber, cellulose and blended hydraulic mulch products. The manufacturing facility in Conover is one of three owned by Profile nationwide. Its other two plants are located in Blue Mountain, Miss., and Limestone, Tenn.

The Conover plant isn’t the only Profile manufacturing facility with an outstanding record of safety. In April, the company’s plant in Blue Mountain celebrated one million hours without a loss-time incident — a streak that dates back to 2002.

"This incredible accomplishment coupled with the streak at Blue Mountain shows every employee at Profile is committed to safety," said Profile Products President and CEO John Schoch. "Making sure that everyone in the Profile family is safe while at work or at home is our top priority, and our colleagues in Conover should be proud of the example that they set for others to follow."

For more information, please contact Jeff Salem, Swanson Russell, 402-437-6409, jeffs@swansonrussell.com.