Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services, has launched a $1 million bonus program to express gratitude to its employees required to work on-site at Kemin facilities during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
As a manufacturer that produces ingredients and solutions used to protect the health and safety of our food supply, as well as humans, pets and animals, Kemin is part of a "Critical Infrastructure Sector" as outlined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, permitting the company to continue operating with exemption during shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders.
"Our work is vital to the world's food supply and we have continued operating and producing ingredients to make sure that our customers – companies that are keeping grocery stores stocked – have what they need to keep their products safe, healthy and available to consumers," said Dr. Chris Nelson, President and CEO, Kemin. "We could not do this without the many individuals who show up to work every day, seven days a week, even as they manage the same uncertainty and stress surrounding us all during this unprecedented time."
This bonus initative was created to show appreciation and thank team members in North America – including Canada and Mexico – who cannot work from home during stay-at-home mandates and shelter-in-place orders. Many of the essential jobs include handling inventory and equipment, production, research requiring a laboratory, security, facilities, process transactions, and those who facilitate the ability of other workers to do their jobs remotely.
"Despite the challenges that COVID-19 has brought us, Kemin team members have demonstrated infallible work ethic and a deep dedication to their role in protecting our food supply during this crisis," said Nelson. "I'll never be able to fully convey how truly grateful I am for the effort these individuals put in every day. On behalf of the Nelson family, we hope this signifies how important our teams are to Kemin, our appreciation and how much they matter to our company."
Kemin has implemented other bonus programs and initiatives to support teams at its global locations, including Europe, China and Singapore.
