Smucker named top place to work By Candace Goforth, Akron Beacon Journal
At a time when the word "corporation'' elicits images of scandal and greed, there must be something appealing about a gingham-wrapped, jelly-scented company that operates under the golden rule.
Fortune magazine, citing small-town values and simple kindness, has named Orrville's J.M. Smucker Co. the best place to work in the country.
Smucker, known worldwide for its jams and jellies, is the first manufacturing company to achieve the distinction.
"I think maybe the Norman Rockwell factor and mid-America values are a little more back in favor now in this era when business seems to be getting the black eye,'' said Richard Smucker, who runs the company with his brother, Tim. "I think people are just looking for those tried-and-true values.''
"It isn't unusual to see Tim and Richard walk through the plant and talk to employees,'' said Kevin Wyler, secretary-treasurer for Teamsters Local 510, which represents 435 plant workers. "It is unusual in a company Smucker's size for employees to be so personally acquainted with the co-CEOs of the company. Smucker has always had a core belief in people.''
The J.M. Smucker Company Tops FORTUNE's List of '100 Best Companies to Work For' Press Release