GNP Co., the Midwest’s leading chicken producer of the Gold’n Plump and Just BARE chicken brands, has released financial results and other key performance indicators in its 2012 Farm to Fork Report. Despite another consecutive year of skyrocketing feed costs for the industry, the company exceeded expectations by growing ten percent for record-high sales and donating more than four million meals’ worth of chicken to food banks. The annual report outlines last year’s people, planet, poultry and progress achievements—most notably, three awards recognizing exemplary environmental performance for its state-of-the-art water treatment facility in Cold Spring, Minn.
“We’re very proud of the recognition we received in 2012, especially because we continue to focus on innovation and continuous improvement,” said Mike Helgeson, chief executive officer and third-generation in the family-owned business. “Our best ideas come from our people. In 2012, we were able save nearly two million dollars through process improvement suggestions and projects, with nearly 1,600 ideas coming from team members alone. That’s significant when considering extremely tight margins in a competitive commodity market like chicken.”
Long a company priority, GNP Company consistently focuses on its people as demonstrated through the longevity of its workforce. As of 2012, 32 percent of employees had worked with the company for more than ten years and the average tenure for family farm partners had exceeded 20 years. A corporate-wide safety program showed better-than-industry results for the fourth consecutive year in the company’s processing facilities. GNP Company also opened its first health and wellness center in Arcadia, Wis. “Our people are the basis for everything we accomplish and we’re thankful for that. We’re committed to supporting the wellbeing of our people who give so much to our company,” added Helgeson.
That philosophy seems to have paid off in 2012. In addition to the three environmental awards, the company was also named Minnesota’s Large Manufacturer of the Year by Minnesota Business Magazine and a “Partner of Excellence” by Target® Corporation.
GNP Company enhanced its product offerings in 2012. It launched a new line of chicken brats and sausages sold under the Gold’n Plump® brand, of which the chicken bratwurst was named a “Top Dog” by Family Circle Magazine. The Just BARE® brand renewed its Carbon Trust commitment to reducing its environmental impact, as well as the American Humane Association™ certification for its animal welfare.
For more about these highlights and other 2012 results—and a preview of 2013 efforts—GNP Company’s 2012 Farm to Fork Report is now available for download and viewing at www.GNPCompany.com.
Source: GNP Co.
