By By KERRY WHIPPLE BEAN – Publisher
Brewton Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation workers can teach their corporate bosses a thing or two, their CEO said Friday.
President and CEO Patrick J. Moore was in town to help the Brewton plant celebrate 1 million hours - or 41 weeks - without a recordable injury, a milestone Moore said only four paper plants in the world have achieved.
In addition to its safety record, the Brewton plant has also been strong in production and in its turnaround from a shutdown, Moore said.
Smurfit-Stone employees enjoyed lunch on the lawn outside the plant Friday, with top management greeting local employees.
Moore emphasized that Brewton's achievement is good for the entire company.
Building on the company's track record in safety procedures and other areas will help the success of the company, Moore said.
Mill Manager Gary Miller read employees letters of congratulations from U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner and from Gov. Bob Riley.
Bonner said the safety rating is a &#8220good neighbor badge” for the Brewton mill, while Riley emphasized that the mill is a corporate citizen Alabama wants to keep.
The Brewton mill annually produces about 300,000 tons of white top liner, containerboard used for high-end packaging and point-of-purchase displays. The mill also produces 190,000 tons per year of coated bleached board used primarily for folding cartons.
Smurfit-Stone has 18 mills in North America.