Latest news with #VPPStar
Associated Press
20-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
UniFirst's Owensboro Earns OSHA's VPP Star Certification and Governor's Health and Safety Award
WILMINGTON, Mass., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UniFirst Corporation (NYSE:UNF), a North American leader in providing customized business uniform programs, facility service products and first aid and safety services, proudly announces that its Owensboro Distribution and Fulfillment Center in Kentucky has achieved two major safety milestones. UniFirst has once again received the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and it has also been honored with the prestigious Governor's Safety and Health Award, presented by Gov. Andy Beshear, Kentucky. The VPP Star certification, OSHA's highest recognition for workplace safety and health practices, is awarded to organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to safety. Additionally, the Governor's Safety and Health Award recognizes workplaces that have exceeded 1,000,000 hours without a lost time incident, showcasing the extraordinary measures taken to foster a positive and effective safety culture. UniFirst's Owensboro Distribution Center has now earned the esteemed Governor's honor for the fourth time, with previous recognition in 2010, 2020, and 2022, validating UniFirst's commitment to employee safety and operational excellence. 'Our dedicated Team Partners are the reason we've been able to achieve these incredible safety milestones,' said Michael Gunter, Safety Engineer, UniFirst–Owensboro. 'Success in safety doesn't happen by chance; it's the result of diligent efforts, daily teamwork, and a deep belief in the value of our safety programs. Whether we're tracking hazards, conducting team-led audits, or coming up with innovative safety enhancements, every Team Partner plays a crucial role in ensuring everyone goes home safe.' The VPP certification process is rigorous, involving thorough evaluations and on-site audits conducted by Kentucky OSHA experts, alongside comprehensive employee surveys to verify a strong safety-first culture. Achieving over 1,000,000 hours worked without a lost time incident reflects an adherence to strict safety protocols and a collaborative mindset in maintaining workplace safety. For UniFirst, these honors serve as vital benchmarks of its proactive safety measures and dedication to protecting its workforce. 'Receiving the Governor's Safety and Health Award for the fourth time proves how deeply ingrained safety is in everything we do,' said Kerry Bailey, Human Resource Manager, UniFirst—Owensboro. 'It's about creating an environment where every employee feels empowered to prioritize safety. To reach this level of recognition again is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every Owensboro Team Partner.' Dan Getter, Sr. Manager of Safety Operations, UniFirst, added, 'Our Team Partners embody the culture of safety we have worked so hard to build. From identifying potential risks to participating in regular audits and reviews, achieving both the VPP Star certification and the Governor's Safety and Health Award is proof that safety is truly a shared responsibility and an intentional daily effort.' The Owensboro facility's commitment to safety includes, ongoing bi-weekly plant audits, quarterly evaluations across 25 operational areas, and direct contributions from Team Partners. These practices have positioned UniFirst as a leader in workplace safety and culture, setting a standard in Kentucky as well as across North America. These safety achievements coincide with the company's groundbreaking of a 109,000-square-foot expansion project at the Owensboro Distribution Center. The expansion, which will bring the facility's total footprint to nearly half a million square feet, has received recognition and support from Gov. Beshear, further underscoring its importance in the region. Together, these safety honors and infrastructure projects exemplify UniFirst's ongoing investment in its people and operations. To learn more about the OSHA Voluntary Protection Program and its importance in fostering workplace safety, visit OSHA's VPP website. For more information about UniFirst Corporation and its award-winning services, visit About UniFirst Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., UniFirst Corporation (NYSE: UNF) is a North American leader in the supply and servicing of uniform and workwear programs, facility service products, as well as first aid and safety supplies and services. Together with its subsidiaries, the company also manages specialized garment programs for the cleanroom and nuclear industries. In addition to partnering with leading brands, UniFirst manufactures its own branded workwear, protective clothing, and floorcare products at its three company-owned ISO-9001 certified manufacturing facilities. With more than 270 service locations, over 300,000 customer locations, and 16,000-plus employee Team Partners, the Company outfits more than 2 million workers every day. For additional information, contact UniFirst at 888.296.2740 or visit Follow UniFirst on Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE UNIFIRST CORPORATION
Cision Canada
20-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
UniFirst's Owensboro Earns OSHA's VPP Star Certification and Governor's Health and Safety Award
WILMINGTON, Mass., May 20, 2025 /CNW/ -- UniFirst Corporation (NYSE:UNF), a North American leader in providing customized business uniform programs, facility service products and first aid and safety services, proudly announces that its Owensboro Distribution and Fulfillment Center in Kentucky has achieved two major safety milestones. UniFirst has once again received the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and it has also been honored with the prestigious Governor's Safety and Health Award, presented by Gov. Andy Beshear, Kentucky. The VPP Star certification, OSHA's highest recognition for workplace safety and health practices, is awarded to organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to safety. Additionally, the Governor's Safety and Health Award recognizes workplaces that have exceeded 1,000,000 hours without a lost time incident, showcasing the extraordinary measures taken to foster a positive and effective safety culture. UniFirst's Owensboro Distribution Center has now earned the esteemed Governor's honor for the fourth time, with previous recognition in 2010, 2020, and 2022, validating UniFirst's commitment to employee safety and operational excellence. "Our dedicated Team Partners are the reason we've been able to achieve these incredible safety milestones," said Michael Gunter, Safety Engineer, UniFirst–Owensboro. "Success in safety doesn't happen by chance; it's the result of diligent efforts, daily teamwork, and a deep belief in the value of our safety programs. Whether we're tracking hazards, conducting team-led audits, or coming up with innovative safety enhancements, every Team Partner plays a crucial role in ensuring everyone goes home safe." The VPP certification process is rigorous, involving thorough evaluations and on-site audits conducted by Kentucky OSHA experts, alongside comprehensive employee surveys to verify a strong safety-first culture. Achieving over 1,000,000 hours worked without a lost time incident reflects an adherence to strict safety protocols and a collaborative mindset in maintaining workplace safety. For UniFirst, these honors serve as vital benchmarks of its proactive safety measures and dedication to protecting its workforce. "Receiving the Governor's Safety and Health Award for the fourth time proves how deeply ingrained safety is in everything we do," said Kerry Bailey, Human Resource Manager, UniFirst—Owensboro. "It's about creating an environment where every employee feels empowered to prioritize safety. To reach this level of recognition again is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every Owensboro Team Partner." Dan Getter, Sr. Manager of Safety Operations, UniFirst, added, "Our Team Partners embody the culture of safety we have worked so hard to build. From identifying potential risks to participating in regular audits and reviews, achieving both the VPP Star certification and the Governor's Safety and Health Award is proof that safety is truly a shared responsibility and an intentional daily effort." The Owensboro facility's commitment to safety includes, ongoing bi-weekly plant audits, quarterly evaluations across 25 operational areas, and direct contributions from Team Partners. These practices have positioned UniFirst as a leader in workplace safety and culture, setting a standard in Kentucky as well as across North America. These safety achievements coincide with the company's groundbreaking of a 109,000-square-foot expansion project at the Owensboro Distribution Center. The expansion, which will bring the facility's total footprint to nearly half a million square feet, has received recognition and support from Gov. Beshear, further underscoring its importance in the region. Together, these safety honors and infrastructure projects exemplify UniFirst's ongoing investment in its people and operations. To learn more about the OSHA Voluntary Protection Program and its importance in fostering workplace safety, visit OSHA's VPP website. For more information about UniFirst Corporation and its award-winning services, visit About UniFirst Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., UniFirst Corporation (NYSE: UNF) is a North American leader in the supply and servicing of uniform and workwear programs, facility service products, as well as first aid and safety supplies and services. Together with its subsidiaries, the company also manages specialized garment programs for the cleanroom and nuclear industries. In addition to partnering with leading brands, UniFirst manufactures its own branded workwear, protective clothing, and floorcare products at its three company-owned ISO-9001 certified manufacturing facilities. With more than 270 service locations, over 300,000 customer locations, and 16,000-plus employee Team Partners, the Company outfits more than 2 million workers every day. For additional information, contact UniFirst at 888.296.2740 or visit Follow UniFirst on Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UniFirst's Owensboro Earns OSHA's VPP Star Certification and Governor's Health and Safety Award
WILMINGTON, Mass., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UniFirst Corporation (NYSE:UNF), a North American leader in providing customized business uniform programs, facility service products and first aid and safety services, proudly announces that its Owensboro Distribution and Fulfillment Center in Kentucky has achieved two major safety milestones. UniFirst has once again received the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and it has also been honored with the prestigious Governor's Safety and Health Award, presented by Gov. Andy Beshear, Kentucky. The VPP Star certification, OSHA's highest recognition for workplace safety and health practices, is awarded to organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to safety. Additionally, the Governor's Safety and Health Award recognizes workplaces that have exceeded 1,000,000 hours without a lost time incident, showcasing the extraordinary measures taken to foster a positive and effective safety culture. UniFirst's Owensboro Distribution Center has now earned the esteemed Governor's honor for the fourth time, with previous recognition in 2010, 2020, and 2022, validating UniFirst's commitment to employee safety and operational excellence. "Our dedicated Team Partners are the reason we've been able to achieve these incredible safety milestones," said Michael Gunter, Safety Engineer, UniFirst–Owensboro. "Success in safety doesn't happen by chance; it's the result of diligent efforts, daily teamwork, and a deep belief in the value of our safety programs. Whether we're tracking hazards, conducting team-led audits, or coming up with innovative safety enhancements, every Team Partner plays a crucial role in ensuring everyone goes home safe." The VPP certification process is rigorous, involving thorough evaluations and on-site audits conducted by Kentucky OSHA experts, alongside comprehensive employee surveys to verify a strong safety-first culture. Achieving over 1,000,000 hours worked without a lost time incident reflects an adherence to strict safety protocols and a collaborative mindset in maintaining workplace safety. For UniFirst, these honors serve as vital benchmarks of its proactive safety measures and dedication to protecting its workforce. "Receiving the Governor's Safety and Health Award for the fourth time proves how deeply ingrained safety is in everything we do," said Kerry Bailey, Human Resource Manager, UniFirst—Owensboro. "It's about creating an environment where every employee feels empowered to prioritize safety. To reach this level of recognition again is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every Owensboro Team Partner." Dan Getter, Sr. Manager of Safety Operations, UniFirst, added, "Our Team Partners embody the culture of safety we have worked so hard to build. From identifying potential risks to participating in regular audits and reviews, achieving both the VPP Star certification and the Governor's Safety and Health Award is proof that safety is truly a shared responsibility and an intentional daily effort." The Owensboro facility's commitment to safety includes, ongoing bi-weekly plant audits, quarterly evaluations across 25 operational areas, and direct contributions from Team Partners. These practices have positioned UniFirst as a leader in workplace safety and culture, setting a standard in Kentucky as well as across North America. These safety achievements coincide with the company's groundbreaking of a 109,000-square-foot expansion project at the Owensboro Distribution Center. The expansion, which will bring the facility's total footprint to nearly half a million square feet, has received recognition and support from Gov. Beshear, further underscoring its importance in the region. Together, these safety honors and infrastructure projects exemplify UniFirst's ongoing investment in its people and operations. To learn more about the OSHA Voluntary Protection Program and its importance in fostering workplace safety, visit OSHA's VPP website. For more information about UniFirst Corporation and its award-winning services, visit About UniFirstHeadquartered in Wilmington, Mass., UniFirst Corporation (NYSE: UNF) is a North American leader in the supply and servicing of uniform and workwear programs, facility service products, as well as first aid and safety supplies and services. Together with its subsidiaries, the company also manages specialized garment programs for the cleanroom and nuclear industries. In addition to partnering with leading brands, UniFirst manufactures its own branded workwear, protective clothing, and floorcare products at its three company-owned ISO-9001 certified manufacturing facilities. With more than 270 service locations, over 300,000 customer locations, and 16,000-plus employee Team Partners, the Company outfits more than 2 million workers every day. For additional information, contact UniFirst at 888.296.2740 or visit Follow UniFirst on Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE UNIFIRST CORPORATION
National Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Cintas Location in Richmond Certified as VPP Star Site
Article content OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star recognizes Cintas location as a top worksite for health and safety management and practices Article content Article content RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Administration (VOSH) formally honored Cintas Corporation's (Nasdaq: CTAS) First Aid Division site in Richmond, Virginia, as a VPP Star-certified location. Article content OSHA established the VPP Star program to recognize outstanding worksites implementing effective and comprehensive health and safety management systems. Companies that receive a VPP Star designation have achieved injury and illness rates below the national average for their respective industries and have developed robust programs for controlling workplace hazards. During the presentation, Rachel Jones, the Richmond location's General Manager, accepted the honor on behalf of the team. Article content 'Achieving VPP Star status is a major accomplishment for our employee-partners,' said Jones. 'I am very proud of our team's collective effort in reaching this recognition, as it demonstrates our proactive approach to protecting our most valuable asset: our people. This culmination of dedication, collaboration, and continuous improvement has earned us this recognition, and the same will guide us in maintaining these standards for years to come.' Article content OSHA established the VPP Star to promote effective and cooperative worksite health and safety in both private industry and government worksites. Article content Achieving VPP Star certification is a rigorous process. Businesses must show that management and employees work together proactively to prevent workplace accidents. This is accomplished by implementing a comprehensive health and safety management system and maintaining injury and illness rates below the national averages reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for their specific industries. Article content This program is OSHA's official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational health and safety. Participants must be re-evaluated every three to five years to remain in the program. Article content Cintas' commitment to OSHA's VPP Star program has set a new standard for U.S. companies. As of April 2025, 139 Cintas facilities in the United States are VPP Star certified, a total that far exceeds that of any other company. Article content 'Achieving VPP certification is a team effort focused on eliminating workplace injuries,' said Stephen Jenkins, Cintas Vice President of Health & Safety, who oversees the company's VPP certification process. 'Our drive for excellence motivates us to meet the highest standards. We are extremely proud of our employee-partners and their dedication to maintaining safe and healthy worksites.' Article content Cintas Corporation helps more than one million businesses of all types and sizes get Ready ™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing products and services that help keep their customers' facilities and employees clean, safe, and looking their best. With offerings including uniforms, mats, mops, towels, restroom supplies, workplace water services, first aid and safety products, eye-wash stations, safety training, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and alarm service, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday ®. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held Fortune 500 company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS. It is a component of both the Standard & Poor's 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UniFirst breaks ground on 109,000 square-foot expansion of Owensboro Distribution and Fulfillment Center
UniFirst Owensboro Groundbreaking Event DetailsDate: Thursday, March 27, 2024Time: 2:30 PM CTLocation: 2801 UniFirst Drive, Owensboro, KY WILMINGTON, Mass., March 24, 2025 /CNW/ -- UniFirst Corporation (NYSE:UNF), a North American leader in providing customized business uniform programs, facility service products and first aid and safety services, will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of its Owensboro, Kentucky Distribution and Fulfillment Center on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. Central Time. The event will feature remarks from local dignitaries and elected officials including, Thomas Watson, Owensboro Mayor, Charlie Castlen, Judge/Executive for Daviess County, and other community business leaders, honoring this $28 million investment in the local community. "The Owensboro expansion reflects our commitment to delivering industry-leading service to our customers while strengthening our relationship with the Owensboro community and the state of Kentucky, which has supported us for 27 successful years," said Steven Sintros, President and CEO, UniFirst. UniFirst's state-of-the-art Owensboro Distribution and Fulfillment Center currently employs over 520 local Team Partners and is already recognized as the largest personalization and emblem manufacturing operation in North America, processing and shipping more than 20 million garments annually to customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The 109,000 square-foot expansion will increase the facility's size to 469,000 square feet, enabling greater operational efficiency, enhancing order accuracy, and adding capacity to meet growing customer needs. The expansion incorporates advanced robotics technology, smart conveyors, and a state-of-the-art shipping sortation system, as well as a new Warehouse Management System designed to streamline operations and scalability. The innovative design and sustainable features include high-efficiency HVAC systems and LED lighting to reduce energy use, along with natural lighting and outdoor spaces to provide an employee-friendly and welcoming work environment. "This project is an investment in our customers, Team Partners, and the Owensboro community," said David Dersheimer, General Manager, UniFirst. "We are proud to deepen our roots here in Kentucky and are honored to host our local dignitaries who will share in our groundbreaking celebration." Dersheimer acknowledges the significant support of Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC), and state and local officials in driving this vital project forward. Gov. Beshear praised the expansion in a recent public statement, highlighting its importance to Kentucky's manufacturing excellence and its positive impact on the local economy. The Owensboro facility has also earned the Governor's Health and Safety Award and is one of only 19 sites in Kentucky to achieve OSHA's VPP Star certification, a designation reflecting the highest safety standards. Additionally, the facility is ISO 9001 certified, a globally recognized standard for quality management. This certification underscores UniFirst's commitment to customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and maintaining a robust quality management system. "This expansion positions UniFirst to better serve our national and local customer base while driving innovation and operational excellence," said Matthew Croatti, Senior Vice President, UniFirst. "We're proud to contribute to the economic vitality of this region while ensuring that our Team Partners have the resources they need to grow with us." Construction is set to begin in March 2025 with partial occupancy anticipated by October 2025. Full completion of the project is expected by early 2026. For more information about UniFirst and the Company's uniform rental and facility service solutions, please visit About UniFirstHeadquartered in Wilmington, Mass., UniFirst Corporation (NYSE: UNF) is a North American leader in the supply and servicing of uniform and workwear programs, facility service products, as well as first aid and safety supplies and services. Together with its subsidiaries, the company also manages specialized garment programs for the cleanroom and nuclear industries. In addition to partnering with leading brands, UniFirst manufactures its own branded workwear, protective clothing, and floorcare products at its three company-owned ISO-9001 certified manufacturing facilities. With more than 270 service locations, over 300,000 customer locations, and 16,000-plus employee Team Partners, the Company outfits more than 2 million workers every day. For additional information, contact UniFirst at 888.296.2740 or visit Follow UniFirst on Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE UNIFIRST CORPORATION View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
