Sunnen Products Company recently won a Laclede Award as one of the "Best Places to Work in St. Louis" from The St. Louis Business Journal.

The St. Louis Business Journal reported more than 250 companies entered the competition. Sunnen Products Company was honored for having the top incentives for a company with 250 or more employees.

"Sunnen Products Company was built on the premise of quality products, exceptional customer service and the care of highly valued employees," said Jean Miller, human resources manager. "The founder, Joe Sunnen, had this vision for the company that continues to be a reality and will be kept alive as the third generation of Sunnens takes the company into the 21st century."

Sunnen has always shared its fortunes with the employees. One example is the profit-sharing plan, started in 1941. All contributions are paid out of company profits. "There have only been six years when the company has not made a full 15 percent contribution to each employee (based on their salary)," Miller notes.

The profit-sharing incentive gives employees a degree of ownership in the company. Sunnen employees have helped the company grow from $52 million in revenue to $82 million in just a decade. Other benefits include no-cost life insurance, disability coverage, sick pay and accidental death insurance. Sunnen also offers medical and dental plans with minimal cost-sharing.

"Benefits such as profit sharing and medical and dental coverage give Sunnen employees increased security. These benefits are among the best in the industry," says George, who has worked in the Maintenance Department for more than 23 years.

In addition to annual vacation benefits, employees enjoy a week off - with pay - between Christmas and New Year's. Sunnen also shuts down for a company picnic, one Friday in June, in honor of Joe Sunnen's birthday.

One of the most unusual benefits available to all Sunnen employees is Sunnen Lake, near Potosi, Mo. The 300-acre lake has cabins, campsites and a recreational hall. This facility is available free of charge to employees, retirees and their families for swimming, hiking, biking and camping.

"Sunnen offers a relaxed atmosphere to work and cares about the employees. Unlike many other plants, Sunnen has an air-conditioned facility, which is a major advantage to machinists and all those in the shop," says Robert, who has worked in the Mandrel Cell Department since 2000.

Employees at Sunnen are treated as responsible adults. "The culture generates mutual respect and is reflected in the outstanding work habits, excellent safety record and remarkable attendance of our employees," Miller said.

Sunnen has a salary concept for all employees even though most are hourly. A late arrival because of a sick child, traffic or doctor's appointment will not result in a smaller paycheck. Plus, Sunnen threw out its bereavement policy years ago, shifting to a policy that gives employees choices on dealing with their loss. They work out the time off with the human resources department, usually with pay.

The Laclede Award judges said they were impressed with Sunnen's high retention rate. Fifty percent of Sunnen's employees have 10 or more years of service and 12 percent have 25 or more years of service. Miller noted the average length of service is currently 12 years and the annual turnover rate is 8 percent or less.

"Our employees give us loyalty, commitment, productivity and longevity," Miller, a 28-year veteran at Sunnen, said. "Sunnen recognizes that employees are valuable, important assets and provides a work atmosphere that is fun, motivating, challenging and rewarding."