Tiny Tim's Foundation for Kids
Industryweek 33589 Toys For Kids 1 2
Industryweek 33589 Toys For Kids 1 2
Industryweek 33589 Toys For Kids 1 2
Industryweek 33589 Toys For Kids 1 2
Industryweek 33589 Toys For Kids 1 2

Hats Off to Manufacturers Lee Schoenherr and Alton Thacker

Dec. 24, 2018
Schoenherr, owner of FloraCraft, distributed $4 million in bonuses to 200 employees in appreciation for their hard work. Thacker manufactures toys that are given for free to children across the world.

Lee Schoenherr, owner of  FloraCraft wanted to find a way to show his appreciation for his employees.

Schoenherr has run the family-owned company, which is headquartered in Ludington, Mich., since 1973. The company, which employs 200, manufactures foam products for the craft and floral industries counting among its customers  Walmart, Amazon, Michaels, Joann and Hobby Lobby.

Eric Erwin current CEO of the company told CNBC Make It that Schoenherr has wanted to do this for years and the 82-year wanted this the year to be the one where it happens.  “We spent a better part of the year making sure we had the right program in place."

And at the company Christmas party, Schoenherr announced that in appreciation for the employees’ hard work he will be giving $4 million worth of bonuses.  

The amounts will be determined based on years of service, but most employees will receive $20,000 according to the Detroit Free Press. Those who have been with the company the longest, 40 years, will receive more than $60,000.

"I believe strongly in giving back to the community by supporting initiatives that make Ludington a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family," Schoenherr said in a statement calling his employees, "the heart and soul of FloraCraft." And in keeping with that philosophy the company has never had a layoff in its history.

Alton Thacker gives to others as well but in a different way. He created a factory that turns out between 80,000 and 120,000 wooden toy cars a year  and are distributed free to children in need both in the U.S. as well as countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, Ghana, Thailand, Russia, Mexico and Brazil, through charities, churches and children’s hospitals

The toy factory was founded in 2002 when Thacker and his wife Cheryl  decided to turn donated planks of wood into toy cars, as reported by the Washington Post."For years, we'd dress up as Santa and Mrs. Claus and deliver eyeglasses, shoes and medical equipment to little villages in Mexico," he said. "And we both knew the important role toys played in helping little minds to grow."

The little toy cars are made from leftover wood donated by local lumber yards and cabinetmakers. A benefactor pays the rent for the factory. And the Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids buys paint and brushes with donations. The volunteer staff is comprised of retirees with an average age of 80. And community volunteers pitch in as well --churches and civic and Boy Scout groups that sign up for shifts running the band saw, sanding the cars or putting on wheels.

Thacker said it costs about $2 to make each car. If he had to buy the wood himself, each car would cost $5, and if he had to pay labor, each would cost about $16.

This year the factory hit a milestone when it produced its 1 millionth toy. 

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

Empowering the Modern Workforce: The Power of Connected Worker Technologies

March 1, 2024
Explore real-world strategies to boost worker safety, collaboration, training, and productivity in manufacturing. Emphasizing Industry 4.0, we'll discuss digitalization and automation...

3 Best Practices to Create a Product-Centric Competitive Advantage with PRO.FILE PLM

Jan. 25, 2024
Gain insight on best practices and strategies you need to accelerate engineering change management and reduce time to market. Register now for your opportunity to accelerate your...

Transformative Capabilities for XaaS Models in Manufacturing

Feb. 14, 2024
The manufacturing sector is undergoing a pivotal shift toward "servitization," or enhancing product offerings with services and embracing a subscription model. This transition...

Shifting Your Business from Products to Service-Based Business Models: Generating Predictable Revenues

Oct. 27, 2023
Executive summary on a recent IndustryWeek-hosted webinar sponsored by SAP

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!