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EMPL OYE E P U B L I C A TIONMARCH2024ISSUE 259INSIDE“Spring is f me than just a changing of seass; it’s a rebth of the spit.” —Ti SensWHAT THE TECH(NOLOGY)●ALegacyofInnovaon and Sustainability● United Way Campaign Results● Bemis UK — Proud Business Club Members of Burnley F.C.●InternaonalWomen’sDay!Kate Schlesinger● Bemis Workers AssociaonUpdate●SmartBathroomRevoluon●ADecades-Long Partnership with Milacron●BemisisFighngBackagainstColon Cancer●BemisDisplaysInnovaonsatCES, KBIS Industry Shows● Retailer of the Year Nominee●Anniversaries/RereesNow more than ever, technology is becoming an increasing part of our lives. Depending on your perspective, this may or may not be good news. Technology has also become an integral part of how Bemis competes in the marketplace. Without technology we could not meet our customers’ requirements for shipping and receiving orders. In the past few years and looking into the future, greater investments in technology will be required for Bemis to remain competitive. Several recent and forthcoming technology initiatives are detailed below:Bemis has made signicant technology and people investments in the areas of cyber security to defend ourselves from cyber-attacks. We also added people resources in 2023 with the addition of a Cyber Security Manager – Chad Beisbier and an Infrastructure Manager – Allen Orzech.Currently, the HR and IT teams are working together to bring automation and new technology to our Payroll, Benets and Talent Management systems by partnering with a company called UKG.Looking into the future, in 2024, Bemis intends to launch an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) project for our U.S. operations. Our current business system (Fred) remains a robust, home grown, customized platform that has served Bemis well for the past 2-3 decades. A cross functional team will be working together to identify and implement a new system that will take over for Fred, as the technology for essential business functions like accounting, purchasing, planning, and scheduling. As we consider various modern ERP solutions, we hope to benet from the incorporation of business processes that will be better aligned with current and future industry standards and best practices to bring continuous improvement to the ways we conduct our day-to-day operations.These projects are a very important part of maintaining our current level of success, while also preparing for future growth. A lot of effort will be required from employees across all functions and levels in the organization to make them happen. Thank you to all of you who have and will continue to support our technology initiatives.— Michael Klein & Subash Anbu
A LEGACY OF INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITYBemis Manufacturing Company has stood as a testament to resilience and innovation for over a century. Despite the winds of change, Bemis has remained steadfast in its commitment to manufacturing excellence, innovation, and most importantly, its people.Founded in 1901 as a wagon-maker, Bemis has evolved over the years, adapting to market demands and technological advancements. The Company remains ambitious and innovative, and continues to thrive in a highly competitive manufacturing landscape.One of the key factors contributing to Bemis’s success is its unwavering dedication to family and company values. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and integrity, the company has carved a niche for itself in the industry. This commitment to core principles has not only earned Bemis recognition on prestigious lists like the Deloitte Wisconsin 75, but has also fostered a sense of trust and loyalty among its employees and stakeholders.In recent years, Bemis has embraced digital marketing to enhance its brand visibility and attract top talent. By leveraging online platforms and partnerships with inuencers like Dude Dad, the company has expanded its reach and connected with a broader audience. Moreover, Bemis’s emphasis on community engagement and philanthropy underscores its commitment to making a positive impact beyond the factory walls.The journey of Bemis is characterized by a willingness to embrace change and adapt to evolving consumer needs. From manufacturing wooden toilet seats during the Great Depression to pioneering the production of plastic seats post-World War II, the company has demonstrated a remarkable ability to innovate and stay ahead of the curve.Sustainability lies at the heart of Bemis’s operations, with a focus on recycling and reducing waste across its manufacturing processes. Through initiatives like the Greenleaf seat, made from 100% recycled plastic, Bemis is not only minimizing its environmental footprint but also setting a benchmark for sustainable practices in the industry.Looking ahead, Bemis remains committed to its core values of innovation, sustainability, and employee development. With a focus on workforce investment and development programs, including internships, apprenticeships, and tuition reimbursement, the company is laying the foundation for continued success and longevity.As Bemis charts its course for the future, one thing remains certain: its unwavering commitment to excellence and its people will continue to drive its success for generations to come. Read the full article in The Sheboygan Press here. The nal results for the United Way campaign. An 18.5% increase YOY and a $16,802 increase in dollars raised. Thank you to the United Way committee and to all involved! UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN RESULTS2023 2024Ofce & Factory $42,665.00 $50,683.04Cash - $1,820.00Bowling Event - $154.00Rafe $2,513.00 $922.00Match $45,178.00 $53,579.04Total $90,356.00 $107,158.08
BEMIS UK — PROUD BUSINESS CLUB MEMBERS OF BURNLEY F.C.This fantastic opportunity stemmed from an idea of UK Warehouse Manager (and die-hard Burnley Football Club fan) Carl Boden. Due to Bemis’ roots in Wisconsin and Burnley F.C’s owner (JJ Watt) also hailing from Wisconsin, we felt these coincidental factors were too big to ignore. The recent promotion of Burnley F.C to the UK Premier League led to the pursual of a partnership and has resulted in this beautiful collaboration!Burnley F.C boasts over 140 years of football excellence. As proud founder members of the Football League, Burnley Football Club ofcially formed in 1882. They moved to their Turf Moor home shortly afterwards. FA Cup campaigns gave way to organized football in 1888 with the foundation of the Football League - and since then Burnley have claimed every major honour, with the exception of the League Cup. Burnley F.C is not just popular amongst residents of Burnley, they boast some famous fans including King Charles and Snoop Doggy Dog!Bemis UK is honoured to partner with a team that holds such prominence in the local community. This is something we have worked toward for a while due to their presence and global exposure. The Bemis brand will be featured throughout the stadium on matchday boards, in matchday programmes, on the Burnley FC website, and on displays in and around the ground – including the fanzone and hospitality concourse. The membership also sees Bemis UK benetting from networking events, which would introduce Bemis to new audiences, giving the opportunity to build relationships with other partners.Please join me in cheering “Up The Clarets” and celebrating this new working relationship. — Rebecca Haon-HarbinsonINTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY! KATE SCHLESINGERThe Bemis Professional Women’s Network had the pleasure of welcoming Kate Schlesinger, an Adjunct Faculty and Solutions Advisor at the University of Wisconsin’s School of Business, in Madison, WI.Together we explored key concepts such as unconscious bias in the workplace, learned effective response strategies to perceived biases, and were introduced to powerful tools and resources.
SMART BATHROOM REVOLUTIONIn the realm of smart home technology, the bathroom has historically been an overlooked frontier. However, CES 2024 showcased a wave of innovations aimed at transforming the bathroom into a hub of smart functionality and luxury.One standout introduction came from Bemis Manufacturing Company, unveiling the Bemis BB-1200 toilet seat, equipped with a range of features including a warm water bidet, air dryer, night light, and smartphone-controlled settings. This advancement reects a growing trend towards personalized and tech-enhanced bathroom experiences.For those seeking the ultimate in bathroom indulgence, Kohler introduced the Numi 2.0 smart toilet, boasting spa-like features such as UV cleaning, ambient lighting, and integrated speakers. Other offerings from Kohler include a range of smart toilets and bidet seats, catering to varying budgets and preferences.Beyond mere comfort, technology is also being utilized to monitor health and wellness in the bathroom. Withings and Vivoo showcased devices capable of analyzing urine samples for various health markers, providing users with valuable insights into their well-being.Furthermore, Kohler’s emphasis on smart shower systems and connected bath xtures demonstrates a concerted effort to bring the spa experience into the home. With features like digital controls and immersive lighting, these innovations aim to elevate the everyday bathing ritual.However, with increased reliance on smart technology in the bathroom comes the need for careful management of utilities and resources. Products like the Flo water monitor by Moen offer solutions for tracking water usage and detecting leaks, thereby promoting conservation and preventing damage.In essence, the convergence of technology and the bathroom represents a signicant step towards creating smarter, more connected living spaces. As the heart of health and relaxation in the home, the bathroom is poised to become a focal point for innovation and convenience in the years to come. Read the full article in Life Hacker here. BEMIS WORKERS ASSOCIATION UPDATEBemis is excited to announce the next chapter of the Bemis Workers Association (BWA) in Sheboygan Falls.Starting in 2024, BWA activities will be sponsored and coordinated by Bemis.Picnic - Second Saturday in AugustFactory Christmas Party – First Saturday in December.Employees will no longer need to formally join the BWA or pay an annual membership fee. Instruction will be provided well in advance of events to explain how to register for events.Retirees are welcome to attend the picnic and or Christmas party. To register for events all a retiree needs to do is “pick up a ticket/ tickets” and register for the event.Tickets will be available at the 300 Mill Street main ofce front desk.Picnic tickets will be available starting the rst Monday in July.Christmas party tickets will be available starting the rst Monday in November.Any unused money that has been previously collected for BWA activities will go directly to support future events.If you are interested in joining the 2024 BWA planning committee, please contact Tom Gorges (X5571).The BWA has been active since its founding in 1938 and has been an active organization for full-time BMC and BCT factory and ofce employees. The BWA was supported by employees through their annual membership fees and purchases from the vending service. The two main events coordinated by the BWA are the picnic which is held the second Saturday of August and the Christmas party held the rst Saturday in December. The intent is to continue the picnic and Christmas party in the same spirit and traditions of the past.A heartfelt thankyou goes out to all past BWA committee members.A special thank you goes out to current BWA committee members Susie Meyer, Amy Cook and Barb Wield; Barb has helped plan BWA events for over 50 years. — Tom GorgesBemis BB-120 0
A DECADES-LONG PARTNERSHIP WITH MILACRONFor nearly fty years, Bemis and Milacron forge a remarkable partnership, rooted in innovation, technology, and mutual trust. Since the 1970s, Bemis relies on Milacron’s cutting-edge machine solutions to drive its plastic manufacturing operations across consumer, commercial, medical, and industrial markets. This enduring collaboration yields groundbreaking advancements in plastics technology, with co-injection technology standing out as a testament to their joint innovation efforts. By pioneering co-injection technology, Bemis and Milacron not only improve part performance and cost efciency, but also pave the way for integrating post-consumer recycled materials into the manufacturing process, thus championing sustainability in the industry. The Bemis eet of Milacron solutions, including high-pressure injection molding machines and digital control technologies, underscores the depth and breadth of their partnership. Moreover, as Bemis continues to evolve and adapt to changing market demands, Milacron stands by as a trusted ally, providing machine retrots and digital upgrades to enhance efciency, sustainability, and energy conservation. Through it all, the partnership between Bemis and Milacron remains steadfast, driven by a shared commitment to innovation and meeting the needs of a dynamic market landscape. As both companies look to the future, their partnership serves as a beacon of possibility, a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for decades-long relationships to drive meaningful change in the plastics industry. With a focus on groundbreaking solutions and customer satisfaction, Bemis and Milacron are poised to continue shaping the future of plastics manufacturing for years to come. A video was developed by Milacron with our co-operation here.Read the full article on Milacron here. BEMIS IS FIGHTING BACK AGAINST COLON CANCERAt Bemis, we’re known for our top-quality toilet seats, but we’re taking on a new role to support an important cause: raising awareness of colon cancer. Teaming up with the “Fight Colorectal Cancer” organization, Bemis has donated 100 of our toilet seats to an exhibit on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Each seat features a crucial fact or statistic about colorectal cancer, aiming to educate and inform visitors about the severity of this disease.Colorectal cancer ranks as the second-deadliest cancer in the United States for both men and women. To visually represent its impact, our toilet seats are surrounded by over 27,000 blue ags on the National Lawn, symbolizing projected colorectal cancer cases in individuals under 50 by the year 2030.T.J. Stiefvater, Bemis’ Vice President of Marketing, emphasizes our dedication to this cause, stating, “Colorectal cancer doesn’t discriminate by age.” Our ongoing partnership with Fight CRC underscores our commitment to raising awareness and supporting initiatives against this deadly disease.For more information, please visit FightCRC.org. Join Bemis in the ght against colorectal cancer.
BEMIS DISPLAYS INNOVATIONS AT CES, KBIS INDUSTRY SHOWSThe Seat and Bidet divisions kicked off the year with a bang! Exhibiting at two major trade shows; CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in January and KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) late February. Both shows were hosted in Las Vegas and reported record attendance. CES, the most inuential tech event in the world, brings together the world’s leading tech minds to share new products from promising startups. This show offers Bemis the opportunity to connect with consumers as well as many media outlets. Our PR and marketing team met with over 50 journalists as well as social inuencers. Through a lot of hard work they secured over 22 pieces of coverage totaling more than 150 million media impressions. At CES we highlighted our new Bemis Living App. This is an app that will allow users to customize and control their bidet experience. This innovation was a big hit and was awarded the USA today Best of CES Reviewed Award. We also highlighted:● Bio Bidet BB1200 with the Bemis Living App● New Bio Bidet BB550 ● Bio Bidet DLS e-bidet and DLX bidet toilet● Flow Kitchen and Bath Faucets● Empower with Clean Care™ Technology KBIS celebrated its 60th anniversary again this year and attendance was strong. KBIS gives Bemis an opportunity to meet with many of our long-standing customers and partners. We are able to further build these important relationships while demonstrating our current products and showcase new products & innovations. At KBIS we highlighted our new Bemis Living App. This product was selected as a nalist for a Best of KBIS award. Being showcased as a leader in the industry was very exciting. The Bemis booth highlighted both new and existing products:● Haven 500 – New mechanical bidet exclusive to the wholesale market● Haven 2000 – New e-bidet exclusive to the wholesale market featuring a slim design and intuitive control knob. ● Haven 5000 and Sanctuary 5000 – Existing e-bidet and integrated bidet toilet for wholesale● Empower with Clean Care Technology – Delivering consistent cleansing and skin protection ● Independence line of products – This segment of the market continues to grow. The simple innovations that reduce pain points and give individuals independence in the bathroom really resonate. ● Greenleaf – Our plastic seat made with recycled content.● NextStep2 & Little2Big – Always attract a lot of attention. — Erica Spatz
BemisBathShoppe.comMORE THAN just seatsBath Accessories • Bridal & Baby Shower Gis • Home Décor & Fragrance Kids Bath & Poy Training • Men’s & Women’s Bath & BodyWomen’s Clothing • Travel Bags, Purses & Wallets • and So MUCH MoreUPCOMING EVENTSMARCH 19TH-21ST Slam Dunk SaleJULY 16TH-18TH Indoor Sidewalk SaleOCTOBER 17TH Ladies Nite OutDECEMBER 6TH–7TH Main Street Memories and much more throughout the year!Find us on RETAILER OF THE YEAR NOMINEEEach year the residents of Sheboygan County nominate businesses who they feel are amazing and deserve recognition for their hard work and continuous improvement. This year, the Bemis Bath Shoppe & Boutique was one of the 5 top award nominees for Retailer of the Year in Sheboygan County. Over 700 people attended the Champions Gala hosted by the Sheboygan County Chamber at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake. It’s a great honor and amazing recognition. We are proud to represent the Bemis Bath Shoppe & Boutique and Bemis Manufacturing Company, and will continue to serve our community! — Barbara SanderVideo available here.
Questions or suggestions? Email Polygram@BemisMfg.com or share your ideas with the editorial board: David Howell, Nan Jiang, Colleen Johnson, Logan Gottsacker, Mike Klein, Tim Pittner, Tanya Dallas. Global Contacts: Bemis Southeast - Krista Seng, Bemis de Mexico - Emilio Yee, Bemis EMEA - Vanessa Schulte. Bemis Manufacturing Company300 Mill Street I P.O. Box 901Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085800.558.7651 I fx: 800.292.3647ANNIVERSARIES0MPOLYGRAMPlease email us at Polygram@BemisMfg.comDo you have any quesons or suggesons for the Polygram?The Polygram lists 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25-year anniversaries, and then annually after 25.STAY CONNECTED AND GET THE LATEST NEWS ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA!U.S. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMCopyright © 2016 ComPsych Corporation. All rights reserved. To view the ComPsych HIPAA privacy notice, please go to www.guidanceresources.com/privacy. Copyright © 2016 ComPsych Corporation. 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Log on for:• Articles, podcasts, videos, slideshows• On-demand trainings• “Ask the Expert” personal responses to your questionsCOM589COM589800-272-7255800-272-7255Your ComPsych Guidance Resources program offers someone to talk to and resources to consult whenever and wherever you need them.Call: 800.272.7255 GuidanceResources.com Web ID: COM589 JANUARY YEARSGary J Stokdyk .......................46Todd E Biermann ...................39Mark A Koelpin ......................39Natasa Kvestak......................39Cynthia J Henschel ..............38David G Gordon ....................37Cheryl L Allen ......................... 36Mary B Suemnicht ................ 35Jeffrey J Diefenthaler ......... 31Laura Kaat ...............................30Jeffrey T Karpinski ............... 30Glenn P Smies ........................30Joanne M Witkowski ..........30Tracey L Kwiecinski..............30Jerome D Hammarlund ......29Daniel C Schleicher ..............28Mary B Payne ......................... 27Michelle M Blonigen ...........27Christine J Flood ................... 27Felipe Rodriguez ...................25Elizabeth P Ponath ............... 25Linda M Verfuerth ................ 25Eric A Traas .............................25Rolando Rodriguez ..............20Amanda Arney .......................20Marvin A Pauly ......................10Arleigh A Stuefen .................10Amanda H Kapellen ............. 10Tanya L Wrensch ......................5Michael T Gorges .....................5Lucas D Hellmer .......................5Arek D Evraets .........................5FEBRUARY YEARSRodney B Justinger .............. 44Steca Bedekovic .................39Brad E Leicht ..........................37Michael S Miske ....................34Irena Saran ..............................32Tanya J Aldag .......................... 32Robert W Schultz .................31Lloyd B Purifoy ......................30Tammy M Halbach ................ 30Rod A Leicht ............................ 30Tricia K Van Ess......................30Timothy M Roye .................... 30Helen A Leider .......................30Paul W Perronne...................29Neng Yang ...............................27Michael J Ristow ................... 27Michael R Boy ........................27Cynthia L Schuler..................26Rubi Gonzalez ........................26John W Thrapp ......................26Cheryl L Dobrzynski ............ 20Michael G Kramer ................10Yeng Kue ..................................10FEBRUARY YEARSCONT.MARCH YEARSRick M Mueller ......................48Donald D Kohlmann ............40William A Haumschild ........40Antonio Gurrola .................... 38Timothy C Stephan ..............37Kathy L Baumann .................37Sue E Curtiss ...........................36Shelly M Gosse ......................35James A Wood .......................34Laura L O’Grady ....................31Roger L Wagner ....................31Fay S Berth ..............................30Craig J Larsen ......................... 30Erik D Franzen .......................30Randall L Rau .......................... 30Donald L Stier ........................30Michael A Walters ................29Robert M Mauer ...................29Andrew T Shircel ..................29Mark T Malwitz .....................29Daniel J Mcmullen ................29Bradley N Payne ....................27Billy R Jackson .......................26Charles G Hattula .................26Eva M Bett ............................... 26Kelly A Kaat ............................26Matthew R Bohn ................... 25Jesus G Perez .........................10Brandon R Kartes .................10Loi V Varley .............................10Arthur Contreras .................. 10Nicki L Decker ........................10Carolina Lopez Pena ............10Rodolfo Madero .......................5Christopher L Charles ...........5Arnold G Smith .........................5Emilio Yee ...................................5RETIREESYEARSRECENT RETIREESKaren Hoeer ........................44Gary Kobus .............................44Susan Meyer ...........................38Katherine Gumm ..................31Margaret Joseph ...................30Kristi Belcher .........................27Monica Fischer ......................26Mary Ramos ............................12If you haven’t downloaded your cookbook yet, please use this link to get in on the fun! bit.ly/3v5Q4u1Scan to view the cookbook!Get Your Free Cookbook!