Industry News - PM

Cooper Farms wins Jewell Award


By Meatingplace Editors on 1/30/2013

ATLANTA — Meatingplace today presented its industry leadership award to Oakwood, Ohio-based Cooper Farms in recognition of the processor's innovations and focus on fostering a strong culture among its employees.

The award, formerly known as the Industry Innovator Award, is presented annually as "The Jewell" in honor of industry pioneer Jesse Jewell. It was presented today during the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE).

"It wasn’t until about two-thirds of the way through my interview at the Van Wert facility that it really hit me. There was something that ran through the discussions all day. It was intangible. I couldn’t really articulate it. But then (Cooper Farms Chief Operating Officer) Gary (Cooper) said it all in three words: Back, mind and spirit,” said Michael Fielding, managing editor of technical content. “It was the people, the community. And in the end, it all feeds back in the form of creative thinking that drives innovative processes.”

Among Cooper Farms’ recent highlights are the first-of-its-kind, truck-mounted controlled atmosphere stunning system and the installation of wind turbines that provide half of the power for the company. (For more information, read Fielding’s in-depth profile of Cooper Farms in the October issue of Meatingplace in addition to an exclusive video plant tour.

Cooper Farms joins a long list of impressive past recipients of the award, including GNP Company, OK Foods, Perdue Farms, Sanderson Farms, Tyson Foods, Coleman Natural Foods, Wayne Farms LLC, Murray's Chickens, Jennie-O Turkey Store and College Hill Poultry.


 
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