Sanderson MacLeod: Catching Some Sun & 50's Diner All Part Of Appreciating Their People

It all started on a rainy afternoon three years ago. Sanderson MacLeod's President Mark Borsari was walking the shop floor as he normally does, looking at metrics, checking in with management and talking with employees busy making twisted wire brushes. Then, out of the blue, it hit him. These good folks, some of whom have been with the company more than forty years, spend more time working together at the company than they do with their families.

Our folks spend more time at the company than with their families.

"I casually mentioned this fact to my senior management team the next morning," Borsari recalled recently. "Everyone kind of got it at once...Look, our people work hard. They enjoy working together. They consistently deliver phenomenal results (like delivering on time 99.7% and achieving 2016 scrap rates of only 1.2%) and really take ownership in our future success. Why focus only on HOW we work, when we can make WHERE we work different...or, more importantly, FUN. Once this idea got stuck in our heads, the initiative took on a life of its own."

"Who said just because we're manufacturers we can't have fun?" - Mark Borsari, President

Fun In The Sun: Sanderson's Appreciation Garden Blooms

Time in the sun, no matter how short, is a valued commodity in New England. When spring and summer months arrive, Sanderson employees have historically taken advantage of any opportunity they can to catch a few rays.

"On nice days." laughs Ted Snyder, V.P. of Operations, "I'd watch our employees on break relaxing in lawn chairs they had pulled out of their trunks. It got us thinking... Maybe we should give them a place to unwind and recharge that didn't put them at risk of being consumed by a rogue lawn mower?"

This vitamin D enhancing idea soon became what Sanderson calls their "Appreciation Garden". Dedicated to the efforts and loyalty of all current and past employees, the Garden's thousand square feet of terraced space offers reading benches, plantings, lunch tables and umbrellas. It also prominently displays a plaque honoring more than 72 employees with twenty or more years service to the Company since it's founding in 1958.

Sanderson employees welcome in warm weather around their Appreciation Garden.

"Maybe we should give them a place to unwind and recharge that didn't put them at risk of being consumed by a rogue lawn mower? " -Ted Snyder,V.P of Operations

Sanderson's "Appreciation Garden", October, 2016

Getting Innovative...The Birth of the BIC (Brush Innovation Center)

"We are, first and foremost, innovators," said Jody Sawyer, Director of Innovation. "Our clients come to us from all over the world to create the latest cosmetic, medical, fire arm and general cleaning brush technology. We figured, what better way to have fun doing what we love than to build out a really cool space with the latest technology? I think of it as a brush geek's ultimate play space."

Designed to be a state of the art "concept to market" prototype lab, the BIC helps clients perfect designs, plan production and establish large volume costing models faster than anywhere else

The BIC features 3D printing, customized sampling equipment, video conferencing, metrology equipment and proprietary functional tools.

The BIC frequently hosts engineers and marketing professionals from around the world for intensive, two-day sampling and design sessions. Premarket validation, testing and product development can be done on site to ensure the ultimate solution is found.

In 2016, several new patents were awarded to Sanderson MacLeod and will be making their way into various markets in the coming months and years. Such innovation includes custom attachments, integrated molded fiber brushes, modular snap-fit gun cleaning systems, and irrigation brushes.

Ready To Rock and Roll Like It's 1958...Twisters Cafe Opens.

Sanderson MacLeod, as it is known today, opened its doors in 1958...The age of car fins, sock hops, Chubby Checker and you got it, the world's first mascara brush. Although many of things have changed since 1958, some remain as true and popular today as they were then.

Sanderson MacLeod remains a global leader in the innovation and production of twisted wire brushes (including mascara brushes). Value is still placed on an employees dedication and attention to detail. And, they still love a good time and even better food. Twisters Cafe, located at the Palmer, Massachusetts manufacturing facility, offers a retro styled dining experience complete with authentic diner booths, chrome chairs, recessed lighting, ceiling fans and free coffee. Rumor has it a jukebox may be getting installed soon.

"Really? A fifties style diner? At first we thought is was nuts...But in the end, we figured there couldn't be a better way to say thank you and honor those that started it all." - Becky Gibson, Director of HR.

Twisters Cafe will be the site of future parties, "Surprise Lunches" and maybe even a sock hop or two. Surrounded by pictures from Sanderson's historical archive, diners can guess how many millions of parts have been produced over the years. (Hint: More than would fill two ocean faring oil tankers).

"Twisters is about being a little out there," laughs Becky Gibson, Director of HR. "When the diner theme first came up, we all thought it was a little crazy. But, you have to admit, it is a fun concept. We enjoyed giving our people a place to spend their breaks that is clean, bright and entertaining."

Great people, a fun new work environment and a fast-paced plunge into the future. When asked about what's next for Sanderson MacLeod, Borsari just shakes his head and sighs. "With this group you never know. I've heard rumblings about a water park. Unfortunately, that isn't in this year's budget. But... you got to admit, a waterpark would be FUN!"

For more information about Sanderson MacLeod and it's people, visit www.sandersonmacleod.com.