Matanuska Maid honors longtime employees

PALMER -- Matanuska Maid Dairy, one of the world's northernmost dairy and beverage companies, recently honored 10 employees -- one of whom had been with the company for 20 years -- with length of service awards. Joseph W. Van Treeck, Mat Maid President and CEO, made the employee presentations. Van Treeck thanked the recipients and all his staff for their contribution to another successful season in the local dairy's 67-year history.

Retiring employee Lyle Thompson began his career with Matanuska Maid in Palmer 20 years ago, when the company was in the animal and livestock feed business. Thompson has held various positions over the years, as company operations changed to meet new market conditions.

"During these 20 years, Lyle's importance to our company and responsibilities increased at what is now called our Plastics Division," Van Treeck said. In 1992, Mat Maid began production of plastic gallon bottles for its own packaging needs at the Palmer plant. In 1996, the company added small-sized bottle production, primarily in response to the growing market for bottled water.

"Employee training, production scheduling, and maintenance activities are only a small list of the duties Lyle adeptly handled for the benefit of the company," Van Treeck said.

Also recognized from the Palmer Plastics Division plant were Terry Clark, director of special projects, and Raymond Harris, bottle manufacturing operator, both completing five years of service.

From the Anchorage Mat Maid operations center, Linda Bowers, comptroller, Oscar Devera, plant operator, and Steven Hill, retail merchandiser, were also awarded five-year service plaques.

Additional five-year awards went to Kevin Ferko and David Zeiler, route drivers who deliver to multiple retail outlets throughout the Anchorage area, and Roger Voorhis and Lyle Brink, who work in the warehouse and order fulfillment.

"The dedication and hard work of our employees have been key in making this another excellent year for the company, and in spite of intense competition from Outside brands, Mat Maid retains its leadership in consumer preference within our marketplace," Van Treeck said. "The company and our employees truly appreciate the community's strong loyalty to us as a local business and to our premium products."

Mat Maid employs approximately 50 employees and supports additional jobs in dairy farming, distribution, food, and support services statewide.

Contact Daniel Spoth at daniel.spoth@frontiersman.com.