Bison Pumps will receive the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) Award from representatives of the Maine Department of Labor on Friday, Oct. 4, at their 98 Bangor St. location. Maine Department of Labor’s “SafetyWorks!” division, along with OSHA, recognizes achievements in workplace safety and health by small employers with 250 employees or less in high hazard workplaces.
An open house is slated from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“I am excited about receiving this award from SafetyWorks! I know I have a quality workforce and each person is vital to our success. It was an obvious decision we protect that investment through our safety and health efforts,” stated David Harbison. “Representatives will be here at 11 a.m. to present the award and banner to our team. Local educational institutions will be bringing students to hear presentations and tour the facilities. My passion is hiring locally-grown talent and some of the best comes from right here in Aroostook County.”
In addition to receiving the SHARP award, the Harbison Companies — Bison Pumps and Harbison Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning — will be opening its doors to the public to tour the facility, peruse the products of both organizations, and join in the celebration.
“I don’t know how many times people come into our showroom and are surprised at the products we have on display. When they tour the manufacturing facility, the most common response is, ‘I didn’t know this was in here.’ We are Houlton’s best kept secret, but no longer,” noted Harbison.
Harbison Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning employ a team of five with Jon Harbison managing the day-to-day operations. Bison Pumps has grown to 12 employees with David Harbison as general manager. Both organizations are located at 98 Bangor Street in Houlton.
One of the highlights of the day will be tours of working plumbing, heating and air conditioning installations in the Houlton area. Harbison employees will showcase their work in action as people can see and learn about heat pumps, geothermal systems and pellet boilers. Those interested in seeing any of these applications should call to schedule an appointment at 1-800-339-2601 or 532-2600.
Timing of the event coincides with MFG DAY 2013. The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA) is coordinating this effort and encouraging all manufacturers to participate in order to “expand knowledge about and improve general perception of manufacturing careers and manufacturing’s value to the U.S. economy”.
FMA is assisting all manufacturers in opening their doors to the education and media community and general public through its free resource, “The Host Toolkit”. This toolkit is available at www.mfgday.com/resources/manufacturer and will help you develop your own event.
“I encourage all manufacturers to proudly showcase their organization to the local community and the educational system. It is vital we keep our youth here in Maine building a stronger economy and workforce. Our success is not unique, but we forget in the day to day busyness to appreciate and celebrate our industry and the great people who keep it growing and prospering,” added Harbison.
