Matric workers celebrate governor’s safety excellence award at ceremony

The safety program at Matric, a contract manufacturer of electronic assemblies, resulted in 753 straight days without a work-related medical claim, the longest such streak in the company’s 47-year history, according to a press release from Matric

“This company has demonstrated its dedication to safety through its actions in keeping over 300 employees safe on the job, especially at a time of substantial growth within the organization,” Weiant said to a crowd of Matric associates huddled across the 80,000 square-foot facility’s lawn.

“During conversations throughout our initial on-site visit, it was very apparent that this is a culture that’s embedded in the daily activities of each Matric employee,” Weiant added.

Rick Turner, Matric’s president and owner, acknowledged the Matric safety committee, including the recently retired Kevin Dulaney, who formed and directed the committee for more than two decades.

“We have terrific associates who are safety conscious,” said Turner. “This would not have been possible without them.”

In addition to Weiant, attendees included lawmakers Glenn Thompson, Scott Hutchinson and R. Lee James; Susan Williams and Jodi Baker-Lewis from the Venango Area and Franklin Chambers of Commerce; and John Phillips and Emily Altomare from the Oil Region Alliance.

Key factors in Matric’s record-breaking safety efforts include its Up and To the Right Report, which identifies leading indicators through route-cause analysis that produce awareness and eliminate complacency, the press release said.

Matric previously received the governor’s award in 2014.

Patrick Stimpert, the Matric vice president of operations, has overseen efforts to improve safety across the facility, and he acknowledged the 300-plus associates are the ones who earned the award.

“I want to thank the safety committee and associates who have made Matric one of the safest manufacturing plants in Pennsylvania,” Stimpert said.