By Steve Prinsen
Another flag is flying at Malco’s headquarters west of Annandale, and this one signifies safety in the workplace.
The flag is part of Malco Tools achieving yet two more honors Wednesday, Aug. 7, when it became a Minnesota Star (MNSTAR) certified company. It also received the state 2024 Governor’s Safety Award Wednesday.
Malco is one of just 36 MNSTAR-certified facilities in the state. It’s recognized as a leading company that goes beyond basic compliance with all applicable OSHA standards to prevent job-related injuries and illnesses.
Prior to earning MNSTAR status, Malco rigorously maintained its MNOSHA Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (MNSHARP) recognition since 2004.
Malco employs 160 associates and runs two shifts at its headquarters about three miles west of Annandale on Highway 55. Founded in 1950, it will celebrate its 75th year in business next year. It manufactures and distributes hundreds of tools worldwide to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) sector and Trade Pro contractors.
Recognition ceremony
In a brief ceremony, Malco CEO Rich Benninghoff credited Malco’s employee-associates for the honor. Addressing them, he cited Malco’s core values which focus on teamwork, quality, achieving results, engineering solutions, and safety.
“It’s the little things that over time build a culture,” he told the group. “That’s what safety is, that’s what it should be, and that’s what it is here … it’s what we do every day.”
Afterwards, he praised the employees, “You pay attention to the smallest details and make those incremental changes. But you also have to someone on the other side of that equation (employee-associates) … I’ve seen our folks run through walls … and it’s happened over 75 years, and it’s special.”
Wednesday’s MNSTAR award was presented by Nicole Blissenbach, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
“On behalf of Governor (Tim) Walz, it’s an honor to be here today and be invited here today to celebrate such a great partnership that lasted a very long time,” she remarked.
“The department’s unique and ongoing safety and health partnership with Malco began more than 20 years ago. Back in July of 2004, our agency came here to celebrate with you and recognize you as one of the best of the best Minnesota work sites in safety and health.
“For the past 20 years, you’ve invited us to conduct multiple comprehensive work-based safety and health visits to certify and research your facility. Your work site management and employee safety and health systems go beyond basic compliance with OSHA standards.
“Today, we are proud to see that your company has continued to push forward, improve your safety and health management systems, and allocate both the time and the resources needed to identify hazards, reduce accidents and illnesses, and make the move for MNSHARP to MNSTAR status. Congratulations to all of you.”