Doug Kobers daily commute just became a lot smoother.
Kober, a long-term employee at Gates Corporation in Iola, was the winner of a drawing for a 2018 Ford Escape. The drawing was part of the thrilling finale of the hose manufacturers annual employee picnic Saturday.
As one of three Gates Corporations plants around the world to be named recipients of its Presidents Award for Excellence in Operations Performance, Gates Iola had about 150 eligible employees for the drawing.
Cars also were given away in Turkey and China, plant manager Brad Bradbury explained.
We were the only site in North America, Bradbury said. Its a big deal.
Employees who have been with the company at least six months and met other performance standards through the year were eligible roughly 150 of the 420 or so employees at the Iola facility.
Kober, who has been with the company for 35 years, commutes daily from his home in Ottawa.
I certainly wasnt expecting this, he said afterward.
The vehicle comes from Twin Motors Ford. Kober also has the option of selecting another vehicle if he sees another Ford that better suits his taste, Bradbury said.
The Iola plants distribution center also received special recognition. Bradbury pointed to Gates Iolas recent Health, Safety and Environmental Excellence Award presented by Gates Corporation, which honors plants that meet safety and productivity standards.
Bradbury noted Gates Iola, like other manufacturers around the globe, are largely dependant on market factors.
Its a business of ups and downs, Bradbury said. But from a performance aspect, were doing very well. Were improving all the time.
