Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
When a multinational French-based conglomerate acquired iconic Worcester manufacturer Norton Abrasives in 1990, it might have seemed like a blow to the ties between the company and the community, but more than a quarter-century later, Saint-Gobain has established itself as a key supporter of nonprofits and community groups in Central Massachusetts.
“Saint-Gobain believes in doing well and doing good, and investing in the Worcester community where the employees operate and live,” said Brenda Heller, communications and communications manager at the company’s Worcester campus.
Heller said the company supports local organizations in multiple ways: through its foundation, with donations collected from employees, by encouraging employees to join the boards of local groups and through an active volunteer program.
The company donates more than $500,000 each year to local groups in health, welfare and other fields.
“For almost 10 years now they’ve been a great community partner for the Red Cross,” said Kimberly Goulette, executive director of the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts. “Not only have their employees given through United Way campaigns, they’ve just been a partner not only to the Red Cross but to many nonprofits.”
Goulette said involvement includes having a Saint-Gobain representative on the organization’s board of directors, encouraging employees to help out as volunteers, and providing in-kind help like offering storage space. For a highly streamlined group like the Red Cross, those kinds of support are crucial.
“Our budget is extremely small,” Goulette said. “If we didn’t have the support of corporations like Saint-Gobain to financially help us ... we wouldn’t be able to do our job.”
The company’s focus on abrasives and high-tech materials means it has some specific ways that it can help out in the community. Last year it donated materials and labor to renovate gym and auditorium floors for Girls Inc. and the YWCA, both in Worcester. After finishing, company employees challenged the Girls Inc. high school basketball team to a competition – which the girls won handily, Heller said.
Another unique relationship is the company’s longstanding ties to the US luge team, Heller said.
Saint-Gobain has used its technological expertise to give the team a leg up in aerodynamics. In turn, the team has worked with the company and the Worcester community, offering demonstrations at local schools and supporting the area United Way campaign. “It’s an honor to be able to give back to the community,” Heller said.
WBJ Hall of Fame
Innovator of the Year
Business Leaders of the Year
Saint-Gobain
Location: Worcester
Local executive: Bradley H. Johnson, vice president of Saint-Gobain Abrasives North America
Employees: 170,000 worldwide; 14,000 North America; 1,200 Worcester
Local organizations supported: American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts, YWCA, Girls Inc., Habitat for Humanity, Working for Worcester
Stay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Sign upWorcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeWorcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
See Digital EditionStay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Worcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Worcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments