TRUMANN, AR - Columbia Forest Products says its hardwood plywood manufacturing plant in Trumann, AR has reached an employee safety milestone: Five years without a single lost-time incident.

Rick Hammers, plant manager, says the date was January 21, 2013 when "we officially marked five years with no lost-time incidents." The plant, acquired by Columbia in 1986, is one of its seven hardwood plywood operations where Columbia makes decorative interior veneers and panels used in cabinetry, furniture, architectural millwork and commercial fixtures.

“This accomplishment was not left up to chance, but has taken five years to achieve,” noted Barbara McClung, human resources manager. McClung saysTrumann plant management has created an environment where employees can raise concerns about at-risk behaviors and unsafe conditions that could cause injuries.

A lost-time incident is defined as an injury that results from working in an industrial or manufacturing facility. Employee-owned Columbia employs more than 2,000 people. It's lean manufacturing oepration is shown below.