December 17, 2018

Holiday Cheer: FloraCraft Chairman Gives Nearly $4 Million to Employees

Cash Bonuses, Retirement Contributions Showcase Appreciation for Dedication, Hard Work

The 200 employees of FloraCraft received an unexpected surprise in their Christmas stockings during Friday’s holiday lunch as company owner and Chairman Lee Schoenherr announced plans to share nearly $4 million with full-time members of his team.

Each gift will be based on longevity of service and shared in two ways: a cash bonus and a special gift to the employee’s 401(k) retirement account. Schoenherr announced the generous thank-you gift to recognize the role his employees have played in building a world-class company in Ludington.

A family-owned and Michigan-based company, FloraCraft is the world’s leading manufacturer of foam products for the craft and floral industries. From its headquarters in Ludington, FloraCraft employees provide innovative American-made products to Walmart, Amazon, Michaels, JOANN, Hobby Lobby and other leading retailers.

“I believe strongly in giving back to the community by supporting initiatives that make Ludington a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family,” Schoenherr said. “A few years ago, I began thinking that I would like to do something more targeted for our employees, who really are the heart and soul of FloraCraft.

“This idea has developed over the past year and is my way of saying “Thank you” to our team for the role they have had in our success. But don’t think this means I’m exiting or selling the business – I love what I do and am committed to maintaining the independence of FloraCraft.

“My wife, Joan, and I are blessed in so many ways. We want to share these blessings with the men and women whose energy, passion and loyalty inspire us every day.”

The news was shared during the company’s annual holiday lunch on Friday, Dec. 14, taking the entire room by surprise. Employees responded with a robust round of applause and cheers, with many lining up to express their thanks to Schoenherr personally after his remarks.

Mark Harvey, who works in the billeting department, shared “The news today was fantastic. I didn’t expect anything like that – and I’m very happy.” Similarly, Mary Overla, an assistant production supervisor, said “It was very humbling. I started crying – it was huge for him to do something like that for everybody.”

FloraCraft enjoys a stable workforce with an average employee tenure of nine years. Some families are second- and third-generation employees. Top gifts to employees with more than 40 years of tenure will exceed $60,000.

“While many business owners provide bonuses to employees after selling their company, Mr. Schoenherr wants to thank his team for their role in building the FloraCraft brand and business now,” explained CEO Eric Erwin. “He felt the time was right to share this special thank-you with our team, who are the hard-working and dedicated backbone of this company.

“Our employees were beyond surprised – and deeply grateful of Mr. Schoenherr’s generosity. He wants to ensure our employees have resources available as immediate reward for their hard work, along with a nest that allows them to save, plan and prepare for their future security.”

Founded after World War II, FloraCraft is a family-owned business success story built by Schoenherr, who leveraged the purchase of his uncle’s business with several astute acquisitions. Schoenherr took the helm in 1973, leading the company to a premier position in the industry through buying competitors and expanding its product line to better meet the needs of its international client base.

Today, FloraCraft sells its products in all 50 states and 17 countries, serving 20,000-plus stores and millions of customers. Since its founding 1946, the Company has never had a layoff.

Whether for craft or floral products, FloraCraft is the industry leader for creators everywhere through its well-respected house of brands, including FloraCraft Foam®, Artesia®, Desert Foam®, Gala Boutique®. Twinklets Glitter® and others. The company sparks the imagine to Make It Fun!® for creators everywhere through its innovative crafting and floral foam products.

FloraCraft is committed to reducing its environmental impact by recycling more than 98 percent of its foam fabrication scrap, which is collected and reused in other products or sold to companies who utilize recycled materials.

About FloraCraft

A family-owned and Michigan-based company, FloraCraft is the world’s leading fabricator of foam products for the craft and floral industries. From its headquarters in Ludington, FloraCraft and its 200+ employees provide innovative American-made products to Walmart, Amazon, Michaels, JOANN, Hobby Lobby and other leading retailers. Founded after World War II, FloraCraft is a family-owned business success story built by owner and Chairman Lee Schoenherr, who is dedicated to protecting American jobs. For more information, visit www.floracraft.com.

Check out the reaction from our employees and hear from Lee and Eric!