Morton commits to $1.5 million in bonus payments to front-line employees as essential operations continue and $500,000 to nonprofit organizations for COVID-19 relief
Chicago – APRIL 16, 2020 – Morton Salt announced today that in response to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the company and its affiliates in North and South America will thank employees continuing to operate its salt production sites and performing essential roles at other company locations with a pledge of $1.5 million in bonus payments, and will also donate $500,000 to nonprofit organizations for COVID-19 relief.
For generations, Morton has been trusted to flavor food, soften water, keep winter roads clear and safe and support business and industry – including producers of food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and health care products, cleaners and disinfectants and more.
Due to its essential nature, Morton was granted permission to continue its operations during the COVID-19 pandemic with enhanced protocols to help ensure the company continues to protect the health and safety of its employees, while providing essential salt products from the brand that consumers, customers and communities count on.
“Now more than ever, Morton Salt is committed to supporting our employees, the communities in which we live and work and the consumers, businesses and industries that depend on our essential, life-sustaining salt products,” said Mark Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, Morton Salt, Inc. “Morton is proud to step up and do its part to help make a positive difference in the wake of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.”
Employee Recognition
To recognize its employees’ efforts, Morton and its affiliate companies in North and South America committed to providing a one-time, $500 bonus to all full-time employees at its salt production facilities and those continuing to perform essential duties at other company sites.
“During this time of great change and increased need for our products, our employees have answered the call to continue serving our consumers, customers and communities,” Roberts added. “The dedication, flexibility and resolve of our employees is truly inspiring, and it was important for us to recognize their extraordinary efforts and continued service.”
With the health, safety and well-being of its employees as the company’s top priority, Morton Salt continues to follow best practice recommendations of leading health authorities including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, while recognizing guidelines and regulations set forth by local government entities where it operates.
Over the past few weeks, Morton has also implemented enhanced protocols with customers, transportation carriers and other business partners to ensure it continues to deliver safe and reliable salt supply during this dynamic time.
Community Support
In North and South America, Morton and its affiliate companies are collectively committing $500,000 to nonprofit organizations that provide essential support to those in need during this challenging time.
Those organizations include Feeding America, Foods Banks Canada, the James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund, the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund, the West Island Solidarity Fund and Techo, as well as other local nonprofit partners in the communities where the company operates.
Consumer Support
For consumers, Morton will continue to share essential content on its website and social media channels including recipe inspiration and tips to make the most of meals as part of its Erase Food Waste platform in order to do its part to help make a positive impact at home. For more information, visit MortonSalt.com or visit Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @MortonSalt.
About Morton Salt, Inc.
Morton Salt, Inc., part of the Operating Unit Americas division of K+S Group, is the trusted authority in salt in North America. Our iconic Morton® brand, coupled with the broadest footprint in the industry, has made us a leader since 1848. We produce salt for culinary, water softening, household, road deicing, food processing, chemical, pharmaceutical, and numerous other uses. Headquartered in Chicago, Morton Salt with its affiliates in the Bahamas and Canada has nearly 3,000 employees committed to safety, quality, and service in the communities in which we operate.
About Operating Unit Americas
Operating Unit Americas is an international operating unit of K+S Group, an independent global minerals company headquartered in Kassel, Germany serving agriculture, consumer, industry and communities segments.
The operating unit is comprised of Morton Salt, Inc. in the United States, K+S Windsor Salt Ltd. in Canada, K+S Peru, K+S Chile, and Salina Diamante Branco in Brazil. Together, these Operating Unit Americas entities employ approximately 4,000 people across North and South America.
Within Operating Unit Americas are some of the most iconic and recognized salt brands, include Morton, Windsor, Lobos and Salina Diamante Branco. These leading brands collectively manufacture and market a diverse portfolio of salt products for consumers, business and industry across a broad-base of uses including culinary, water softening, household and road deicing, food processing, chemical, industrial, pharmaceutical and pool salt.