Nelson-Jameson Foundation Invests in Nation’s Largest Research Dairy—University of Idaho’s Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment

Posted by Nelson-Jameson, Inc.  – Education, Press Room
November 20, 2023

Distributor provides resources to support dairy education and industry growth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marshfield, WI, – November 20, 2023 | The Nelson-Jameson Foundation announced its role supporting the development of the nation’s largest research dairy, the University of Idaho’s Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) through a $50,000 contribution. Idaho CAFE is being created to support the growth of local Idaho agriculture and the national dairy industry. Future research at the site will develop creative solutions to advance the sustainability of dairy, food processing, livestock, and crop protection.

“We are so pleased to be part of the important work that CAFE is doing to support local agricultural practices and lead the dairy industry into the future. Food systems are facing myriad challenges, and the CAFE Project is solving these challenges with forward-thinking, innovative approaches to food and dairy production and distribution,” says Mat Bartkowiak, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility & Development at Nelson-Jameson.

University of Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) construction site
(Courtesy of Nelson-Jameson): Nelson-Jameson Foundation is supporting the development of America’s largest research dairy at the University of Idaho’s Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE). On site, the milking parlor is being built.

CAFE brings together a cross-section of multidisciplinary scientists to study the animal and plant agriculture using a systems approach. Construction for phase one, at $22.5 million, is currently underway. When completed, the facility will be at the cutting edge for the industry and scheduled to be operational by late 2024. Researchers will examine the viability of dairy production in light of evolving economic conditions, cultural preferences, and environmental pressures and also study potential revenue diversification for dairy farmers. Operating as a demonstration dairy farm, it will have the capacity to house 2,000 cows when fully completed – a scale representative of dairying in the West.

“The beauty of Idaho CAFE is the linkages between the research dairy, agricultural production and our partners in industry,” said Michael P. Parrella, Dean of the University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. “Nelson-Jameson’s commitment to the project underlines industry’s need for sustainability research that will ensure the health and productivity of the industry for generations. We could not accomplish this effort without the support of generous partners like Nelson-Jameson.”

In keeping with the University of Idaho’s mission of research-driven innovation, students at the University of Idaho will have access to educational opportunities and research programs in connection with CAFE.

Tags: ,

Nelson-Jameson Named an Alfa Laval Authorized Service Provider

Posted by Nelson-Jameson, Inc.  – General, Press Room
November 7, 2023

The designation builds on a longstanding relationship between the two companies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARSHFIELD, WI – Nov 7, 2023 | Nelson-Jameson, a leading food processing distributor, announced its designations as an Alfa Laval Master Distributor and an Alfa Laval Authorized Service Provider. Alfa Laval, an international developer and manufacturer of heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling products and support services, made the designation appointments. Nelson-Jameson will continue to provide Alfa Laval equipment, genuine OEM spare parts, and service to food processing facilities as part of its commitment to offering the most extensive, high quality, and efficiency-focused products to its customers. 

“Alfa Laval’s reputation in the industry is built on impeccable quality and service, and we’re honored to be both an Alfa Laval Master Distributor and now an Alfa Laval Authorized Service Provider,” says Devon Vogel, Vice President of Customer Solutions at Nelson-Jameson. “The company is a tremendously valuable strategic partner to Nelson-Jameson and to our dairy and food processing customers.” 

Alfa Laval Master Distributor Retreat 2023

Nelson-Jameson’s President Mike Rindy, VP of Customer Solutions Devon Vogel, and Service & Repair Department Manager Curtis Hardy attend the Alfa Laval Master Distributor Meeting.

Alfal Laval was founded in 1883, originally as the AB Separator company and has been a leading  process technology innovator ever since. While Nelson-Jameson’s Authorized Service Provider designation from Alfa Laval is new, the two organizations have been longtime collaborators in servicing the dairy industry.  Nelson-Jameson distributes Alfa Laval’s food processing-related products, including heat exchangers, pumps, and valves. In addition to distribution, Nelson-Jameson is also recognized for its ability to service, maintain, and provide training on these same products. 

“We are delighted to include Nelson-Jameson in our roster of Master Distributors and Authorized Service Providers,” says Zino Lappas, US Sanitary Food & Pharma Manager at Alfa Laval. “Not only does it take our longstanding business relationship to a new level, but it’s always a pleasure to work with an organization that shares our same dedication to the success of our employees, customers, and communities.”

More information on the company can be found at https://nelsonjameson.com.

Nelson-Jameson Expands Training Capabilities with Launch of Expanded Facility

Posted by Nelson-Jameson, Inc.  – General, Press Room
November 1, 2023

The Wisconsin space will operate as a Service & Repair Workshop and Training Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARSHFIELD, WI – November 01, 2023 | Nelson-Jameson, a leading food processing distributor for the dairy industry, announces the launch of its newly expanded Service & Repair Workshop and Training Center in Marshfield, Wisconsin. The company has long maintained an “education-first” philosophy and currently offers equipment repair and service training to suppliers and customers. The new facility more than doubles its existing space to a total of 1450 square feet and includes both in-person and virtual training capabilities. 

“Nelson-Jameson has operated over its 75+ year history by putting customers first,” says Mike Rindy, President of Nelson-Jameson. “The ongoing training and education we provide is one of our proprietary value-add benefits, and we’re excited to enhance our service and training capabilities even further with the new space.” 

The facility has been designed for future service growth as well as educational opportunities. Nelson-Jameson will host its own training workshops on topics such as valve, pump, and plate heat exchanger maintenance; tech training; and safety training; and will develop custom workshops for individual customer needs. The company will also open the Service Training Center to suppliers to conduct partner-supported training workshops within the expanded Service & Repair area. The new space includes upgraded virtual technology features to facilitate connections between customers, suppliers, and service teams across the nation. 

Nelson-Jameson has plans to expand Service & Repair Workshops and Training Centers in other locations in the future, including its new Jerome, Idaho Strategic Distribution Center. Its employees often travel between locations, and multiple workshops will give them the flexibility to seamlessly provide training and repair at each location. 

“We’re designing our spaces, training programs, and workshops to benefit our customers and suppliers across levels and job functions, including maintenance managers, engineers, quality assurance and safety managers, and corporate leaders,” adds Rindy. “It fills a void in the dairy industry, and we are excited to share our expertise with our community.”

More information on the company can be found at https://nelsonjameson.com.

Tags: , ,

Nelson-Jameson President Mike Rindy named a CEO to Watch by “Family Business Magazine”

Posted by Nelson-Jameson, Inc.  – General, In The News
October 31, 2023

Rindy is featured in the November/December 2023 edition of the magazine

Read Mike Rindy’s Profile on Family Business Magazine ⇨

MARSHFIELD, WI – Oct 31, 2023 | Nelson-Jameson, a leading food processing distributor, announced that its President, Mike Rindy, was recognized by “Family Business Magazine” as a CEO to Watch, Class of 2023. The annual award recognizes “family and non-family chief executives whose exceptional leadership has put their businesses in a strong position for future generations.” A feature spotlighting Rindy will appear in both the November/December 2023 print edition of “Family Business Magazine” and the online edition. 

Mike Rindy

“I couldn’t be more honored to receive this accolade from “Family Business Magazine,” one of the foremost publications for executive leaders,” says Rindy. “I’m especially appreciative of the award’s focus on leadership for the benefit of the next generation. This is a core principle of Nelson-Jameson’s culture, and I’m proud to carry its legacy forward.” 

Rindy joined Nelson-Jameson in 2020. In his three-year tenure, he has steered the company through the pandemic and supply chain challenges, overseen expansion to new cities and markets, and sustained a longstanding company ethos of operating in an ethical manner with respect for people, the community, and the environment. The company was founded more than 75 years ago and has operated continuously as a family business ever since.

“Mike Rindy has been a tremendous asset to our organization, in part because of because of his unique ability to humbly inspire our employees, to empathize and show compassion, and to empower people to thrive,” says Adam Nelson, a fourth-generation owner of Nelson-Jameson who currently serves as the Chairman of Nelson-Jameson. “He has infused new energy and ideas into the company while honoring our family business values, and we congratulate him on this extremely well-deserved recognition.” 


Family Business was launched more than 30 years ago, with the goal of supporting leadership teams in the unique position of managing businesses and family dynamics at the same time. The magazine is published by MLR Media, an organization that utilizes digital platforms, magazines, and events to provide relevant insights to public and private company directors, leaders and owners of multigenerational family businesses and C-suite executives.

More information on the company can be found at https://nelsonjameson.com.

Tags: , , , ,

Nelson-Jameson Receives FPSA Recognition for Achievement in Developing & Promoting Women

Posted by Nelson-Jameson, Inc.  – ESG, General, In The News
October 25, 2023

Nelson-Jameson is proud to be recognized by Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) Women’s Alliance Network in this year’s Red Circle Honors in the category of Achievement in Developing & Promoting Women. Nelson-Jameson received a runner-up position in the highly competitive category – a notable honor given the number and caliber of individuals and companies nominated.

FPSA Women's Alliance Network Logo

The nomination and evaluation process included a detailed application in which Nelson-Jameson shared the specific ways it fosters opportunities for women. As a company that carries forward the values of honesty, integrity, and kindness, the team would like to share some highlights from the application process:

Female-owned business:
Nelson-Jameson is a privately-held family business that is majority women-owned – a distinction that less than half of businesses in the U.S. (42%) can claim, according to the latest U.S. Data Statistics for Women in Business. However, only 2% of food supply or manufacturing companies are women-owned (source: Industry Select 2023), making Nelson-Jameson’s women-owned status even more unique in the industry.

Career advancement, mentorship & training:
Nelson-Jameson has a top-down commitment to walking the walk when it comes to career opportunities. Formal training programs and HR-monitored mentorship help employees develop their skills on site, and leadership seeks tangible ways for women to be recognized, including awards and promotion tracks. Nelson-Jameson is proud to foster, promote, and support the advancement of women in the company. In fact, 50% of our Vice Presidents are women.

Industry Networking Events:
Nelson-Jameson actively encourages employees to participate in industry associations, conferences, and networking events, including the International Dairy Foods Association’s (IFDA) “Women in Dairy.” The company also supports the next generation of dairy leaders by offering leadership experiences to its employees.

Work-life programs:
Nelson-Jameson is a people-first company that has valued and supported its employees’ personal lives as much as their work lives. This includes policies that promote, protect, and enhance the workplace for women. The headquarters location is equipped with a lactation room with sink, fridge, and comfortable seating and the company provides fully paid parental leave for two weeks to give parents time and space to bond with both natural-born and adopted children. Additionally, Nelson-Jameson’s short-term disability starts on the first of the month following the date of hire. It kicks in on the eighth day of disability and pays 60% of the wage or salary–this would apply to the mother who gave birth.

Community engagement:
Nelson-Jameson also supports Working Women’s Wednesday, which provides both networking, educational, and personal growth opportunities for women in the local community of Marshfield, Wisconsin, near company headquarters.

Nelson-Jameson’s dedication to developing and promoting women is one piece of a larger whole. The company’s retention rate for employees is significantly higher than industry peers, and it’s proud to have so many employees who have stayed here for decades. The focus on providing a supportive and productive workplace for all employees, and the commitment to operating in an ethical manner with respect for people, the community, and the environment, continues to set Nelson-Jameson apart.

Tags: , , , ,