Nelson-Jameson Wins Int’l Dairy Foods Association Safety Recognition Award

Posted by Nelson-Jameson, Inc.  – General, Press Room
August 14, 2023

Leading dairy distributor earns win for excellence in worker safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marshfield, WI—August 8, 2023 | Nelson-Jameson, a leading distributor in the food and dairy industries with the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance, has won a 2023 International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) Safety Recognition Award.

IDFA created this award to recognize members whose processing facilities and trucking operations demonstrate excellence in worker safety as part of a continuous effort to reduce occupational illness and injury. The company has won the 2023 Outstanding Record of Worker Safety, and it was awarded to all five Nelson-Jameson distribution centers in Marshfield, WI; York, PA; Turlock, CA; Twin Falls, ID; and Amarillo, TX.

To be eligible for award consideration, facilities must have a Total Recordable Cases (TRC) rate and Cases with Days Away from Work, Job Transfer, or Restrictions (DART) rates less than 50 percent of industry averages, as provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nelson-Jameson incorporates its safety standards from a thoughtful pre-hire process, new hire training, job shadowing, monthly training, and continual employee engagement to ensure all employees have the tools to do their jobs safely.

“Nelson-Jameson strongly believes that accidents and injuries are preventable, and we prioritize safety each day at all our strategic distribution centers across the country,” said Mike Rindy, Nelson-Jameson president. “We are so honored to receive this recognition which is a direct result of our employees’ tireless efforts to reduce and prevent illness and injury on the job.” The complete list of award winners can be found on IDFA’s website (www.idfa.org) and via a press release to coincide with OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week from August 7-13.

About Nelson-Jameson  

Nelson-Jameson is a fourth-generation, family-owned distributor to the food and beverage industry. From the company’s roots in dairy production supplies, it grew to offer a broad range of food processing equipment and services that provide customers with everything they need to manufacture safe, high-quality products. Representing over 850 vendors and distributing over 60,000 products, Nelson-Jameson offers everything from standard equipment to custom production solutions and equipment repair.  The company employs more than 260 people in five distribution centers across the United States and at its headquarters in the heart of dairy country in Marshfield, Wisconsin. The dairy industry leader also operates NEXT Logistics, offering delivery services from Wisconsin, California, Idaho, Pennsylvania, and Texas distribution centers.  

For more than 75 years, Nelson-Jameson has supported food and dairy processors with products and solutions that keep pace with changing consumer tastes, manufacturing processes, and distribution channels. The company continues to be the supplier of choice for customers in all 50 states and international markets.  

For more information, please visit: https://nelsonjameson.com 

Food Processing Distributor Nelson-Jameson Announces New Charitable Foundation

Posted by Nelson-Jameson, Inc.  – General, Press Room
August 14, 2023

The Foundation will provide financial support to employees, local communities, and the industry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marshfield, WI – April 19, 2023 | The Nelson-Jameson Family of Companies recently announced the launch of the Nelson-Jameson Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to cultivate prosperity for employees, local communities, and the industry through a diverse range of philanthropic programs. One of the tenets of the Nelson-Jameson Foundation is the belief that supporting communities is the shared responsibility of every citizen and corporation.“

The launch of the Nelson-Jameson Foundation continues our company’s 75-year legacy of charitable giving and underscores our commitment to employee wellbeing.” says Amanda Sasse, fourth-generation owner. “We’re a golden-rule company that strives to maintain a culture of honesty, integrity, and kindness. The Foundation allows us to invest in these values for the benefit of our employees, their families, and our community.”

The roster of programs supported by the Nelson-Jameson Foundation provides financial, emergency, and educational support to employees and their families. It also empowers employees to take part in directing resources toward community causes they care about that also embody Nelson-Jameson’s company values. The list of programs includes:

  • Volunteer Program – The Volunteer Program empowers employees to be agents of social impact by providing paid volunteer time during regular business hours for up to eight hours per year at 501(c)(3) charitable organizations and schools.
  • Employee Crisis Fund – To help employees cope during an unexpected crisis due to a federal, state, or locally-declared emergency, the Nelson-Jameson Foundation can provide emergency assistance through the Employee Crisis Fund.
  • Donation & Charitable Giving Grants – The Foundation will continue to support 501(c)(3) entities that practice its core values through Donation and Charitable Giving Grants.
  • Matching Gift Program – The Matching Gift Program matches donations that employees make to 501(c)(3) charities. Employees can submit for one or two charities, and Nelson-Jameson will match up to $2,500 per employee per year.
  • Scholarship Program – Through the Foundation’s Scholarship Program, family members of Nelson-Jameson employees can apply for scholarships at accredited two- or four-year colleges. An independent committee of former educators will review the applications and make final decisions on recipients. Up to five students can earn scholarships of $2,500 each.

Nelson-Jameson has named an internal board to oversee and continue building its Foundation’s operations. More information on the company can be found at nelsonjameson.com.

About Nelson-Jameson

Nelson-Jameson is a fourth-generation, family-owned distributor to the food and beverage industry. From the company’s roots in dairy production supplies, it grew to offer a broad range of food processing equipment and services that provide customers with everything they need to manufacture safe, high quality products. Representing over 850 vendors and distributing over 60,000 products, Nelson-Jameson offers everything from standard equipment to custom production solutions and equipment repair. The company employs more than 260 people in five distribution centers across the United States and at its headquarters in the heart of dairy country in Marshfield, Wisconsin. The dairy industry leader also operates NEXT Logistics, offering delivery services from Wisconsin, California, Idaho, Pennsylvania, and Texas distribution centers.

For more than 75 years, Nelson-Jameson has supported food and dairy processors with products and solutions that keep pace with changing consumer tastes, manufacturing processes, and distribution channels. The company continues to be the supplier of choice for customers in all 50 states and international markets.

For more information, please visit: https://nelsonjameson.com

Food Processing Distributor Nelson-Jameson Taps Industry Veteran Peter Kempe for Senior Executive Spot

Posted by Nelson-Jameson, Inc.  – Press Room
August 14, 2023

Kempe takes on the role of Senior Vice President Strategy & Business Development, Ingredients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARSHFIELD, WI—April 25, 2023 | Nelson-Jameson, Inc., a leading distributor in the food processing industry, welcomes Peter Kempe to a new leadership position as Senior Vice President Strategy & Business Development – Ingredients, as part of a strategic firmwide expansion. The 75+-year-old family-owned company is the go-to source for food processing supplies and a trusted end-to-end ingredient solutions supplier to the food industry.

Kempe brings three decades of experience and in-depth industry knowledge to Nelson-Jameson, including 28 years at DSM, where he rose up through the ranks earning progressively senior positions. In his new role, Kempe’s focus will be on further expanding Nelson-Jameson’s leadership position through relationship building with business partners and principals across the dairy industry and additional food industry segments. Kempe will lead the development and execution of business growth strategies for the Ingredients division, including strategic sourcing, partnership management, and go-to-market programming. Additionally, he will collaborate with product management and procurement teams in strategic sourcing to ensure supplier integrity, maintain the highest standards of ingredient access and quality, and streamline supply/demand/delivery operations.

“Peter is a ‘triple threat’ in our industry. He possesses the rare combination of deep expertise in the global food ingredient and flavor industry, scientific acumen, and a track record of leading high-performance, multifunctional teams,” says Mike Rindy, President. “It was clear right away that he embodies the Nelson-Jameson values of collaboration and integrity and fits perfectly into our company culture.”

As part of its strategic expansion, Nelson-Jameson recognized the need for a new executive-level position to cover high-level business development design and optimize go-to-market strategies based on an understanding of the technological details of its customers’ businesses. In addition to nearly thirty years of experience, Kempe’s education and professional network presented as the ideal match for this role. Kempe earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Bio-Process Technology and obtained post-graduate certifications in Industrial Marketing and Supply Chain Management. He is also an active member of the Institute of Food Technologists and The International Dairy Foods Association.

Nelson Jameson prioritizes a best-in-class customer experience and solutions as part of its comprehensive distribution services. A culture of innovation and service guides the organization as a golden-rule company, and its leadership is committed to maintaining a culture of honesty, integrity, and kindness and operating ethically with respect for people, the community, and the environment.

About Nelson-Jameson

Nelson-Jameson is a fourth-generation, family-owned distributor to the food and beverage processing industry. From the company’s roots in dairy production supplies, it grew to offer a broad range of food processing equipment and services that provide customers with everything they need to keep food organizations running smoothly, safely, and remain in compliance. Representing more than 850 vendors and distributing over 60,000 curated products, Nelson-Jameson offers everything from standard equipment to custom production solutions and equipment repair to safely manufacture high-quality products. The company employs more than 260 people in five distribution centers across the United

States and at its headquarters in the heart of dairy country in Marshfield, Wisconsin. The dairy industry leader also operates NEXT Logistics, offering delivery services from Wisconsin, California, Idaho, Pennsylvania, and Texas distribution centers. For more than 75 years, Nelson-Jameson has supported food and dairy processors with innovative products and solutions that keep pace with changing consumer tastes, manufacturing processes, and distribution channels. The company continues to be the supplier of choice for customers in all 50 states and international markets. For more information, please visit: nelsonjameson.com.

Nelson-Jameson Announces Commercial Team Expansion as part of National Growth Strategy

Posted by Nelson-Jameson, Inc.  – Press Room
August 11, 2023

Dakonya Freis, Jason Huff, and Chris York selected for top leadership roles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARSHFIELD, WI—August 3, 2023 | Nelson-Jameson, a leading distributor in the dairy and food processing industry, is continuing expansion of its Commercial Development Department with three development and sales-focused leaders. The company has strengthened its managerial structure across all departments this year, and the commercial team expansion aligns with the firm’s growing customer footprint across the country. Because Nelson-Jameson provides ongoing relationship management beyond the point of sale, it sought commercial leaders who excel in both growth-focused development and customer care.  

“The Commercial Development Department is key to the strategic growth of Nelson-Jameson, and the collective expertise that Dakonya Freis, Jason Huff, and Chris York bring to the table is unmatched,” says Nelson-Jameson President Mike Rindy. “What’s more, they all embody the Golden Rule values that Nelson-Jameson is known for, ensuring that we maintain the integrity of our 75-year-old company culture as we grow.” 

The new managers will lead commercial development and expansion in their respective areas:

Dakonya Freis – Vice President of Commercial Development
Dakonya brings over two decades of experience at Nelson-Jameson to her position as Vice President of Commercial Development, including five years as Vice President of Product Management & Marketing where she had identified process improvements and had overseen the product management and marketing departments. In her new role, she is responsible for developing new avenues of commercial growth, streamlining business processes, and collaborating with customers and suppliers to bring value added solutions to the food and beverage industry.

Jason Huff – Commercial Executive Director – West 
Jason leads the relationship management across Nelson-Jameson’s Western United States territory as Commercial Executive Director – West. Based out of Nelson-Jameson’s newest distribution center in Jerome, ID, opening later this year, Jason will develop regional sales targets and support company-wide key sales execution. He will also coach and mentor sales, technical, and commercial teams to reach determined goals. Jason has an in-depth understanding of the supplier ecosystem and knowledge how to build deep-rooted strategic customer partnerships from experience in past roles spanning 25 years in cheese/whey production, dairy processing, and corporate food safety & sanitation.

Chris York –  Commercial Executive Director – East
As Commercial Executive Director – East, Chris is the face of Nelson-Jameson across the Eastern United States territory. He develops and fosters high-value relationships with customers and acts as a liaison between customers and internal teams. Chris also partners with leadership to execute the strategic sales plan for the East region. Prior to Nelson-Jameson, Chris spent nearly two decades in regional sales management roles at 3M, cultivating deep food industry expertise and channel management experience.

Nelson-Jameson promotes its designation as a golden-rule company, and is focused on maintaining a culture of honesty, integrity, and kindness, and a commitment to operating in an ethical manner with respect for people, the community, and the environment. The new Commercial Development team is part of the company’s effort to grow as an organization while providing a best-in-class customer experience nationwide.

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

About Nelson-Jameson   

Nelson-Jameson is a fourth-generation, family-owned distributor to the food and beverage industry. From the company’s roots in dairy production supplies, it grew to offer a broad range of food processing equipment and services that provide customers with everything they need to manufacture safe, high-quality products. Representing over 850 vendors and distributing over 60,000 products, Nelson-Jameson offers everything from standard equipment to custom production solutions and equipment repair.  The company employs more than 260 people in five distribution centers across the United States and at its headquarters in the heart of dairy country in Marshfield, Wisconsin. The dairy industry leader also operates NEXT Logistics, offering delivery services from Wisconsin, California, Idaho, Pennsylvania, and Texas distribution centers.   

For more than 75 years, Nelson-Jameson has supported food and dairy processors with products and solutions that keep pace with changing consumer tastes, manufacturing processes, and distribution channels. The company continues to be the supplier of choice for customers in all 50 states and international markets.   

For more information, please visit: https://nelsonjameson.com   

Understanding Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA)

Posted by Marketing Dept.  – Education, General, Safety & Personnel, Sanitation & Janitorial
July 6, 2023

Every year, destructive and deadly dust-related fires and explosions affect a wide range of industries around the globe, including the food processing industry. 

According to the 2021 Combustible Dust Incident Report Summary by Dust Safety Science, in the United States alone, there has been an average of 133 fires, 30 explosions, 39 injuries, and one to six fatalities per year (between 2016 and 2021). 

To help manage dust-related fires, flash fires, and explosion hazards, the NFPA® introduced NFPA 652: Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust. 

All facilities that handle or produce combustible dust, or particulate solids that may become dust, are at risk of a potential dust explosion. NFPA 652 defines combustible dust as a “finely divided combustible particle solid that presents a flash fire hazard or explosion hazard when suspended in air of the process-specific oxidizing medium over a range of concentrations.” A dust explosion occurs when the following elements combine at the same time: combustible dust, oxygen in air, dispersion, confinement, and ignition. 

To improve plant safety and minimize or mitigate potential risks, NFPA 652 requires facilities to complete a Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA).

What Is A Dust Hazard Analysis?

DHA is a tool used to identify the specific combustible dust hazards associated with a facility’s process to determine where credible fire, flashfire, and explosion hazards exist—allowing a facility to create a plan to minimize or mitigate potential risks.

Who Is Required To Complete A Dust Hazard Analysis?

All facilities that manufacture, blend, package, repackage, convey, or handle combustible dust or particulate solids that may become dust are required to complete a Dust Hazard Analysis per NFPA 652.

Who Can Complete A Dust Hazard Analysis?

NFPA 652 recommends a Dust Hazard Analysis be completed by a team (not required) and led by a qualified person (required). If a facility decides to complete a DHA as a team, Plant Engineers, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) personnel, and Plant Management are frequently involved in the process as they all provide valuable perspectives. Consider including Maintenance and Operations personnel who often have hands-on experience for additional insight to potential combustible dust hazards.

It is highly recommended to have a third-party conduct and complete a Dust Hazard Analysis to avoid the risk of overlooking potential hazards. Contact Nelson-Jameson for third-party referrals in your area.

When Is A Dust Hazard Analysis Required?

NFPA 652 requires a Dust Hazard Analysis to be completed for all new installations or expansions/upgrades to existing installations. A Dust Hazard Analysis should also be completed every five years, even if no changes have been made.

Why Is A Dust Hazard Analysis Required?

Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ’s) require a Dust Hazard Analysis be completed to comply with NFPA 652. (AHJ’s = OSHA, Insurance Providers, Facility Safety Personnel, & Fire Marshals). The DHA will provide the facility with the areas/environments in which updates are necessary to comply with NFPA 652. Example: combustible dust safe certified industrial vacuums (not including shop-style vacuums or non-certified vacuums).

Currently, NFPA 652 is the standard for dust basics and is a good starting point for combustible dust standards, best practices, and the requirements for a Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA). The other five standards, all of which are commodity-specific, are:

  • NFPA 61: Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Food Products Facilities
  • NFPA 484: Standard for Combustible Metals
  • NFPA 654: Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids
  • NFPA 655: Standard for Prevention of Sulfur Fires and Explosions
  • NFPA 664: Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities

A Dust Hazard Analysis varies for each company depending on their specific requirements. Contact Nelson-Jameson for referrals on third-parties to conduct a Dust Hazard Analysis for your facility.