Community support, employee ownership, and keeping jobs local. Three key drivers of Malco’s business decisions. As a Specific Benefit Corporation (SBC), a designation that indicates a specific social benefit, Malco is committed to being a company that cares about making a difference in the local community, as well as fueling a collaborative, transparent, and friendly culture among team members. With the holidays around the corner, we wanted to take a step back and reflect on our efforts to give back to those that mean so much to us.
A Company that Cares: Malco’s Efforts
Annual United Way Drive
Some people could use a little help right now in our home state. Such as students who need learning assistance and mentorship. Others are parents struggling to provide healthy food and a safe environment for their families. Helping them is what United Way is all about. For over 30 years, Malco has run a yearly United Way campaign that helps raise funds for local causes in the community. We do this to help others, bring awareness to others in need, and share programs to help those who need it.
Ongoing Trade Education Support
As a strong advocate of careers in the trades, Malco annually donates $200,000 of in-kind products and apparel to various skilled trade education programs, competitions, and events across the country. In 2005, Malco unveiled its Head of the Class Program to recognize and reward exceptional HVAC, construction, and autobody trade school graduates for their commitment and hard work. Since then, the program has reached over 75,000 students. In 2020, Malco started the annual Jeannette Rieger-Borer Scholarship to provide a scholarship of $1,500 to a local Annandale High School graduate who will be pursuing a trade school education.
Annual Recognition of HVAC Trade Pros
Malco understands the long hours and sacrifices that go into being a successful HVAC technician. This is why we developed a national contest to recognize the hard-working individuals who represent the industry in the best light, on and off the job. The annual Malco Trade Pro of the Year Award celebrates outstanding HVAC pros from across the country whose collective experience, achievements, on-the-job safety, and local involvement have made a difference in their communities. Each winner receives $1,000 worth of Malco tools to boost their existing kit. Currently, we have plans to expand this contest to include Canada, as well as add a second contest for construction professionals.
Adopt a Highway Program
Since 2015, Malco has been committed to a highway cleanup program called Adopt a Highway hosted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. This voluntary activity enables residents to make a personal contribution to a cleaner environment by picking up litter at least twice a year. Keeping our highway clean near the Malco facility displays our pride as we consider it an extension of our driveway. Ultimately, we want others using the road to have a clean, safe drive. We have even found a few treasures along the way!
Commitment to American Manufacturing
Malco distributes thousands of products from its Annandale, MN headquarters to trade pros in the U.S. and worldwide via industry wholesalers and retail home centers. Regarding the company’s latest expansion to Dewitt, NE, it’s been over a decade since the previous plier factory shut down due to moving operations overseas, so Malco is proud to bring back jobs to the community, strengthen the economy, and maintain a lower carbon footprint. For the few products that we do outsource, we work very closely with these partners to ensure all specifications are met and align with our quality standards.
Company Awards for Employee Inclusivity, Satisfaction & Safety
In 2017, Malco received award recognition as an Outstanding Disability Employer by the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation. Malco has had a relationship with Functional Industries, a disability service provider in Buffalo, Minnesota, for more than 30 years. Regarding employee satisfaction and being a great place to work, Malco was named a Top Workplace by the Star Tribune in 2018 and 2019. When it comes to workplace safety, it’s a #1 priority at Malco. We’ve received MNSHARP re-certification for 15 consecutive years and have earned the Outstanding Achievement Award in Occupational Safety at the annual Governor’s Safety Awards program 12 times since 2004. These are just a few of the many honors we have gratefully received throughout the years.
At Malco, we take tremendous pride in being a company that cares about making a positive difference in our community and treating our employee-owners like family. “Alone, we can do so little; Together we can do so much.” —Helen Keller