American Licorice Company (ALC) is a local candy manufacturer that is committed to more than candy production. Through excellent working conditions, outreach initiatives, and a commitment to eco-friendly practices, the company is more than just a business; it’s the foundation for building a purposeful life and a fulfilled community.
A common catch phrase you will hear around the La Porte plant is “Investing in Happiness.” This motto is central to everything ALC does. To fully keep the promise, ALC enlists the passion of like-minded associates. At the beginning of every shift, the team reviews the company’s values, guaranteeing that everyone is on board and committed to doing good work to continue their mission.
While at work, Associates receive consideration that allows them to do their best work day in and day out. The factory floor is kept clean and orderly, and an emphasis on safety is a top priority. The company even provides bikes to assist factory mechanics who must often haul heavy equipment!
With increased automation, the concern for safety and job loss increases. ALC is committed to providing adequate jobs and excellent working conditions for La Porte and surrounding communities. Because of a company culture that is concerned for the wellbeing of its individual workers, every associate is made to feel as though they are respected and are a part of something that is bigger than themselves.
The company understands that its associate's lives do not revolve entirely around making incredible candies; first and foremost, people work to support their families and their livelihoods. ALC believes that the community falls into this category and is determined to encourage its associates to give back whenever possible. A list of volunteer opportunities is posted at the entrance of the factory, and associates are encouraged to secure a small plot of land in the community garden just across the street!
One of the most interesting opportunities for ALC associates is the CLIF Bar & Company's In Good Company initiative. This partnership allows associates to go on service trips throughout the year to help communities in need. Trips have taken associates to the Bronx and the Ohio River Cleanup Project, and more opportunities are always in the works!
At the local level, ALC holds their annual Back-to-School Back Pack Rally in August and partners with local schools and organizations for fundraising efforts. By putting action towards both local and national initiatives, ALC ensures that their outreach extends far and wide!
Aside from giving back to the community, ALC is also committed to adopting eco-friendly practices at all levels of the company. The La Porte location is Zero Waste Gold certified by Zero Waste International Alliance. With recycling procedures in place for packaging materials, leftover candies, and associate hairnets and smocks, the company has guaranteed that 95 percent of the materials that go through the factory exit the factory as a completed product! In the newly renovated office building, garbage cans were removed from each individual desk space to encourage employees to use the many recycling bins around the office.
These procedures have been years in the making, yet the company is already on track to achieve the platinum standard in the near future.
Because of its culture that revolves around supporting each individual associate, giving back to the community, and enacting procedures that are eco-friendly, the La Porte ALC location is continually growing! To find out how you can become a part of this incredible team, please visit their career site!
