Dayco Products celebrates one million accident-free work hours

Dayco Products’ manufacturing facility and technical center in Springdale celebrates one million work hours without a lost time accident marking an achievement last met at the site in March 2011.

Officials explained Tuesday (Sept. 22) that it takes about four years for the plant's employees to accumulate one million hours.

More than 170 workers at the plant and technical center formed an active safety committee, conducted monthly training sessions and featured weekly pre-shift safety talks in an effort to improve safety at the facility. They also conduct an annual Safety Awareness Week that helps elevate the safety program.

Dignitaries on hand at Tuesday’s milestone celebration included: Dayco's president of North America operations, Douglas Brown, as well as Robert Crist, vice president of North American operations. Mayor Doug Sprouse joined Chamber president Perry Webb with congratulatory remarks to the company and plant manager Doug Moye in a ceremony held on the plant floor.

"The people of Dayco's Springdale plant and technical center can be very proud of their environment and safety records," Crist said. "To achieve the one million hour milestone requires commitment, teamwork and great attention to detail in every activity."

Dayco started its belt tensioner plant in August 1985 in partnership with the University of Arkansas. After several expansions and moves, Dayco opened the current Springdale plant after outgrowing its previous Springdale facility in July 2000. Employees working at the 100,000-square-foot plant manufacture, assemble and distribute a wide range of tensioners for automotive, industrial and aftermarket customers.