At Fortrex, we’re proud to be a trusted partner in creating safe, reliable environments. We protect what matters—our people, our partners, and the nation’s food supply.
Every day, Fortrex team members across the country are working around the clock to protect our nation’s food supply.
At the heart of that work is a deep commitment to safety. We make sure every team member has the training, tools, and equipment they need to do their job safely—and return home just as they came to work.
Because at Fortrex, we protect what matters.
As part of June Safety Month, we spoke with plant managers to learn what drives a strong safety culture and how their teams live that commitment every single day.
1. Safety Starts with Awareness and Accountability
Out in the field, every shift kicks off with a pre-shift meeting—not just a checklist, but a chance to talk through any recent safety issues and how to prevent them. It’s all about learning and improving together.
A key part of this meeting is reiterating our Life Saving Safety Rules. One of our plant managers said, “We say them every day. These rules don’t change—and neither does our commitment to them.”
2. Training, Equipment, and Hazard Awareness
At Fortrex, we prioritize training in our plants. From handling chemicals to operating heavy equipment, every team member gets hands-on training to stay safe.
Managers also check in regularly to make sure the gear is in good shape and replaced if it’s not. When it comes to safety, there are several factors that support a strong safety culture, but it really comes down to working together as a team. As one manager said, “We don’t rely on one program. We rely on everyone staying alert and looking out for each other.”
3. Speak Up. Step Up.
Like any strong team, good communication is key. At Fortrex, team members are encouraged to speak up about safety concerns—no matter who’s involved. That openness builds trust and accountability.
As one team member put it, “If we can talk about problems, we can solve them—and if we solve them early, we prevent injuries.”
4. Prioritizing Culture
Safety is serious, but hard work deserves to be rewarded! At our plants, celebrations are part of the culture. The team comes together regularly to recognize hard work, share food, raffle prizes, and build community.
5. Advice to Other Plants: Stay Connected, Stay Safe
When we asked our plant leaders if they had any advice when it came to building a safety-first culture they said this:
“Put safety first always, but your fellow team members a close second. Stay connected with your workspace. Know what hazards are around you and what to do if something happens. When a team can talk, share concerns, and celebrate together, the workplace gets safer—and so does the work.”
Safety requires constant vigilance and true teamwork. At Fortrex, we’re proud to be a trusted partner in creating safe, reliable environments. We protect what matters—our people, our partners, and the nation’s food supply.
For over 50 years, Fortrex has prioritized delivering on time and without disruption. That starts with understanding the sanitation process, investing in training, and continuously improving how work gets done.
Chemistry is more than a line item on a budget it’s a foundational element of food safety, operational efficiency, and brand protection.
Site Manager Karla Garza is the 2025 Core Value Excellence Award winner.