LUDINGTON, Mich. (WOOD) — Workers at FloraCraft in Ludington got a Christmas surprise on pay day: $4 million from their chairman.
At a company holiday lunch Friday, Lee Schoenherr announced he was giving $4 million in cash bonuses and 401(k) contributions to full-time employees as a way to thank them for their hard work and dedication, which helped propel the company into a global leader.
FloraCraft says Schoenherr’s announcement was met by cheers, applause and tears of joy.
Each employee’s gift amount will vary based on how long they’re with the company, with the average amount topping $20,000. Employees who have been with Floracraft more than 40 years will get a gift of more than $60,000, according to the company.
Schoenherr said he’s been thinking about how to reward employees for a few years, but this idea developed over the past year.
"My wife, Joan, and I are blessed in so many ways. We want to share these blessings with the men and women whose energy, passion and loyalty inspire us every day," he stated in a Monday news release.
FloraCraft is a family-owned business that distributes nationwide and in 17 countries. Its foam products are available at more than 20,000 stores, including Walmart, Amazon, Michaels, JOANN Fabric and Craft Stores and Hobby Lobby.
The company says in its 72-year history, it’s never laid off an employee.