The transition from a family-owned company to being part of a gloal corporation can be jarring.
But Guy Colby Mace, president and CEO of Turblex Inc., says he was determined that the 2007 acquisition of his father's company by Germany-based Siemens AG wouldn't affect the family-oriented culture his employees were accustomed to enjoying.
"I've made it a bit of a personal mission of mine to retain the positive legacy of Turblex, but embrace and leverage all the benefits of Siemens," Mace says.
"It was owned by a family-oriented man. I'm seeking to retain that."
Turblex manufactures aeration blowers for wastewater treatment plants and compressors for coal-fired power plants.
To retain the company's family-owned culture, Mace encourages employees to freely offer their ideas and opinions.
"In large companies, the individual employees can feel overwhelmed ... I prevent that from happening," he says.
Sonja Johnson, office manager, says camaraderie is encouraged through planned activities including an annual picnic and monthly lunches for all employees, a suggestion that came from a teamwork seminar.
"We get together, have some good food and take an hour or so to get to know each other and talk candidly," Johnson says. "That is our most popular social activity. (It) ranks No. 1 on our poll for what to do."
The company also provides fresh fruit each week for employees to snack on, but it has other options, too.
"We provide candy, chocolate and ice cream as well, so there's your flip side on the fruit," Johnson says with a laugh.
The advantages of being in the Siemens constellation of companies are numerous, Mace says, noting that it has opened doors to new markets.
Also, Turblex is poised to move in February to a new facility at 4654 W. FR 130.
Employees also reap some improved insurance coverage as part of the Siemens team.
"The health and medical was definitely a step up in quality and flexibility than what we had before," Mace says.
Employees also are eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan, and contributions of up to 6 percent are matched dollar-for-dollar, he says.
And even with economic challenges, salary raises are in line for Turblex employees.
"Our increase for this year is very positive, and I would be very surprised if it doesn't outpace others," Mace says.
As Turblex expands into new fields, including the oil and gas industry, its employees will be tapped to grow in new directions as well.
Training is provided, and employees are rated each year on their potential for growth.
"I'm going to need people to step up and fill key positions," Mace says.
Siemens also offers travel abroad to gain experience. Mace says two employees already have taken advantage of such travel to see how things work at other companies, and he is hosting a German colleague in Springfield.
"It's just a very warm and welcoming place to work," Johnson says.
"A lot of times, we will have people who have left in the past and come back to work for us."
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