Osborne Industries Honors Pair of Founding Fathers

Osborne Industries recently honored two former executives for their long-time efforts to create the success that Osborne Industries represents today.

"Thanks to Ron and Stan [Thibault] for their skill in bringing Osborne Industries from 'just a challenge to provide jobs for the Osborne community' to what it is today," wrote Mike Easterday, an Osborne Industries board member from 1990-2009.

A group of businessmen from rural Osborne founded the company in 1973 to boost the local economy and provide jobs for area residents. Now, Osborne Industries is a worldwide leading manufacturer of innovative livestock equipment and custom molded plastics. And nearly 40 years later, the company continues to meet its original goal.

"You have accomplished the dream of the organizers of Osborne Industries, which was to create jobs in Osborne," Ralph Holland, a current board member and original shareholder, wrote of the Thibaults. "What a wonderful thing this has been with the ownership now being transferred to the employees."

Stan, Osborne Industries president from 1973-2008, and Ron, who served as vice president from 1974 to 2009, were credited as the moving force behind Osborne Industries' transformation into a 100% Employee-Owned Company.

The employee owners "are the beneficiaries of wonderful foresight, perseverance, and total dedication to the employees and community by Ron and Stan," Easterday wrote.

The pair was honored October 22 with a luncheon attended by family members, current and former company employees and board members, and other local officials. Ron and Stan received plaques highlighting their many accomplishments and contributions to the company, and their wives were recognized for their support as well.

"Stan and Ron have contributed greatly to Osborne Industries and the community of Osborne through the years. Their hard work and integrity have created a solid base for the employee owners to build on as they move in to the future," company Vice President George Eakin said.

To learn more about Osborne Industries, visit www.osborneindustries.com.