By the end of April 2011, Brunswick Fort Wayne Operations (FWO) had successfully worked over 1 million hours (1,020,278) without a lost time accident or illness. The manufacturing plant, which produces Harris FloteBote and Cypress Cay  pontoons, has long championed safety as part of its broader mission of producing quality pontoon boats for families across North America.

“Brunswick Fort Wayne Operations has always promised its customers the highest-quality pontoons on the market,” says Tavid Markarian, vice president of operations at the Fort Wayne plant. “That guarantee is possible because of our  workers’ dedication to best practices. One million hours without lost time is affirmation of that dedication.”

Brunswick FWO follows stringent construction methods that ensure the utmost safety and efficiency. These professional and sound manufacturing standards have resulted in the highest production levels in the operation’s history, and earned  the manufacturing plant the 2010 Safety Award from parent company Brunswick Corporation.

For as widespread as the Harris FloteBote and Cypress Cay brands have become over the years, the manufacturing plant still remains a local venture at heart. Brunswick FWO takes great pride in maintaining a family culture and providing healthy employment for the area. Over the last two years, the facility has provided more than 50 new jobs in Fort Wayne. As a testament to this tight-knit culture, Brunswick FWO employees celebrated the milestone of 1 million safe hours with a luncheon this month, where each received a polo shirt with a custom Brunswick FWO “Million Man Hours” logo.

“We are one big team here at Brunswick FWO, and that kind of atmosphere is part of what makes our company an industry leader,” explains Brad Anderson, company president. “Safety for our workers goes hand-in-hand with our core values.” Harris FloteBote and Cypress Cay’s lines of premier pontoons aim to enhance on-water opportunities for customers. The two brand’s models are built with superior materials to maximize comfort and function, while remaining affordable. Brunswick FWO operates out of Fort Wayne, Ind., and has been building awardwinning pontoon boats there for over 50 years. For more details on the facility’s construction, safety standards and brand information, visit either www.harrisflotebote.com or www.cypresscaypontoons.com.