LAKE FOREST, ILL. – Just in time for the holiday season, Handtmann Inc. was recognized with a national award for its industry-leading employee satisfaction, recruitment and retention efforts. On Dec. 16, the Lake Forest, Ill.-based supplier of processing equipment to commercial food processors was named one of the Top 100 Best and Brightest Companies to work for in the Nation by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR).

Based on a survey of employees by an independent research company, Handtmann ranked in the upper echelon of firms and scored high in its “exceptional innovative human resource practices and setting high standards for all businesses,” according to NABR. Employees assessed companies’ using criteria that included compensation, benefits, enrichment, engagement and retention, education and development and recognition for achievement.  

Jennifer Kluge, president and chief executive officer of NABR’s Best and Brightest Programs, said inclusion in the list of 100 companies recognizes and awards those companies that are regarded as employers of choice and part of a group of elite leaders.

“Best and Brightest winning companies have also been a voice for important actions in creating a sustainable culture that works, ensuring the wellbeing of their employees come first,” Kluge said.

Tom Kittle, president of Handtmann Inc., said the company was honored to be part of the list and that the company’s commitment to its workers and operational excellence is part of its strategy to be a longtime successful enterprise.

“Handtmann is a family company with roots back to 1873. Appropriately, this human resource honor really belongs to our close-knit team members who work for our customers every day – and many nights and weekends - from their locations throughout the country and here at Lake Forest. They bring our strategic vision to life with their commitment to customer success and unselfish support of each other. Those efforts make our business better, help create richer lives and let us all participate in building better communities here at work and where we live.”