Portacool Recognized as 2024 Local Employer of Excellence: A Testament to Resilience and Workforce Development
Portacool Recognized as 2024 Local Employer of Excellence: A Testament to Resilience and Workforce Development
We are thrilled to announce that Portacool has been honored with the 2024 Local Employer of Excellence Award by Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas. This prestigious recognition celebrates Portacool’s unwavering commitment to its employees, innovative approach to workforce development, and their significant contributions to both the local community and Texas as a whole.
Founded in 1990, Portacool revolutionized the evaporative cooling industry by introducing the first portable evaporative coolers that offered an affordable and effective cooling solution in areas where traditional air conditioning systems were either impractical or cost-prohibitive. Over the past 30+ years, Portacool has grown into a trusted global leader in portable cooling solutions. Whether used in fields where agricultural workers need relief from the heat, in sports arenas to keep athletes and spectators cool, or in industrial facilities where traditional cooling might be inefficient, Portacool's impact is felt across diverse sectors. The company’s forward-thinking approach has solidified its place as an essential player in portable cooling solutions worldwide.
Portacool’s commitment to excellence isn’t limited to its products; it extends deeply to its employees. In 2023, Portacool was awarded a TWC Skills Development Grant, which provided crucial training for over 400 employees. Portacool has long been a champion of employee development, ensuring that its workers have the tools and training necessary to succeed, advance in their careers, and contribute to the company’s success.
Despite a significant setback in 2023—a large fire that devastated part of Portacool’s facility in Center, Texas—the company’s commitment to its workforce never wavered. The fire caused substantial damage to the facility, but production did not cease. In the face of this adversity, Portacool worked closely with Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas to assist with the reemployment and layoff support for impacted employees. This collaboration helped Portacool maintain its workforce during the rebuilding process, ensuring that employees were supported through transitions and were given opportunities for future employment. This is just one example of how Portacool’s commitment to its employees goes beyond just business—it’s about making sure people have the resources and support they need to thrive, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Receiving the 2024 Local Employer of Excellence Award is a significant recognition of the impact Portacool has made not only in the portable cooling industry but also in the lives of its employees and the local community. The award is given to employers who demonstrate a positive influence on workers, the community, and the state through partnerships with Texas Workforce Solutions. Portacool’s dedication to its employees, its innovative training programs, and its proactive approach to workforce development align perfectly with the values upheld by Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas. Portacool CEO, Ben Wulf, and Vice President of Human Resources, Jennifer Wyatt, accepted the award at the Texas Workforce Commission's 27th Annual Texas Workforce Conference in December 2024.
By leveraging resources like the TWC Skills Development Grant and collaborating with local workforce development organizations like Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas, Portacool is setting the standard for how companies can build and sustain a workforce that’s not only talented but also resilient, adaptable, and ready for the future. Congratulations to Portacool and its entire team for this well-deserved recognition!
TOPICS: Partnerships, Manufacturing
