The J.M. Smucker Company has been named one of the 100 best companies to work for, according to Fortune magazine's fourth annual survey. Smucker, which was 23 this year, has consistently been ranked within the top 25 companies each year since Fortune began the list in 1997.

Fortune's prestigious ranking of The J.M. Smucker Company was based on a number of factors including a low employee turnover rate (4% voluntary turnover in 1999), job growth, and employee training. Of special note was the fact that 90% of Smucker employees said that management takes a ''sincere interest in me as a person, not just as an employee.'' Fortune said this sentiment was certainly reflected in the fact that 31% of the company's employees have been with Smucker for more than 15 years.

''We truly believe that our employees form the foundation of our success,'' said Timothy P. Smucker, Chairman of The J.M. Smucker Company. ''We foster a 'close-knit family feeling' because of the genuine adherence to our core values and beliefs, and our strong commitment to each other. Mutual respect for our fellow employees and a positive work environment, we believe, are very important keys to our Company's longevity and success.''

The J.M. Smucker Company (http://www.smucker.com) was founded in 1897, when the company's namesake and founder sold his first product -- apple butter -- from the back of a horse-drawn wagon. Today, over a century later, the Company is the market leader in fruit spreads, ice cream toppings, health and natural foods beverages, and natural peanut butter in North America. For over 100 years, The J.M. Smucker Company has been headquartered in Orrville, Ohio and has been family run for four generations. The Company has over 2,000 employees worldwide and distributes products in more than 70 countries.

Smucker (J.M.) Company

Smucker (J.M.) Company

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