MTP Earns Recognition for Excellence in Safety and Gives Back to the Community

Mercer Timber Products (MTP) secures second place in the Thuringian Health and Safety Award for exceptional workplace safety and donates prize money to the Thuringian Wish Wagon, supporting terminally ill patients in fulfilling their last wishes.

MTP: Leading the Way in Safety and Community Compassion

At Mercer Timber Products (MTP), our commitment to safety is unwavering, but we also believe in the power of compassion and giving back to our community. We are honoured to share two significant milestones that reflect these core values: our recognition with a prestigious safety award and our heartfelt support of a meaningful community initiative.

MTP Wins Second Place in the Thuringian Health and Safety Award

In May 2024, MTP proudly accepted second place in the Thuringian Health and Safety Award for our exceptional safety practices at the Friesau sawmill. This award is an endorsement of our commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment—a commitment that involves every one of our employees.

What Sets Us Apart?

The Thuringian Health and Safety Award, presented by the Thuringian Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Health, Women, and Family (TMASGFF), celebrates organizations that demonstrate outstanding achievement in:

1. Exceptional organization of occupational health and safety: At MTP, safety is integrated into every level of our operations, from top management to the shop floor. Our comprehensive safety protocols are designed to meet and exceed standards.
2. High standards of safety technology: We utilize state-of-the-art safety technologies, including automated systems and advanced PPE, to protect our employees from potential hazards.
3. Innovative safety practices: Our “Road to Zero” program exemplifies our proactive approach to workplace safety. We aim to eliminate workplace incidents through regular safety drills, rigorous training programs, and a culture of openness and improvement.
4. Fostering a cooperative and supportive work environment: We believe safety is a shared responsibility. Every team member is empowered to contribute to our safety culture, creating a workplace where everyone looks out for one another.
5. Promoting employee health and well-being: Beyond safety, we prioritize holistic health through wellness programs that include mental health support, ergonomic assessments, and fitness initiatives.

During their visit in December 2023, the audit committee witnessed firsthand how deeply these practices are embedded into our daily operations. Their recognition of our efforts is not just an accolade—it’s a testament to our culture of care and commitment to our employees’ well-being.

“This award reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team,” said Doreen Wolfram, Head of Human Resources at MTP. “Our safety culture is built on trust, cooperation, and a shared commitment to ensuring everyone goes home safe every day.”

Supporting the Last Wishes of the Terminally Ill: The Thuringian Wish Wagon

While we are incredibly proud of our safety achievements, we also understand that our commitment to care extends beyond our workplace. With the €2,000 prize from the safety award, we chose to support a cause that deeply resonates with our values—the Thuringian Wish Wagon (Wünschewagen).

Bringing Final Dreams to Life

For many terminally ill individuals, the opportunity to fulfill a final wish—a last glimpse of the sea, a visit to a cherished place, or one more embrace with a loved one—is a precious dream that can bring immense comfort and joy. However, these wishes often go unmet due to logistical and financial barriers.

The Thuringian Wish Wagon, a heartfelt initiative operated by the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Kreisverband Jena e.V., exists to overcome these barriers. Since its inception in December 2017, the Wish Wagon has allowed terminally ill people to experience a final, unforgettable journey. With the support of trained volunteers and a specially equipped ambulance, the Wish Wagon ensures a safe, comfortable, and dignified passage for patients and their companions.

Every journey the Wish Wagon makes is a testament to the power of human kindness and the profound impact of fulfilling a last wish. The project relies entirely on donations, volunteer efforts, and resources to make these journeys possible.

“The Wish Wagon is about more than just fulfilling a wish; it’s about creating a final moment of joy and peace, a precious memory for the patients and their loved ones,” shared one volunteer. “It’s an honour to be part of something so meaningful.”