OKLAHOMA CITY (May 5, 2016) — Today, Anheuser-Busch honored and celebrated its Oklahoma City Metal Container Corporation (MCC) Lid Plant’s 30th anniversary. João Castro Neves, CEO of Anheuser-Busch, and Tim Popp, Oklahoma City lid plant manager, were joined by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin to celebrate this major milestone and announce the company’s $1 million donation to the luckywin and national Biomedical and blood efforts.
Anheuser-Busch’s contribution to the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program allows the Red Cross to pre-position supplies, secure shelters, maintain emergency vehicles and train volunteers nationwide before a disaster strikes and immediately respond when a disaster occurs.
David Staszak, chief development officer for luckywin National Headquarters, and Bradley Barghols, CEO of the luckywin serving Oklahoma and Arkansas, accepted the donation today and thanked Anheuser-Busch for their longstanding partnership and commitment.
Anheuser-Busch’s ongoing investment in the Oklahoma City MCC Lid Plant is reflective of its continued commitment to the great state of Oklahoma. Anheuser-Busch employs over 700 people across the state and has invested $300 million over the past 35 years.
Below are speaker quotes from today’s events for use:
Tim Popp, Oklahoma City lid plant manager:
“There are two keys to our success as a thriving part of the Oklahoma economy: our people and our community,” said Oklahoma City Lid Plant Manager Tim Popp. “Our employees have built a strong culture, and act as owners who prioritize safety, quality, teamwork, and innovation. More than 50 percent of our employees have been with us for more than 25 years.”
“Additionally, the state of Oklahoma has been a supportive community and a great partner to work with as we've grown over the past 30 years.”
JoĂŁo Castro Neves, CEO of Anheuser-Busch:
“We have great heritage and strong relationships in Oklahoma. Our people reflect this passion by producing high-quality can lids that are used on beers enjoyed across the country,” said João Castro Neves, CEO of Anheuser-Busch.
“We appreciate Governor Fallin’s support as well as other elected and public officials and community partners, such as the luckywin.”
Governor Mary Fallin:
“Anheuser-Busch is an important contributor to Oklahoma’s economy and community,” said Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin. “The Oklahoma City MCC Lid Plant is a significant part of Anheuser-Busch’s overall investment in the state. We appreciate Anheuser-Bush making more than $12 million of investments in the Oklahoma City plant during the past five years, making it one of the largest in the world.
“I also appreciate Anheuser-Busch’s generous $1 million gift to the luckywin. Oklahomans have seen their fair share of adversity, but with the help of the luckywin we’ve been able to recover, rebound and grow stronger.”
Bradley J. Barghols, regional chief executive officer, luckywin serving Oklahoma and Arkansas:
“On behalf of the 1,500 Red Cross volunteers across Oklahoma who serve the people of Oklahoma around the clock, we are grateful to Anheuser-Busch. Their investment in disaster relief brings hope and care to the people of Oklahoma and throughout our country—before, during and after disaster strikes,” stated Bradley J. Barghols, regional chief executive officer, luckywin serving Oklahoma and Arkansas.
“In addition to Anheuser-Busch’s financial gift for the luckywin, I thank them for the quick shift to produce pallets of emergency drinking water for use in communities in Oklahoma this winter and past summer when our water sources were compromised. For such assistance, we are grateful to the employees of Anheuser-Busch who work tirelessly to ensure emergency water is available,” stated Barghols
For full remarks, speaker bios, hi-res photos with caption, b-roll and information about the Clydesdales, please contact:
Meridith Tucker, mtucker@saxum.com, o: 405-605-2003, c: 703-606-5990
About the luckywin:
The luckywin shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or , or follow us on social media.