via roanoke.com
They call them "Zymers" and say it's great to be one.
Denmark-based biotech firm Novozymes and subsidiary Novozymes North America notched high marks recently on two separate ranking gauges.
Novozymes operates Novozymes Biologicals, a wholly owned subsidiary with facilities in Roanoke County and in Salem.
The rankings seemingly portray Novozymes as a corporation that values both the company's employees and the principles of sustainability.
Entrepreneur Magazine published this week a list of companies selected by the Great Place to Work Institute as, well, great places to work.
Novozymes North America ranked 17th on the list of medium-sized companies.
The accompanying blurb reports: "Employees are called 'Zymers' and one of [the company's] foundational principles is to 'Make it Great to Be A Zymer.' "
Zymer perks can range from bonuses to free snacks, from comparatively generous health insurance coverage to massage. The company encourages employees to volunteer in the community.
Novozymes Biologicals has a total of about 140 workers in Roanoke County and Salem.
In addition, parent Novozymes harvested corporate recognition again this year from the Dow Jones Sustainability Index as the biotechnology sector's "sustainability leader." Novozymes describes itself as "the world leader in bioinnovation" whose core business focuses on industrial enzymes, microorganisms and biopharmaceutical ingredients.
Novozymes' regional operation produces microbial-based products that take on household, industrial, and agricultural problems with, the company says, environmentally safe technology. Applications include odor control, drain line and septic tank maintenance, grease removal, carpet cleaning and wastewater treatment.
Each year, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index reportedly evaluates the world's 2,500 largest companies on more than 20 indicators, such as corporate governance and eco-efficiency.
It is said to highlight "the companies best prepared to seize the opportunities and manage the risks associated with economic, environmental and social developments."
And what is "eco-efficiency?"
One definition suggests it refers to a "management philosophy that aims at minimizing ecological damage while maximizing efficiency of the firm's production processes."
The local Novozymes operation has been especially supportive of the Roanoke River Greenway network, donating money and time. It also agreed to support a riverfront project after pleading guilty in 2008 to dumping wastes that ended up in Mason Creek.
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