Cintas Corporation announced that its uniform rental facility in Searcy, AR has received Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Merit certification from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).  VPP is OSHA’s highest recognition for the practice of and commitment to exemplary occupational safety and health.

"This facility has done a wonderful job creating a safety culture," said Mary Walter, Director of Arkansas OSHA VPP. "It's been a long journey and I congratulate this location for keeping the spirit and enthusiasm for VPP alive and for having safety at the heart of this company."

The Searcy facility becomes only the 53rd VPP site in the state of Arkansas. It is the seventh Cintas uniform rental operation to receive VPP recognition, the eighth company-wide and the first under federal OSHA jurisdiction.

The Cintas uniform rental facility in Searcy first began the VPP process five years ago. The designation required monthly, rigorous audits and the close collaboration between management and employee-partners to achieve full engagement to continuous safety improvement.  Approximately 75 people work at the facility.

“This has been a five year journey for all of the employee-partners here in Searcy and everyone here has contributed in so many ways,” said Lester Allen, General Manager. “I want each of you to know how much I appreciate and acknowledge all that you have done to help our location achieve VPP.”