SILOAM SPRINGS, ARK. — Simmons Foods announced Feb. 25 it has made Forbes’ 2021 list of America’s 500 Best Midsize Employers. Simmons owns and operates a pet and animal nutrition subsidiary, Simmons Pet Foods, which represents a leading supplier of store-brand wet pet food in North America.

This is partly a result of Simmons’ focus on going “above and beyond for their employees” throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the company stated.

“This recognition is a testament to our commitment to be a company with a people first culture,” said Russell Tooley, chief administrative officer at Simmons. “Taking care of our team members with world-class benefits, a positive work environment and educational and advancement opportunities are just a few of the things that set us apart.”

The company has also received accolades for its poultry processing operations. Simmons Foods employs nearly 8,000 people and serves customers in all 50 United States, as well as in more than 40 countries outside of the United States. Approximately 10% of the company’s sales come from international distribution.

“At Simmons, our purpose is to build strong relationships through food,” Tooley added. “We’re a growing company that makes food for the families and pets we love, and it’s a great time to join our team.”

Forbes partnered with Statista, a market research group, to compile data for its 2021 list. Data was collected in a survey of 50,000 US residents who work for businesses employing at least 1,000 people. In the survey, participants ranked their willingness to recommend their employers to their own friends and family, and to nominate other organizations.

Founded in 1949, Simmons Foods is currently led by Chief Executive Officer Todd Simmons. It is a family-owned, vertically integrated poultry company that supplies its poultry ingredients to its own pet food manufacturing processes.

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