WPT Power Corp. began about 25 years ago as a locally owned venture between three men who placed value in creating quality products in a family atmosphere.

That business model and goal helped the company grow into an international player in the world of industrial clutches, brakes, power take-offs, hydraulic pump drives and winch products for industries including energy, forestry, marine, agriculture, steel processing, mining, dynamometers, paper converting and off-highway heavy-duty equipment. It has also been recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce as an exporter, sending 40-45 percent of its products overseas.

Maintaining that family-style atmosphere has resulted in more recognition. WPT Power Corp. was named one of the top 100 companies to work for in Texas. The company- and employee-based survey was managed by Best Companies Group and is a joint project of the Texas Association of Business, Society for Human Resource Management-Texas State Council, and the publishers of Texas Monthly.

"I was very surprised," WPT Power President Lane Brock said, "but somewhat not surprised. We know we have a very good crew here; good management from the top down."

Companies participating in the statewide program include information regarding employer benefits and policies, and employee engagement and satisfaction surveys. The Top 100 are listed in small, medium and large categories. WPT Power was ranked No. 26 out of 40 small companies and one of three manufacturers on the list.

Henry Florsheim, president and CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said the recognition of WPT Power by several entities is a positive for Wichita Falls and the manufacturer.

"It's good for the city to be recognized at the state level for having strong businesses who care about their employees," he said. "And it should certainly help WPT with their employee recruitment efforts."

Brock said the Wichita Falls manufacturer had a 93-percent survey response rate from their employees that consisted of ranking from "Agree Strongly" to Disagree Strongly" several in-depth statements. The employees also answered two open-ended questions.

The employees provided some good feedback for the company, Brock said, a couple of which they have already taken action to address and/or correct. How WPT Power managed vacation and sick days was "archaic," he said, so the system was changed to where employees accumulated days over time instead of being awarded weeks at specific benchmarks in employment.

Another example, he said, was creating a floating holiday for employees to use when they choose.

Brock said WPT Power has other programs and regular events to keep employees engaged and show appreciation. Some of those area are as simple has having breakfast burritos for employees every Friday and monthly feasts.

Since manufacturing can be dangerous, the company also rewards employees for maintaining a safety record. Brock said they began a reward program about 1,090 days ago when the current streak of days without recordable Occupational Safety and Health Administration injuries began. All employees at specific benchmarks thus far have received company catered meals and cash bonuses. Up next, should WPT Power reach 1,150 days, each employee will receive a 32-inch TV.

Another program, he said, that is very competitive is a workplace safety program created in Japan. Brock said the facility is divided into zones and one group evaluates another monthly, all with the intent on winning a coveted lunch on the company dime.

"It builds a good relationship with employees," he said of the different employee-engagement methods. "It's a very diverse group, but a tight group.

"It's not just all work."

Brock, who broke into the clutch and brake industry as a board draftsman in 1978, said WPT Power reached a point that the company needed help to continue to grow. Greg Patterson, who Brock described as a "solid manufacturing guy," was brought on as general manager in November 2015 to lead that effort. From safety to signage throughout the facility, Brock said Patterson has taken the company to the next level without loosing the family feel.

Follow John Ingle on Twitter at @inglejohn1973.