In an industry where efficiency and technical skills can easily take precedence over personal benefits, POET’s bioprocessing facility in Caro, Michigan has built a culture appreciated by team members and the local community alike.
From the people-focused environment to its commitment to giving back to the community, POET Bioprocessing – Caro exemplifies the “One POET” spirit.
Built in 2002, the plant was originally slated for a location about 30 miles away, but the Caro community ultimately proved a better fit. To date, the plant has produced over 1.3 billion gallons of bioethanol and provides 47 jobs in the area.
“My understanding is that Caro was very receptive to having us here, and I feel like they’re still very happy to have POET as an active part of the community,” said Doug DeLand, General Manager of POET Bioprocessing – Caro.
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Top Left: Zach McCotter supervises plant operations from the control room Bottom Left: Luke Hollin runs sample tests in the lab Right: Doug DeLand stands outside the facility
DeLand has been with POET for almost five years, having transitioned from another company’s bioethanol division.
“The culture there had changed significantly, and I had a friend who encouraged me to apply at POET. I’m thankful to be here because POET has a knack for seeing the differences in people and plants and helping team members grow. It’s truly a bottom-up company rather than top-down,” he said.
It’s an approach centered around team members providing feedback and input, not simply taking orders. The company’s philosophy is that good ideas can come from anywhere.
“I’ve visited eight different facilities, and each has their own personality, yet they all contribute to the whole. Employees impact the success of their plant, which snowballs into success for POET. We understand that we’re all accountable, but we also get to celebrate the wins,” DeLand explained.
Plant Manager Zach McCotter has been with the facility for just under two years, and he says POET has the best workplace culture he’s experienced by far.
“I’ve been in manufacturing leadership positions for basically my entire career, and one of the biggest things for me has been that I’m empowered to do the right thing, to push that positive culture forward, and to do what it takes to make people happy,” he said.
McCotter says that, as a leader, he appreciates being able to reward and encourage team members.
“I always have the freedom to give someone a shout-out, go get a gift card to reward them, or take them out to lunch. There’s never hesitation or push-back when it comes to taking care of people, and I think that’s extremely important,” he said.
Employees at POET – Caro also enjoy the opportunity to get involved in their community.
POET has long been committed to giving back to the communities it calls home, and when DeLand took over as general manager, he aimed to step up even further. One of the first things he did was get out in the community and see where POET could get involved.
“I met with the mayor, the Chamber, and all the principals of the local schools, and said, ‘We want to make the most impact without spinning our wheels — how can we help?’” he said.
Today, the Caro plant is active with the local tech center, supporting them with donations and bringing students out for tours, participating in the schools’ “Adopt a Family” program to provide assistance to area families in need, and supporting charities like the Women’s Advocacy Center, as well as local sports sponsorships, like Little League baseball, trap shooting, and tee ball.
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“Every company I’ve ever worked for claims to have a positive work-life balance, but that’s never really been true until working here.” -Luke Hollin, Quality Manager at POET Bioprocessing - Caro
McCotter sits on the plant’s donation committee and says he enjoys being able to choose organizations within the community to give back to. He also appreciates that community members feel comfortable and connected enough to approach POET with needs and requests of their own.
“In a few years, we went from townspeople asking, ‘What’s POET?’ to saying, ‘I’ve heard of you guys, and everyone loves you. If you’re ever hiring, let me know,’” DeLand said.
Additionally, all team members receive a certain amount of paid time off for volunteer work throughout the year, which they can use to support local organizations of their choice.
“I think that’s significant because a lot of people can’t afford to take a few hours off to serve at the local food pantry, and POET gives them that opportunity,” he said.
For Luke Hollin, Quality Manager at POET – Caro, that benefit has proved meaningful to his faith life and the church he serves.
“On top of my role at POET, I’m also a credentialed minister in the Assemblies of God. When I first interviewed with POET, I didn’t realize it was a company with Christian roots, but as I learned more, it’s been eye-opening to see a company that supports team members’ faith,” Hollin said.
He appreciates that, in addition to having a life enrichment advisor on staff as a resource, POET provides optional opportunities for Bible studies and even offers a weekly prayer team. He says the volunteer hours have helped him remain involved in his church.
“I serve as a young adult leader, and because I have so much involvement there, it’s great to be able to go help with special events and not worry about being away — my workplace actually endorses it,” he said.
Hollin also highlights the company’s commitment to building employees up from within. He started out as a lab technician and quickly advanced when the quality manager role opened.
“I was probably underqualified at the time, but they saw potential and encouraged me,” he said.
Since then, Hollin has begun a master’s program in business, with the hopes of continuing to advance in the company, preferably locally in Caro. POET has supported his pursuits by paying for that education through its tuition reimbursement program.
He emphasizes that POET is honest and follows through when it comes to
company values.
“Every company I’ve ever worked for claims to have a positive work-life balance, but that’s never really been true until working here,” he said.
“People understand that burnout is real, and you’ll be able to be a better employee if you have the time you need with your family. In Caro, that is spearheaded by Doug [DeLand], POET lives up to that standard of making sure family comes first.”
DeLand points to the plant’s low turnover as a result of those values, noting that at least four staff members have been with Caro for 22 years as part of the original team, and a large portion of the staff have 10+ years of experience.
“These days, you’re lucky to find people who have more than five years at one company, so for someone to stay 22 years really says something,” he said.
“We have dedicated folks who want to make a career out of what they do here. There’s a lot of industry in the area, but you don’t get the culture at other companies. It says something for POET and for Caro that we continue to have one of if not the lowest turnover rates in the company,” he said.
DeLand added that the atmosphere at Caro is light and positive, and said there are a lot of friendships between coworkers outside of the plant.
“We have a really tight group. Our personality is really that family culture where people care about each other, and that keeps people happy,” he said.
McCotter also emphasizes that conflict is extremely low with so many long-tenured team members.
“Everyone knows and understands each other and what they need. Everyone’s always willing to help out, whether it’s one department helping another or one shift coming in to help another shift. We’re consistently helping others out, and it just keeps everyone a little bit closer,” he said.
Whether it’s finding ways to build up employees from within through training, encouragement, and promotion, or providing benefits like community outreach and a tight-knit family atmosphere, the Caro plant stands as a shining example of the “One POET” mentality.
