USG’s Otsego Plant: A Culture of Safety, Pride, and People-Led Excellence

At USG’s manufacturing facility in Otsego, Michigan, safety isn’t just a protocol, it’s a mindset. The building materials that USG makes are used in hospitals, office buildings, airports, roads, and residential homes in Michigan and across the country.

Led by Plant Manager Eric Bock, the USG Otsego team has created a workplace where employee well-being, community engagement, and operational excellence work hand-in-hand.

Safety as a Cornerstone

A standout within USG’s vast network of North American facilities, the Otsego plant recently achieved a remarkable safety milestone: over 2,000 consecutive days without a lost-time injury, equating to more than 1.6 million hours worked without a serious incident. This achievement is the result of relentless focus, daily vigilance, and a shared commitment across all levels of the team.

“Our driving principle in all that we do is safety first,” said Bock. “That means not only preventing injuries but creating an environment where every employee feels empowered and supported to do their best work, safely.”

This safety-first culture is deeply aligned with USG’s company-wide commitment to health and wellness. Across all operations, USG prioritizes robust safety programs, training, and employee engagement strategies to ensure its people go home safely every day.

Leadership Rooted in Experience

Bock brings more than a decade of leadership and engineering experience to his role, including positions as plant engineer and engineering manager since joining USG in 2013. A graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in chemical engineering, Bock has led capital investment projects, spearheaded sustainability initiatives, and helped embed a culture of continuous improvement at the Otsego facility.

Bock’s leadership style focuses on collaboration, growth, and long-term impact.

“What makes me proud to be part of USG is our company’s forward-looking mindset, whether it's in how we treat people, support our communities, or invest in sustainability,” he explained.

A Culture of Engagement and Excellence

Earlier this year, USG earned the Great Place to Work Certification™ for its operations across North America. And last fall, USG’s three Michigan-based plants (Otsego, River Rouge/Detroit, Alabaster/Tawas County) were named to Michigan’s Top Workplaces of 2024 by the Detroit Free-Press.

Bock credits these accolades to USG’s values, rooted in fostering a people-focused culture. These values are manifest at the Otsego plant in the pride that employees take in their work, how they support one another, and their pursuit of company provided opportunities for professional development. From milestone celebrations to team-wide training opportunities, employee engagement is woven into every part of the operation.

Talent development is also a strategic priority. The facility actively engages local students through high school career fairs, classroom presentations, mock interviews, and partnerships with nearby technical centers and colleges like Western Michigan University’s Paper Technology Program, where Bock also serves as Vice President of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Community Commitment

The Otsego plant is more than a manufacturing site—it’s a community partner. The team supports a variety of local initiatives including Christian Neighbors, school clubs and fundraisers, youth sports teams, and regional events like the Gus Macker basketball tournament.

The USG Otsego team is active members of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Manufacturers Association, and the Home Builders Association of Michigan, reinforcing their deep ties to the area’s economic and civic development.

Looking Ahead

Established to support USG’s gypsum wallboard operations, the Otsego plant continues to be a vital part of the company’s North American supply chain. With a strong safety record, committed leadership, and an award-winning team-focused culture, the plant stands as a model for what’s possible when people come first.

As USG continues to prioritize sustainability, innovation, and workforce development across its entire footprint, the Otsego facility exemplifies these values in action, proving that operational success starts with a safe, empowered, and engaged workforce.