Company: Nongshim America, Rancho Cuamonga, CA
Company Description: The Nongshim America facility is located in Rancho Cucamonga California and began operation in 2006. We now employ 386 people throughout the Nation as well as several employees in Canada. NSA produces approximately 200 million units per year and we supply North America with noodle products.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Company of the Year - Food & Beverage

Nomination Title: Nongshim America Inc

Tell the story about what this nominated organization achieved since January 1 2012 (up to 525 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:

Nongshim began exporting products to the United States in 1971.  In 1994, Nongshim America Inc. established its first North American office. Then in 2005, Nongshim America completed its California-based noodle processing facility, broadening the U.S. market and opening the way for entry into South America.    
  
The food business environment was negatively affected in 2012 with record grain prices and a sluggish economy.  Despite the adversity, Nongshim America’s recorded sales were $134.7m, which were up 7.3% year over year.  Since the completion of the facility in 2005, sales growth is up 136.4% within eight short years.    
  
In 2012, Nongshim changed the bowl product from extruded polystyrene foam to a polypropylene, which is considered a little more environmental friendly.  This allowed Nongshim consumers the ability to safely microwave this style product.  However, it was an additional increase to the cost of goods, from 63% to 72%.  Overall, the 2012 Gross Profit came in at $1,020,000.  
  
In 2012, Nongshim recognized its employees by contributing to their 401K plans with up to 4% company contribution, cell phone allowance for its office employees, and an auto allowance for designated employees.  Nongshim also awarded  its employees for their dedication and commitment by approving a 2%salary summer bonus and a 5% year-end bonus.  
  
In 2012, Nongshim has increased its social responsibility and completed service minded projects such as: sending an employee team to help with the Inland Empire Multiple Sclerosis (MS) walk/run, teaming up with the City of Rancho Cucamonga with a neighborhood improvement project that reduced maintenance costs for the City.  Nongshim also donated $5,000 worth of Toys to the Casa Colina Children’s Hospital’s disabled patients, along with 100 bags of Nongshim product to the hospital staff.  Throughout 2012, Nongshim donated product to various organizations such as Operation Community Cares - supporting the American servicemen and women, and Food for Life  - supporting the homeless and needy .    
  
Nongshim has grown its Great Work Place program to enhance the working environment and harmony within. This is done by consistently providing employees with added benefits.  In 2012, Nongshim provided for its employees lunch 4 days a week, breakfast every Friday, and a monthly budget for team building meals.  Additionally, Nongshim also held its annual holiday celebrations party, holiday gifts, longevity awards, monthly employee celebrations, and its annual baseball (MLB) game.   
  
The backbone of any company is its HR systems, and in 2012, Nongshim began a new employee orientation program which equipped all new hires with Nongshim’s vision/history, policies, and state-mandated trainings.  Nongshim also changed employee hiring practices from utilizing staffing agencies as the primary source, to social media and search engines, resulting in a savings of $204,490.   
Next was a health insurance carrier change that allowed Nongshim to add an Employee Assistance Program, resulting in company savings of $139,736 in premium costs per year.  
  
Nongshim is a world-class company with a well-rounded philosophy that doesn’t simply focus on one attribute, but blends together all factors influencing our business and culture. Nongshim highlights creating safe, sustainable and high quality products for its customers, while taking care of its employees, and by its commitment to social responsibility as exemplified through its various service activities.

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Provide a brief (up to 125 words) biography about the leader of this nominated organization:

Mr. Edward Shin joined Nongshim in 1984 and in 1991 he relocated to California to begin the Nongshim liaison office.  Then in 1994 Mr. Shin established Nongshim America Inc.  In 1999, he purchased the first Nongshim warehouse where the import/wholesale sales began.  This enabled Nongshim America to have an additional focus area toward non-Asian market sales and the export of Welch’s soda to South Korea began.    

Mr. Shin is an instrumental part of the California based noodle manufacturing facility growth.  In 2003, he purchased land for the facility, 2004 – 05 construction of the facility, 2011 the installation of a fourth line, and in 2012 – 13 the building expansion.   The expansion will add an additional 76,000 square feet and house two new high-speed noodle