Watkins Manufacturing Recognized with Crystal Workplace Excellence Award

Employees are Cornerstone of Company’s Success

VISTA, Calif., November 13, 2008 —Watkins Manufacturing, makers of Caldera® Spas, known for Pure Comfort™, announced today that out of all companies in San Diego and over 130 nominees, it received the Crystal Workplace Excellence Award – one of only two grand awards in the large company category – from the San Diego Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

The ninth-annual event honored companies that demonstrated human resource practices that have contributed to superior employee satisfaction and company performance. Watkins was previously nominated by employees for a Workplace Excellence award two years in a row (2006 and 2007) and was selected as a Medallion honoree by the San Diego SHRM both times.

Watkins President, Steve Hammock and Vice President of Human Resources, Sandra Shuda, accepted the award in front of a multi-thousand crowd of executives representing employers from throughout San Diego County. “We are extremely honored to receive this recognition and to be selected from among such a prestigious group of organizations and leaders,” said Steve Hammock. “Our employees are the company. I continue to be impressed by the spirit, ingenuity, and sense of ownership exhibited by each and every team member,” he added.

Some of Watkins Manufacturing attributes that were recognized include:

• The company boasts an annual voluntary turnover rate of 5% in a demanding market for talent. The average employee has worked at Watkins for at least 10 years.
• Core values such as ensuring all business practices are done in an ethical way, being transparent, building successful work teams with strong leaders, encouraging innovation and continuous improvement, developing strategic thinkers, and providing a safe work environment are promoted throughout the company.
• There are many programs that attract and retain top talent including a Star Search Program to help bring in qualified candidates through the employee network, Mobile Health Screening that brings in medical service providers assisting employees in receiving early medical detection, Company Achievement Sharing Bonus Plan, Profit Sharing, Tuition Reimbursement, Leadership Training, Supervisory Skills Workshops, On-site University training, Employee Assistance Program, Service Award Ceremonies and Safety Programs.
• The community of employees can stay healthy and connected through programs such as an on-site Weight Watchers club, a Walking Club, discounts at major fitness clubs, employee sports teams, health-related Brown-bag sessions and more.
• The company’s “Think Green” program includes a Commuter Benefits Program which provides its employees with alternatives such as vanpools, carpools, subsidized transit passes, and flexible work schedules.

Established in 1977, Vista, Calif.-based Watkins Manufacturing Corp. is the manufacturer of Caldera® Spas, one of the world’s most trusted spa brands. Caldera hot tubs are widely distributed throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. Watkins is a division of Masco Corporation, a Fortune 250 company whose quality products include Delta® faucets, Merillat® cabinets and Behr® paints.

Learn more about Watkins at www.calderaspas.com.