At Franklin Electric, we strive to achieve market and financial success in ways that are mindful of the needs of our employees, our communities, and our planet.
We directly employ more than 6,400 people in our global locations, and we touch the lives of millions of end-users with our products. We thoughtfully consider and continuously recognize the impact we make on the people in these communities and on the environment.
This commitment is outlined annually in our Corporate Social Responsibility report, which provides details on our goals and progress related to compliance, safety, the environment, our communities, and the health and wellness of our employees.
2024 Sustainability ReportTitle | Type | Size | |
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2023 Sustainability Report | 10.2 MB | ||
2022 Sustainability Report | 10.19 MB |
Through our innovative product designs, we blend the product performance our customers demand with critical safety features and proven energy efficiency that promotes a lower total cost of ownership. We dedicate significant resources to research and development, focusing on improvements to the efficiency of our products, all of which ease the reliance on fossil fuels. For example, we continue to innovate to this day by recently expanding our portfolio of high efficiency water systems that prepare our customers for tomorrow’s biggest challenges. In 2022, Franklin Electric added new high efficiency SubDrive QuickPAK solutions to its lineup: powered by a MagForce High Efficiency Motor, the new constant pressure system delivers unparalleled performance and increased efficiency combined with the trusted reliability and seamless operation of the Franklin Electric submersible motor. Available for a wide range of high-horsepower application needs, MagForce™ High Efficiency Systems are engineered for high performance, simple startup, and incredible long-term cost savings as a result of up to 94% efficiency rating in the motor.
Clean and readily available groundwater is vital to the health and well-being of much of the world’s population, and the success of our water systems business is inextricably linked to this necessity. Pollution of groundwater aquifers represents a clear danger to human health, the environment, and our business. We therefore do our part, by lowering our own environmental impact by mandating clean, sustainable manufacturing and distribution processes, and by designing products that themselves protect against environmental damage.
When pump owners and operators need to employ a surface pumping system for portable dewatering, they face numerous challenges: unforgiving environmental conditions, exposure to movement during transport, and limited resources for set-up and maintenance. Historically, diesel engines have been the primary source of energy for these applications. However, diesel continues to be costly and requires regular refueling and refilling of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). Additionally, emissions control systems, while necessary, add complexity to operation and service causing higher equipment downtime. Franklin Electric addressed these challenges with the introduction of the Pioneer Pump® ElectricPAK in 2022. The electric-driven pump packages offer a safer, cleaner and more efficient solution to portable dewatering.
In 2023, Franklin Electric again saw an opportunity to enhance the performance of electric-driven pump packages by seamlessly integrating a variable frequency drive (VFD) panel into the ElectricPAK system. An ElectricPAK's efficiency is at its peak when paired with a VFD since the drive helps optimize pump operation to minimize power usage and reduce energy waste. By utilizing the ElectricPAK platform in conjunction with a VFD, users benefit from even more operational efficiencies. Most of all, ElectricPAK breaks down barriers for deploying electric pump packages. This paves the way for increased electric package utilization – a solution that continues to reduce emissions and each user’s carbon footprint.
Our fueling business pioneered advances in petroleum piping and containment systems, electronic leak detection and overfill protection, all of which make it possible for providers to safely keep up with the world’s liquid fuel needs. Through our FFS PRO: University program, we provide the industry’s premier training for petroleum equipment installation professionals. We focus not only on training and certification, but we also aim to serve as the industry leader in fueling system safety and continued learning. FFS PRO: University takes a system approach to training, giving installers a complete view of a fueling system and a more comprehensive understanding of how one system component affects another – with the goal of eliminating installation errors which could negatively impact the environment.
Franklin Electric is committed to protecting the health and safety of our employees, customers and end users. We actively promote a GOAL ZERO culture in which we continually train employees on health and safety best practices with the goal of zero work-related injuries.
The well-being of our employees is vital to our continued success. We seek opportunities to promote safe work environments for employees in every job, and support their health by offering competitive health insurance benefits and promoting wellness programs. Employees are also encouraged to continue their education through company-sponsored tuition assistance programs.
Franklin Electric’s Code of Conduct applies equally to all employees and our Board of Directors. The Code of Conduct provides guidance for ethical decision-making and outlines our responsibility to abide by the law. The Code of Conduct touches on many topics and is enhanced by separate policies we require employees to acknowledge, including policies covering Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption, Environmental Matters, and Anti-Discrimination policies.
In addition, we expect our suppliers to acknowledge a Supplier Code of Conduct which prohibits bribery, corruption, and forced labor, and requires suppliers to abide local health, safety, and environmental standards.
Franklin Electric contributes collectively to non-profit organizations that are primarily located in communities where we have a business presence. Through the Franklin Electric Charitable and Educational Foundation, we support organizations such as the United Way, the Boys & Girls Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and many others. We also encourage employee giving and in many cases will provide a company match for causes with which our employees are involved.
A scholarship program was instituted in 1967 to aid qualified children of Franklin employees who are seeking a college education. Through its Foundation, Franklin Electric Charitable and Educational Foundation awards four to five scholarships annually to college-bound high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding scholastic ability and strength of character.
Nearly one billion people in the world do not have access to safe, clean drinking water. Approximately 47,000 people die each week from water-related illnesses; 90% of those deaths are children under five. Through our Franklin Wells for the World Foundation (FWWF), our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective water supplies to suffering communities. Since 2010 FWWF has made a difference in the lives of over 300,000 people by installing wells to provide dependable access to clean water. Franklin Electric is committed to providing funds and leveraging our innovative products and technical expertise to help end this water crisis.
Franklin Electric is dedicated to maintaining the trust of our customers, employees, shareholders and members of the concerned public, and strongly believes in continually improving our processes. That is why we maintain an anonymous Ethics and Integrity Hotline, where individuals can report any perceived lapses in governance, internal controls, or other business conduct. We welcome commentary and suggestions.
Franklin Electric is deeply committed to ethical business practices, human rights, and social responsibility. We recognize the importance of addressing modern slavery and child labor in global supply chains. We take proactive steps to ensure that our operations align with the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act enacted in Canada.
Franklin Electric (NASDAQ: FELE) is a global manufacturer and distributor of systems and technologies for moving and protecting the world’s most critical resources: water, fuel, and electricity. Franklin Electric serves customers in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and energy applications with a commitment to responsible innovation, sustainable manufacturing, and being an indispensable partner to customers. Franklin Electric is proud to be recognized in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies and Most Trustworthy Companies for 2024, Best Places to Work in Indiana 2024, and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.