LASCO hosts American Friends of Jamaica
Published:Wednesday | April 27, 2016 | 11:05 AMKeisha Hill
The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) recently toured the manufacturing operations of LASCO Manufacturing Limited, White Marl, St Catherine.
The group was guided through the two main manufacturing plants by Executive Chairman Lascelles Chin, who gave brief updates regarding the progress of the now 22-year-old company.
It was a fascinating journey from liquid to the dry-blend plant, storage and warehouse sections, with participants absorbing the daily intricacies of the 24-hour operations at the facility.
LASCO Manufacturing Limited makes soy-based products and packages milk-based products primarily in Jamaica. Its products include food drinks, lactose-free products, porridge mixes, whole milk, and ready milk.
The company also exports canned products, condiments, sauces, spices, seasonings and soups, beverages, baby care and personal-care products.
In addition, it markets Jamaican made products in the Caribbean, North America, Canada, the Middle East, and United Kingdom.
PIONEERING WORK
Chin recently received the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) Peacock Award for International Achievement for his pioneering work.
This international recognition follows an honorary doctorate from the University of Technology Chin was conferred on last October.
Wendy Peart, president of AFJ, said the tour was an eye-opener for the group.
"We were privy to the methods of production and the quality of the products that are manufactured and distributed.
"The scale of the plant and the innovation of the products is also dynamic, and, by extension, the services that are offered."
She indicated that as LASCO continues to invest in Jamaica, her organisation would continue to do the same to improve the lives of Jamaicans by supporting initiatives that advance self-sufficiency, promote healthy communities and strengthen the nation.
Founded in 1982 by United States ambassadors and Jamaicans and Americans who love Jamaica and want to see it prosper, the organisation has created a legacy of philanthropy dedicated to the people of Jamaica, raising more than US$12 million, to date, on behalf of Jamaica's non-profit and charitable organisations.
Those who toured the manufacturing facility, included Wendy Hart, Ambassador Sue Cobb, Ambassador Glen Holden, Gloria Holden, Sydney Engel, Monica Ladd, Laura Tanna, Manuela Goren, Kelly Tomblin, Christene Gore and Caron Chung.