By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Family isn’t just a part of the culture at Mills Locker Plant—family is at the front, center and back of just about everything that takes place at the locally owned and operated locker plant. 

After all, the husband and wife team of Whitman and Amanda Briard don’t just have members of their family playing prominent roles in the business, but several other adopted families are an integral part of the day-to-day operation at the busy locker plant.

“We wouldn’t be able to do it without these guys,” said Amanda of the staff at Mills Locker Plant. “We are like family.”

Two of the mainstays at the locker plant are the father-son team of Rodney and Randy Vandermay. 

Rodney began working at the locker plant when it was still a co-op back in 1980 and has been cutting meat in one shape or form ever since. 

“My neighbor Ron Pulver took over managing it when it was a co-op,” said Rodney. “We were visiting one day and said I can come in and help.” 

Fast forward 44 years and Rodney is still cutting meat on a near daily basis. He originally began working during the busy seasons, mostly in the fall during deer hunting season, and is now employed year round. By working in the facility for a generation, Rodney said the fellow staff members become almost like family as they are around each other on a daily basis.

“It’s just a fun place to work,” he said. “The people you work with are pretty much your family.”

After hearing about the enjoyment his dad had at working at the locker plant, a 13-year-old Randy Vandermay began working at the locker plant approximately 32 years ago. Growing up on a dairy farm, Randy was bored when his dad sold all of the cows so he began seeking out a job to not only pass the time, but get some extra money as well.

“When I was looking for something to do (my dad) said ask Ron if he needs help,” said Randy. 

The younger Vandermay inquired about working at the locker plant with his neighbor, and the rest is history. He has been working at the locker plant on and off since that time, but has been full-time for the past 11 years. He said family has always came first at the locker plant, especially after the Briards took over in 2000.

“Overall one of the benefits (of working here) is family really comes first,” he said. 

For example, if someone has a sick kid at home or there is an athletic event in the community, employees know they are able to tend to family matters first, before coming into work. 

After all, family is important to the Briard family as the staff has become more like family than employees or friends.

The family-centric environment will be even more important as the staff members gear up for a busy deer hunting season. While many locker plants are beginning to shy away from processing deer, Mills Locker Plant has become known as one of the top deer processors in the region. In fact, people can drop off their deer just about anytime the locker plant is open from now through the end of the deer hunting season and begin cleaning out space in their freezer at home. 

There isn’t any appointment that is necessary and the locker plant will process as many deer as it can. After all, when that trophy buck or large doe is harvested, it is helpful to know there is a caring staff waiting right around the corner to help process the fruitful bounty of the deer. 

In addition to being known for its deer processing, the locker plant features a freezer full of award winning custom brat wurst flavors and creations. There are also a variety of meat that can be purchased over the counter and locally sourced products that can be purchased as well. 

The Mills Locker is located at 104 E. Centennial Dr. They can be reached at 218-385-2875.