Congratulations to the Cedar City, Utah NASP – Plastics facility for receiving the Golden Key Award from Utah’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.
Each year, this committee, along with its partners, presents this award to honor people and businesses who help promote employment for people with disabilities. The award is given in five different categories and recognizes businesses and individuals who have gone above and beyond in their recruiting, hiring, and promoting of individuals with disabilities.
The 2026 Golden Key Awards were presented in conjunction with Disability: IN Utah Summit on Saturday, September 26. Chris Lewis, Cedar City Facility Manager, and Craig Spradling, Cedar City Human Resources Manager, were at the ceremony to receive the reward on behalf of the facility.
The Cedar City team received the Golden Key Award in the Medium Sized Business category for the hiring of an individual with disabilities through the Utah Department of Workforce services. “We had worked with this organization in the past to post jobs and recruit for open positions. They approached us looking for an opportunity for this individual and we were willing to explore whether there was a mutual fit for both Mauser and the candidate,” explained Spradling.
Prior to hiring, Cedar City facility leaders met with the candidate, showed him around the facility, and explained the job requirements and responsibilities. “Once we were confident that this person could fulfill the job criteria, it was important that he feel comfortable in our work environment and with our people. We wanted this to be a job that he was excited about and would look forward to doing every day,” commented Lewis.
In November 2025, the employee was hired as an operator responsible for packaging pails which includes adding handles and performing visual quality inspections. “He does a phenomenal job. He follows our safety protocols, asks questions when clarification is needed, and maintains a great attitude. The structure of our workplace and the routine aspects of his role align well with his strengths, enabling him to perform at a high level. His contributions have had a positive impact on the team, and we are fortunate to have him as part of our workforce,” commented Lewis.
Thank you to the Cedar City team for demonstrating Mauser’s commitment to supporting and developing all employees, regardless of background – and for fostering relationships within the community that benefit all involved.