As the employer-of-record in Gaston County, N.C., FMC Lithium’s plant in Bessemer City employs more than 300 area residents, who take home some $17.7 million in wages and benefits annually. Out of Bessemer City’s $6 million annual budget, FMC/Lithium accounts for $500,000 in property taxes and another $300,000 in municipal water charges.

Throughout the county, FMC employees are known for their involvement in every facet of community life, from Little League and school mentoring to sprucing up the local Boys and Girls Club facility (the enthusiastic spruce-up crew is pictured above).

Notably, FMC Lithium has twice been presented the “Eagle Award” by the county’s United Way, in recognition of the highest participation rate, total number of participants, highest per capita donations, and largest donors. Among their efforts, employees raise money for United Way by hosting a “dunk the manager” fundraiser at a local Safety Fair.

While a number of FMC Lithium employees have served as student mentors and tutors at Bessemer City High School, the plant’s manager and two other employees are often found at Bessemer City Middle School, teaching a popular “Life Skills” course to some 30 eighth graders. As the “voice of experience,” these plant employees help students understand the “basics” necessary for success in life, such as how to identify their interests and translate them into fulfilling future jobs, and how to approach personal and family finances – including how to balance a check book!