Okmulgee Lions Club welcomed Toni and Erik from Tate & Lyle Company, formerly CP Kelco, for an engaging program during last week’s meeting. Members had the opportunity to learn about the history, operations, and impact of the global company and its local presence in Okmulgee.

Toni, who works in Environment and Safety and also serves in Community Relations, coordinated the visit. Erik, the plant manager, shared a detailed history of Tate & Lyle and its acquisition of CP Kelco. According to Erik, Tate & Lyle originated from the merger of two distinct companies: Tate, specializing in sugar, and Lyle, focused on corn syrup. The combination of their expertise gave birth to the global company known today as Tate & Lyle. For those interested in learning more about the company’s history, Erik recommended the book “The Kernel and the Bean.”

The company now operates in 14 countries worldwide and owns both the Okmulgee CP Kelco plant and a plant in San Diego. Erik highlighted that the Okmulgee facility has undergone significant expansion in recent years, increasing its workforce from 150 employees prior to the Tate & Lyle acquisition to approximately 250 employees today.

Members of the Lions Club were fascinated to learn about the wide reach of products containing xantham gum, which is produced exclusively at the Okmulgee plant. This key ingredient is found in many everyday items, including breakfast cereals, low-fat mayonnaise, low-calorie iced tea, cereal bars, isotonic drinks, and yogurt. Notably, all xantham gum produced by Tate & Lyle passes through the Okmulgee facility, making it the second-largest plant in the company.

The presentation provided Lions members a unique insight into the local plant’s role within a global enterprise, highlighting both the company’s growth and its impact on the community.