Recovery Friendly Workplace

Manthei Wood Products is a premier manufacturer of hardwood face veneers and plywood located in Northern Michigan. Their mission is to maximize the God-given potential of their team members and forest resources, enabling families, communities, and the world to flourish. They implement innovative manufacturing practices that maximize the value of timber and invest significantly in employee growth and development.

We are proud to announce that Manthei Wood Products is now an official Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW). RFWs support their communities by recognizing recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) as strengths. They are committed to working intentionally with people in recovery, encouraging a healthy and safe environment where employers, employees, and communities can collaborate to create positive changes and eliminate barriers for those impacted by substance use disorders.

“Being a Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) aligns with our company values of collaboration, responsibility, and growth, and fits beautifully with our mission of maximizing one’s potential. For employees in recovery, we proactively provide a safe place for those who reach out when they are struggling, offering support and resources.” – Brenda Byers, HR/PR Manager at Manthei Wood Products.

Prior to learning about the RFW Initiative, Manthei was already employing individuals who identified as being in recovery from substance use disorder. They wanted to help these employees and keep them employed. Becoming an RFW brought visibility and credibility to the work they were already doing.

“Employing people who are in recovery from substance use disorder not only expands but strengthens our talent pool. We have found that those in recovery tend to be skilled, motivated workers. Many are eager to prove themselves and bring a strong work ethic.” – Brenda Byers, HR/PR Manager at Manthei Wood Products.

Becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace starts with completing the Letter of Interest form on the RFW website. By completing the Letter of Interest, your organization demonstrates its readiness to meet with a Recovery Friendly Workplace representative and its interest in attaining the Recovery Friendly Workplace designation.

As noted by Manthei Wood Products, “It was a fairly easy process with outstanding support along the way.” – Brenda Byers, HR/PR Manager at Manthei Wood Products.

Start your journey today. For more information about this program and our ongoing efforts, please email program staff recoveryfriendlymi@mphi.org.