New P&G plant manager lands in Lima

LIMA — Outgoing Procter & Gamble plant manager Todd Hoffman said Tuesday he hated to leave the community.

“But I’m at peace with it, because I know this community is in good hands,” Hoffman said of new site manager Grace Allen.

Allen has 24 years of experience with P&G in plants across North America, most recently as manager of Lima’s sister plant in Alexandria, La., the only other P&G liquid detergent maker. Hoffman introduced her to the community during a reception sponsored by the Allen County Visionaries.

“I look forward to getting to know each of you. I don’t promise to remember each of your names tonight, but reintroduce yourselves to me,” Allen said. “I plan to continue P&G’s active role in the community. It’s important for us to improve the lives of those around us.”

P&G is expected to release an earnings report this morning, according to The Associated Press, and Allen said one of her jobs is to help the company weather the recession economy with top brands such as Tide.

“We continue to improve efficiencies and drive out costs, which delivers profit for the company as we make our products, so that’s what we’ll continue to do,” Allen said.

Hoffman leaves Lima after four years and shepherding through two major projects, a $130 million distribution center and a revamping of its laundry detergent production facility, the company’s largest single project ever. He moves to corporate offices in Cincinnati, where he will lead work on finding efficiencies in the fabric care lines.

Hoffman also became part of the community, said Stephen Johnson, of the Visionaries.

“When I met him, I knew he’d make a difference, and he did,” Johnson said.

Hoffman said the Lima employees are “trading up” with Allen.

“She’s a great leader for a great organization,” Hoffman said.