Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, has been named a 2026 NorthCoast 99 award winner by the Employers Resource Council (ERC). This recognition marks the 16th time Oatey has earned the prestigious NorthCoast 99 award, which honors 99 Northeast Ohio workplaces with exceptional policies, practices and benefits for attracting and retaining top talent.
NorthCoast 99 defines top performers as employees who drive results, create competitive advantages and help organizations innovate and grow. Oatey’s selection among the 99 organizations recognized in 2026 reflects its continued position as an employer of choice for top talent in Northeast Ohio.
“Earning this recognition for the 16th time is especially meaningful because it reflects the experience we work to create for our associates every day,” said Dalithia Smith, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Oatey. “We’re committed to continually fostering a workplace where people feel supported, have opportunities to grow and can contribute to our shared success.”
Organizations considered for the NorthCoast 99 award are evaluated anonymously through a rigorous application process that assesses the strategies, programs and workplace practices used to attract and retain top performers. The evaluation also includes feedback from associates about their workplace experience.
Oatey demonstrated strong performance across several areas evaluated as part of the 2026 NorthCoast 99 selection process, including the following:
- Employee Engagement and Talent Development
- Employee Well-Being
- Organizational Strategy, Policies and Benefits
- Talent Attraction, Acquisition and Onboarding
- Total Rewards
“As Oatey continues to evolve, we will continue to be focused on our people and finding new ways to support their success,” Smith added. “Our associates play an essential role in shaping our culture and strengthening our organization, and we’re proud of the workplace we’ve created together.”
For more information about Oatey, visit here.
