Wayne business brings families to work on Saturday for day of fun

WAYNE, Neb. – A northeast Nebraska business celebrated its employees on Saturday, while also giving them a chance to show their family members what they do.

Great Dane in Wayne held a “family fun day,” with games, food, face-painting and more.

The company also gave tours and demonstrations to employees’ family members.

“We haven’t been able to get together for the past couple of years throughout the pandemic, and everybody here has worked all the way through the pandemic,” Plant Manager Tony Wiese said. “This is just a chance for us to get together, everybody to bring their families out. I think it’s important for families to come and see where their parents and where their brothers and sisters work, and see the pride that this team puts into the trailer that we build here.”

Great Dane’s Wayne plant employs approximately 700 people, building an estimated trailers each year.

Employees said they enjoyed the opportunity show their family members what they do.

“I think it’s great,” said Area Production Supervisor Mamie Story. “I love that we’re able to show our families exactly what we do and why we’re so proud here at Great Dane. We can show them the work ethic that we build that we’re able to take home and teach our kids and inspire our children.”

Brad Schreiner, a team leader who has been with the company for 27 years, said that the family aspect has been important to him for years.

“My dad worked here too and just retired out of here a couple years ago,” Schreiner said. “I’m going to be here plenty more.”