Despite this principled approach, Koch Industries has recently received negative media coverage attention from many who are motivated to do us harm. Much of this criticism has targeted the company’s principal owners – Charles and David Koch. For more than 40 years, these brothers have been open and steadfast proponents of individual and economic freedom. Through their personal involvement and private foundations, they have lawfully supported activities and causes consistent with their beliefs.
Koch’s Market-Based Management® business philosophy is based on economic freedom, which history and sound theory have shown to be essential for achieving peace, prosperity and societal progress. Citizens everywhere enjoy cleaner environments, longer lives and higher literacy in economically free societies. That is why the Kochs have openly and consistently supported the principles of economic freedom and market-based policies.
Koch companies have hundreds of U.S. facilities in 46 states that employ more than 50,000 Americans. Another 20,000 employees work internationally, giving us a presence in 60 countries. These employees are among the world’s best at manufacturing things that people value and use every day, including products that purify water, dispose of hazardous chemicals, improve clothing, build and heat homes, protect the environment, help grow food, fuel cars and planes, and enhance vehicle safety.
Rather than acknowledging the value we create, our critics tend to overemphasize long-settled issues that do not accurately reflect our current operations. Publicly available data confirm that Koch companies are currently among the very best at managing environmental and safety risks, as evidenced by 300 awards during the past two years. From wetlands restoration at our refineries to award-winning habitat preservation projects at our ranches, Koch companies have led and participated in many efforts that have enhanced the environment in their communities and within their fence lines.