AUBURN – Local Tambrands employees are seeing some concrete results from their hard work: two extra vacation days.

The bonus was announced Wednesday by Tambrands’ parent company, Procter & Gamble, which posted record profits this year. Sales are expected to break the $50 billion mark this year.

Part of that success is due to a new product line, Pearl tampons, which are made at the Tambrands plant along with traditional Tampax tampons. The Pearl line began in the fall of 2002 and continues to increase market share in the feminine hygiene market.

“People work very hard here to get these results,” said Dennis Rogers, public affairs manager for Tambrands. “People responded very favorably to the news and the recognition.”

The bonus was extended to P&G’s 90,000 employees and is expected to cost millions. It’s the first time the company has provided such a benefit. The vacation days, or cash equivalent, must be taken by the end of the year.

Rogers said an informal poll at Auburn showed most folks were planning to take the time.

“Who doesn’t love a day off?” he noted.

Additionally, Nancy E. Gipson, plant manager, is planning a special recognition event for Tambrands’ 600 employees.

Tambrands continues to grow. More than 300 employees were added since 1997 and the company has invested $170 million in its Hotel Road facility with plans for more investment.

“We’ve been able to increase sales volume, market share and profits,” while lowering production costs, said Rogers. “It’s wonderful that P&G’s philosophy is to share the company’s success with the employees.”