WALTERBORO--To some, 50 years is the Golden
Anniversary.
But for AstenJohnson employees celebrating the company's 50th year in
Walterboro, the milestone was a tribute to its contributions to paper.
Gov. Mark Sanford was the keynote speaker Tuesday as the manufacturer
of dryer fabrics, which are used in the paper-making process, celebrated
at its oldest U.S. plant.
Sanford attributed the company's longevity to its dedication to
innovation and technology.
"You're investing the capital, making the changes and innovations so
you'll be around another 50 years."
The governor said he and his wife have been married just a fraction of
that.
"Fifty years is a big deal," he said. "I'd argue that, in a lot of
ways, in business 50 years is even a bigger deal. It's an even bigger deal
because of global forces that make it tough."
Plant Manager Ron McKenna said the company opened for business in
Walterboro with 75 employees on June 16, 1955. At its peak, it grew to
more than 400 employees and now has about 150 employees.
"We now produce more than we did with 400 associates," he said. "That's
thanks to technology, innovation and, most of all, our associates."
 |
| ANDY
PARAS/STAFF |
| Gov. Mark
Sanford (left) talks to long-tenured AstenJohnson Inc.
employees Tuesday before embarking on a tour of the plant,
which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Walterboro.
| |
AstenJohnson Chairman/CEO William Finn, who's been friends with Sanford
for more than 20 years, said the company's products are found all over the
world.
"It was not a good decision to come to Walterboro in 1955," he said.
"It was a great decision to come to Walterboro in 1955."
Sanford was taken on a tour and introduced to several employees who
have worked at the plant for more than 20, 30 and, in Robert Waltz's case,
40 years.
"I've been here 41 years," said Waltz, 61, of Smoaks. "I've seen a lot
of change. It's made our company strong."
Company leaders also alluded to several new products that will be
unveiled next week, which they said will help the company remain a leader
in the industry.
"We're proud of the role we're playing in helping the paper industry
grow and survive," Finn said.