The MC at 50 Years: The Best Part is Still the People

This month, while we’re celebrating our Manufacturing Center’s (MC) 50th?anniversary, we also celebrate the people who helped make it what it is today. Since the MC opened in 1973?Packing Operator Bob Hodges?has been there. Reminiscing about that momentous first day, Bob said, “It was exciting — like another gear, another kind of experience. Everything was so new and different and better.” Highlighting the cutting-edge machinery, openness of the space, high ceilings and giant windows he concluded, “You felt like you had taken a step forward into the future.”?

Beginning his 50-year career at our Stockton Street location, Bob started in a general manufacturing role. He worked his way up to Packing Operator and has been one ever since. “The MC has been in good hands for the entirety of its 50 years,” said?Regan Scott, Vice President of Manufacturing.?“You can always count on Bob and his smiling face to be here to brighten your day.”

Business Unit Leader (BUL) Wayne Johnson?added that Bob is highly regarded by his colleagues, and he always strives to give our consumers the excellent quality they’ve come to expect. Wayne noted, “Bob has taken the time to share his knowledge of the packer with many of his peers over the years, and is still taking the opportunity to learn some of our newer packing equipment.”?

Bob said he relies on keen judgment, because his are the last eyes and hands on the product before it goes out the door. As a personal litmus test, Bob imagines the moment each consumer holds the product in their hand, saying, “There’s a sense of pride, but there’s also a sense of responsibility.”

To this day, Bob loves how modern and bright it is throughout the MC, not only because it feels so spacious, but because it recalls the legacy of those who came before. One of his favorite stories is that when the company was designing the MC, Stockton Street employees were asked for input. One of the suggestions was to include lots of windows, so today when Bob looks out the walls of glass, he remembers his colleagues from the past.

As we celebrate 50 years, Bob joins us in looking forward to the next 50. He is excited to see which new products will, “fill the gap to keep our employees and this landmark building in business for a long time,” but knows it is more than just innovation. Bob said, “The best part is still the people,” and we couldn’t agree more. Congratulations to 50 years, Bob!