Meet the Maker Bo Blackmon

At Milliken, the dedication and expertise of our associates form the foundation of our success. We’re spotlighting the resilient individuals behind our products, who carry forward a proud history of excellence and commitment in manufacturing.

Today, we’re highlighting Bo Blackmon, a dedicated and resilient Technician from our Gilliland plant. Bo Blackmon joined Milliken on January 2, 2018. Transitioning from roles such as an operator to a technician during his time at Milliken , Bo shows tremendous growth and adaptability. "Milliken is a good place to work. I've been working here for many years and you can move up fast,” Bo mentions. His journey to Milliken began after a friend recommended Milliken as a great place to work, and Bo decided to make the move.

Balancing Work and Family

As his colleague Kristina Templeton puts it, “The biggest attribute Bo has exhibited has been his positive attitude and willingness to help others while being under tremendous pressure. He has been a positive example for all of us."

Bo and his wife welcomed a child born with Down's Syndrome, presenting new challenges in balancing his work and personal life. Despite these challenges, Bo has managed to maintain an exemplary attendance record, train new technicians, and support his colleagues while attending numerous doctor visits. Milliken’s accommodating and supportive environment has been instrumental in allowing Bo to juggle these responsibilities.

Building Strong Work Relationships

In his own words, Bo explains who makes a strong impact in his life. “One person who stands out is James Hughes. He was a shift leader on the third shift, and I enjoyed working with him. His personality and approach to work made it easy to do my job without any problems. He gave me the drive and motivation to excel in my position.”

“I look forward to coming to work and seeing my coworkers. I've been working with the same people for years, and I enjoy building relationships with them,” Bo said while thinking about what makes Milliken a special place to work at.

A Day in the Life of Bo Blackmon

“I wake up in the morning and come to work. I enjoy coming to work and don't dread it. When I arrive, I talk to the technician from the previous shift to get updates on what happened. Then, I walk through the plant, check the machines, and make sure everything is running smoothly. I also check paperwork and ensure there are no issues.” He continues by explaining his role as a Technician, “I tell people that my job as a technician involves working on machines to ensure they produce quality products. I make adjustments to the machines and perform maintenance to keep everything running smoothly.”

Bo’s role is vital in maintaining the quality and efficiency of the machinery he works on. “These machines are involved in making scrim, which is used in various products. The scrim goes through a series of processes, including warping, bonding, and finishing, before it is sent to the customer.”

*Scrim is a lightweight, loosely woven fabric used to reinforce materials and improve product durability and quality.

Emphasizing Safety and Teamwork

When asked to describe working at Milliken in one word, Bo chose “safety.” At Milliken, safety is a top priority, and it is for Bo, too. “If I see someone performing a task unsafely, I tell them to put on their gloves or follow proper procedures. I prioritize safety because I want everyone to go home without injuries.”

Join Us in Recognizing These Remarkable Individuals

Bo Blackmon's dedication to his work and his colleagues makes him a remarkable part of our team. We’re spotlighting Bo and all our associates who make Milliken an exceptional place to work. Their dedication and expertise are the foundation of our continued success.

As we continue to innovate and solve problems, driven by curiosity and collaboration, we invite you to join us in recognizing the incredible people behind our products. At Milliken, our associates are our greatest asset, and their stories inspire us to keep pursuing a better tomorrow.

To read more associate stories, visit here.

Want to join #TeamMilliken? Visit our careers webpage to learn more about your next opportunity.