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“Noble trees withstand the tests of time—the winds, the waters, and the draughts of decades. But they don’t come to existence overnight. Their planting requires forethought and vision. You plant a noble tree for the next generation, for the future—not for the near future.”

The Roger Milliken Center (RMC), our company’s global headquarters, is home-base for hundreds of Milliken associates. Located on the 600-acre corporate campus, it’s easy to take for granted what a special space RMC—and specifically the Milliken Arboretum—is. This expansive arboretum represents decades of noble tree planting and cultivation started by former Milliken & Company president and CEO, Roger Milliken. 

Noble trees—tall, substantial trees meant to grow and last for generations—represent an enduring legacy, which defines Milliken as a company both now and into the future. 

“Where else can you see trees like these—trees reaching their mature size and stature, planted within the desired landscape for which they are most suited?” Dr. Ashley Allen, chair of the Noble Tree Foundation and former president and CEO for Milliken & Company, shares. Dr. Allen’s tenure at the company allowed him first-hand insight into our work with noble trees.

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When the company’s global headquarters was built on a former peach orchard in the late 1950s, we took the time to work within the existing landscape to create a singular greenspace experience anchored by noble trees. The Milliken Arboretum contains not only statuesque trees—the world’s largest magnolia tree, planted in 1960, is right outside the Customer Center—but also rare tree varieties, some of which are unique to the arboretum. 

“Noble trees withstand the tests of time—the winds, the waters, and the draughts of decades. But they don’t come to existence overnight. Their planting requires forethought and vision. You plant a noble tree for the next generation, for the future—not for the near future.” 

Our boldness in cultivating the arboretum, symbolizing in part Mr. Milliken’s pioneering vision for sustainability as well as his leadership in diversifying Milliken’s businesses, formed a foundation of how Milliken as a company was run and would run into the future. Much like noble trees themselves, our corporate values of sustainability, ethics, and integrity were planted in the company's purpose—with the hope that they will flourish at Milliken for generations.

Formalizing his love of trees, nature, and attention to the powerful effects of landscapes, Mr. Milliken helped create the Noble Tree Foundation in 1999. The Noble Tree Foundation works to promote noble tree education and activities to the people of Spartanburg, helping align projects and landscaping to beautify the broader community. The Foundation, which also champions excellence in horticulture, recently updated its website to better showcase its impact over the last 20 years. Notably, the Foundation collaborated with the Converse Heights Neighborhood Association to plant nearly 1,000 trees, planted numerous highway interchanges, and worked with countless Spartanburg organizations to beautify surrounding businesses and campuses.

Milliken is also helping to cultivate an appreciation of noble trees with the launch of its PlantsMap.com presence. Milliken’s Arboretum has always been open to the public; now, PlantsMap.com helps visitors identify species and cultivars found throughout our campus. 

Noble trees have always symbolized the boldness and the leadership vision for which Milliken as a company strives. “These trees have been and will be around for generations, with much of the benefits enjoyed by those who come after us. As a company, we look to positively impact the world for generations to come. It’s that long-sighted approach, in trees and in business, that truly showcases a noble mindset.”

• View our walking and jogging trail map below
• Find us on PlantsMap.com