Meet the Maker Jerred Kemp

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 highlight Jerred Kemp, a dedicated Facilitator at our Laurel Plant in Gainesville, Florida, whose passion for IT and analytics ensures smooth operations and timely shipments to our customers.

A Lifelong Commitment to Quality and Innovation

Jerred Kemp's journey with Milliken began in 2011, when the company acquired the plant he works at, known today as the Laurel Plant . With a background in environmental science and a passion for lab work, Jerred found his niche in the dynamic environment of Milliken. "I've always liked working in the lab because there's a lot of opportunity for learning with various instruments," he shares.

Ensuring On-Time Production and Shipment

Jerred's role is pivotal in maintaining the seamless flow of production. His day starts with addressing any overnight issues that might impact production timelines. "When I get here, I check with my supervisor to see if there are any problems that need immediate attention to prevent any holdups in production," he explains. His proactive approach ensures that any issues with instruments or processes are resolved swiftly, enabling the plant to meet its production and shipment schedules.

Passion for IT and Analytics

One of Jerred's strengths is his ability to leverage IT and analytics to improve lab operations. "I'm pretty good with the instruments and enjoy finding better ways to make the lab more efficient," he says. This includes creating more efficient workflows which contribute to timely and accurate results for production. His technical expertise ensures that the lab interfaces smoothly with the plant, providing necessary data without delays.

Comprehensive Testing and Quality Assurance

Jerred's role involves testing organosilicon materials at various stages to ensure they meet customer specifications. "Everything that comes into this plant goes through our lab and has to be tested," he notes. His attention to detail and commitment to quality control are crucial in preventing any subpar materials from reaching customers. "We get raw materials, make intermediate products, and test them at every step to ensure they meet the required standards," he explains.

A Day in the Life

Jerred's typical day involves a mix of immediate problem-solving, routine maintenance, and sample testing. "I'm involved in every part of the lab experience, from testing samples to repairing instruments and checking their reliability," he shares. This variety keeps his work challenging and engaging, ensuring that he remains focused and alert.

Building a Collaborative Work Environment

Jerred credits the positive work culture at the Laurel Plant for much of his success. "Our managers and supervisors are very responsive to our needs and open to suggestions," he says. This supportive environment encourages innovation and continuous improvement. "The fact that our leaders appreciate and advocate for what we need makes it a great place to work," he adds.

Training the Next Generation

In addition to his lab duties, Jerred is also responsible for training new technicians. "It can take up to five years for some technicians to see all the products we work with," he notes. His training focuses on ensuring that new hires understand the complexities of the lab's instruments and processes. "I try to cater my teaching to their understanding and make sure they can visualize what they're doing," he explains.

Passion for Problem-Solving

One of Jerred's favorite parts of his job is solving problems and making the lab more efficient. "I like finding better ways to help production get what they need quickly and accurately," he says. This dedication to continuous improvement ensures that the Laurel Plant consistently meets production goals without compromising on quality.

"When I leave at the end of the day, I feel like I've done myself a service in learning new things. It makes me feel good that I know that I was able to help get these products through and to their end in an efficient way." If Jerred isn't at work, you can find him spending quality time with his cat, Mr. Carmulz. Jerred describes Mr. Carmulz as "more like a puppy dog" as he follows Jerred everywhere around the house.

Join Us in Recognizing These Remarkable Individuals

Jerred Kemp’s commitment to quality, efficiency, and innovation makes him an invaluable part of our team. We’re spotlighting Jerred 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.