Unstoppable People - Kim Stanford - Kingsley Plant

Milliken’s Unstoppable People series highlights Milliken & Company associates who guide us to success and embody our values: integrity, excellence, innovation, sustainability, and people.

Ever heard of duct tape? The material that strengthens the industrial tape is called scrim, and it’s a woven textile component manufactured at Milliken’s Kingsley Plant in Georgia.

The spectrum of Milliken innovation touches so many products and industries that it’s nearly impossible to call out each one. From providing strength and stability to enhancing performance to reinforcing sustainability or safety, our innovations are impactful. And, thanks to the efforts of production associates like Kim Stanford, who actually bring our innovations to life, our people are making a world of difference.

For 29 years, Kim has been raising her hand and leading the way at the Kingsley Plant. “When I first got hired here, I was in inspection. I worked there for a few years, but I really wanted to be out on the production floor. My manager at the time knew I was eager to get out there, but the only thing available was buffing the floors. And I said, ‘I’ll do it.’”

She quickly moved from buffing the floors—a vital task to promote a safe working environment—to a support operator. Her career trajectory spans all sorts of functions, from weaving and creeling to inspection and operations, thanks to her eagerness to learn and grow in new roles. “I love to put my hand in to try different things and learn.”

Kim is now a senior operator and plays a major role in new associate training thanks to her advanced training and weaving skills. Twenty-nine years of experience makes her a highly qualified and respected team member, but what’s striking about Kim’s approach is her use of the word help. Her expertise and rapport intuitively signal seniority at the plant, but helping her fellow associates is how she explains her leadership role.

“I enjoy helping others to make the plant successful. I want to pitch in and lend a hand where I can, whether an operator is out on leave or a new associate needs training. Training allows me to inspire others, encourage them to do their best, and give them that boost they need to do well. The teamwork of crossing job role boundaries to help one another—that’s what I enjoy most about this work.”

The team, the plant leadership, and the tangible nature of manufacturing all continue to inspire Kim. Nearly 30 years in, the passion for her work radiates outward and is something she shares with her community and, importantly, her two daughters and six grandchildren. She is dedicated to her family and enjoys sharing some of that passion with those she loves best.

“We might be at the store, and I get to point at something like duct tape and say, ‘Milliken makes that.’ Wow, what an exciting thing to play a part in.”

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

Do you know an Unstoppable Person you’d like to recognize? Nominate them at [email protected].