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"You've got to look for value as well as
price in purchasing," says Bill Stanton as he
checked a series of price quotes from vendors
interested in selling supply items to
Clinton Mills.
"We're a cost conscious department,"
stated Stanton as he outlined the functions
of being purchasing agent for the company's
six weaving plants.
At Clinton Mills, Stanton's primary function
is to work with various departmental
managers to requisition supplies and select
vendors which can provide service and quality
merchandise at competitive prices.
Stanton assumed the purchasing position
in 1973 following the retirement of the late
W. E. Johnson.
Armed with a major in accounting from
the University of South Carolina, Stanton's
previous work experience as a public
accountant at Cannon Mills and as office
manager at Clinton, gives him a distinct
advantage in being able to handle the de
tailed accounting and reports required in the
purchasing position.
Various Activities
During the course of the day, Stanton may
be called upon to purchase items such as a
$.05 bolt or a battery of new equipment
costing thousands of dollars each.
"I try toalways be available," stated Stan
ton. Often times a manufacturing superintendent
needs a precise measurement or an
alternative solution to a problem. If I have
the expertise to help, I will."
Bill Stanton, Pu
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Plant Acquisition and Modernization
Since 1977, Stanton's purchasing department
has grown rapidly. During the acquisition
of the Geneva operations, he played
a key role in purchasing new production
equipment, disposing of used machinery,
coordinating various contractural services,
and restocking plant supply rooms.
As the Bailey Plant modernization progresses,
Stanton is at the forefront of placing
new machinery orders, disposing or redirecting
the use of used machinery and spare
parts, and other activities.
"The areas which we are now involved
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rchasing Agent
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with are changing rapidly," he added. "A
few years ago, we were a simple operation,
but now we are moving to become a high
technology company. Chute feed cards, high
speed drawing, shuttleless weaving and
other improvements place additional burdens
on those responsible for maintaining
the new equipment. Since much of the
machinery is not available in this country,
we must be constantly aware of the fluctuations
in the dollar as we purchase replacement
equipment and parts."
Interested in Local Economy
"We deal with over 750 vendors and
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attempt to purchase supplies and services
which contribute to the betterment of the
local economy. We depend heavily on local
contractors and providers as much as possible,"
continued Stanton.
Other Responsibilities
Vast numbers of reports are generated for
control purposes by the purchasing department
staff. Supply parts, vehicle costs,
operational expenses all must be properly
charged and accounted for.
Cost areas which appear to be ?.^cessively
high are reviewed and corrective measures
taken when necessary.
"Our department purchases a I most everything
the company uses except office supplies
and cotton," he continued. "The
dinuum 01 byruneiiu iiuers> ine uepdrimeiu
purchases has increased eight fold in the
past 10 years," noted Stanton.
Supply Clerks
"We are moving fast to get as much of our
work on computers as possible," he noted.
"This decreases the amount of time required
to manually compile data, increases accuracy
of the data, and affords better control."
"We work closely with the plant supply
clerks in an effort to maintain a workable
inventory of supply parts."
"Items not in stock are acquired as soon
as possible to minimize machinery downtime
and production delays."