Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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// V U.S^‘ Clinton Mills Clothmaker By and For Associates of Clinton Mills November 1987 /y V u.S>' ances Performance A quick glance of the ultra-modern manufacturing machinery in Plant No. 1 makes one believe the plant is brand new. Little would one realize the plant was con structed around 1896. However, it has had numerous face lifts during the past 90 plus years. Plant No. 1 is nearing the completion of a multi-million dollar modernization project which included plant renova tions, installations of 191 Sulzer shuttleless weaving machines, 29 new Murata Jet Spinning machines, win ders, a new slasher, and an all new cloth room. “Plant No. 1 shows what can be done to an old multi storied plant," says Plant Manager Bob Hooks. "We have incorporated as many materials handling devices as possi ble into the plant in order to concentrate our labor in the production process," he added. "Many service operator positions have been eliminated." "We have gone from a 166 employee complement to 212, while increasing our weaving operating schedule from 138 to 168 hours. Carding and spinning operator hours have been expanded to meet weaving require ments." New technology provides management with instant pro duction data necessary to keep production high and manu facturing costs competitive. "Computers have been utilized throughout the plant to monitor machine and operator performance,” emphasized Hooks. "In the weave room, computers provide us with production data, machine stops, and information which will let us detect mechanical problems before serious ones develop. Computers also record individual production levels so we can stay on top of our production goals." "Computers in the slasher room keep track of beam inventory and production, as well as a history of a particu lar beam. If we have a problem, we can trace it back to its origin for corrective action." The Murata Jet Spinning is equipped with micro processors which produces valuable production and quality data. In the near future, each winder will have its own computer system which will enable management to monitor production quality in a more thorough manner than is now possible. The 212 employees produce approximately 170,000 pounds of fabric each week. According to Hooks, "We have been fortunate in staffing our operations with exceptional ly qualified people, many of which had previous manufac turing experience.” "We’re proud that all of our staffing was done internally, and we didn't have to draw on personnel from the other Clinton Mills plants.” "Modern technology has enabled us to transform Plant No. 1 into a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. We have replaced 519 fly shuttle looms with 191 machines (Continued on page 3)