McWane Ductile celebrates Kent Arnold
Kent Arnold takes a moment to collect his thoughts before addressing all those who gathered for his retirement party on June 24. Arnold retired from McWane Ductile after 47 years of employment. Josie Sellers | Beacon
COSHOCTON – McWane Ductile employees gathered together June 24 to celebrate a legacy.
An Arnold has worked at McWane Ductile in Coshocton County for 104 of the company’s 106 years, but the latest one, Kent Arnold, has retired after 47 years of employment.
“When Kent started here in 1968 bread was $0.22 a loaf and gas was $0.28 a gallon,” said Frank Kline, safety manager.
Eight presidents came and went during that time frame and McWane Ductile went through name changes, but Arnold remained committed to McWane Ductile and his fellow co-workers.
Arnold held several positions with the company over the years, but his last one for the past eight years was VPP Coordinator, which is an OSHA safety program.
“He spent most of his time out on the floor finding out what was causing issues and working on solutions for them,” Kline said. “I’m not sure how many miles he walked, but I’m sure it’s more than I want to count. In all my years I’ve never met a more genuine and kind person.”
Tom Crawford, vice-president, general manager, described Arnold as selfless.
“You have truly touched and affected people’s lives from being in the military, to being a union rep to this role as VPP coordinator and protecting and taking care of other employees,” Crawford said.
Dave Wilson from OSHA recognized Arnold for his efforts to create and maintain a safe working environment at McWane Ductile.
“It wasn’t me or OHSA who did things here; it was him,” Wilson said. “This has become a model plant and Kent has taught me a lot. It has been an honor and a privilege to know and work with Kent.”
Barb Wisniewski, vice president of health and safety for McWane, said if they had more Kent Arnold’s in their organization no one would ever get hurt.
In honor of his dedication to safety he was honored with the first Kent Arnold Significant Contribution Award. Wisniewski said the award will be given to a McWane employee each year.
Arnold had to choke back tears when addressing his fellow employees and family members who had attended this retirement party.
“Frank talked about a legacy, well that legacy is you,” Arnold said. “You need to remember that it’s not about rules. It’s about caring for others. If you do that you will be the best, the safest and most productive plant.”
He also thanked everyone who has stood by him over the years.
“The things they said today made it look like I always had my life together, but I wasn’t always the best Dad, employee, or follower of Christ, but I persevered,” Arnold said. “If you do that life will change. Each and every one of us has special gifts from God and we can make a difference in the lives of others.”
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