Lieutenant Governor visits Jostens, applauds efforts
August 6, 2020
On Monday, August 4, Jostens Cap & Gown facility in Laurens hosted South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette. Evette spent the early part of this week touring various SC companies, discussing their quick actions to ensure proper procedures during COVID-19, thus ensuring their workforce stays working.
The Jostens facility in Laurens has long served as a key production facility for Jostens and the nation through its cut & sew capabilities in the production of graduation regalia. Due to the growing shortfall in medical personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the US as the pandemic hit, Jostens began exploring ways to help with medical personal protective equipment at their plant in Laurens. They believed that their cut & sew capability could be leveraged to contribute to national efforts to ramp up production. The facility sprang into action, over the next three weeks shifting part of their production from graduation products to PPE and cleaning supplies for schools. They also produce roughly 8,500 medical face masks per week for healthcare workers across the nation.
Guided by Manager of Operations, Nickey Reddix, the Lieutenant Governor reviewed product displays, learning about the typical products made by the Jostens plant in Laurens, as well as the new PPE and cleaning products being produced. She was then led by Reddix and other Jostens leadership on a tour of the facility. Upon conclusion of the tour, Evette gave remarks, thanking Jostens and all employees for their efforts; “You’re what makes South Carolina successful.” She was then presented a special ring by Jostens and was designated an honorary “Jostens Employee for the Day.” Reddix said about the visit, “The Jostens team is encouraged and Inspired by Lt. Governor Evette’s remarks Monday. We want to continue to provide our employees and the community the best chance to fight against COVID-19. We thank her for all of her support.”
Vice President of Global Operations, Paul Dowden, adds, “The Jostens Laurens team deeply appreciates the support of Governor McMaster, Lt. Governor Evette, Laurens County and City Officials and the Laurens County Economic Development Corporation team which allowed our operations to work throughout this pandemic and provide masks for front line workers and those in need in our community.”
Following her visit to Jostens, the Lieutenant Governor was also planning to tour JR Automation in Liberty and Oxco Inc in Fort Mill.
Since the outset of the COVID-19 crisis inside the United States, Jostens has had an abiding desire to play a part in meeting the needs of their communities and have remained focused on the safety and health of their employees, families, and customers. Laurens County is proud to have the Jostens Cap & Gown facility, and the caring individuals that make up its workforce.
Jostens
Jostens is a trusted partner in the academic and achievement channel, providing products, programs and services that help its customers celebrate moments that matter. The company’s products include yearbooks, publications, jewelry, and consumer goods that serve the K-12 educational, college and professional sports segments. Founded in 1897 and based in Minneapolis, Minn., Jostens is owned by Platinum Equity and can be found online at www.jostens.com.
