Leadership in an organization is important at all levels. A single person can make a profound impact simply through leading by example. Sammy Davis is a true reflection of this idea. Safety and training facilitator at Milliken’s Allen Plant, where Milliken Chemical products are manufactured, Sammy’s commitment to safety continues to elevate best safety practices at Milliken for the benefit of our customers, our associates, and our company.
In fact, Sammy’s efforts led to him being named Manufacturing Employee of the Year, Large Company/Support category, by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. The awards program recognizes the important contributions honorees have made to their employers, customers and communities, and we are honored to highlight his impact at Milliken.
“Sammy’s dedication to safety exemplifies what it takes for a global company to achieve manufacturing excellence,” shared Halsey Cook, president and CEO of Milliken & Company. “Sammy’s passion for safety makes the Allen Plant a safer place for our associates to work, which results in better products for our customers and reinforces Milliken’s commitment to being a responsible employer.”
Promoted from the manufacturing floor to his current position, Sammy brings a real-world view of the chemical industry’s production process to build stronger production teams. His entrepreneurial spirit has resulted in numerous successes for him, his fellow associates and Milliken as a whole. Sammy founded the Allen Plant Mentor Process for new hires, he implemented an electronic skill certification testing and tracking system saving more than 1,000 hours a year in associate time, and his safety initiatives have helped the Allen Plant maintain the highly respected OSHA VPP (Voluntary Protection Program) Star Status for effective safety and health management systems.
Sammy shares his expertise to help others create and implement effective safety programs. As a designated Special Government Employee (SGE) of OSHA, he audits VPP certifications throughout the southeast. He also presents safety best practices with Performance Solutions by Milliken, a manufacturing excellence consultant business of Milliken.
“Sammy sets the standard for safety in chemical manufacturing,” said David Moody, president of Milliken Chemical. “In a field where safety is paramount, he inspires Milliken Chemical associates to take ownership of not only their personal safety, but also of the safety of their fellow associates. It is people like Sammy who are moving the entire chemical industry forward.”
Congratulations, Sammy! We’re thankful to have you on the Milliken team and leading the way in manufacturing safety at the Allen Plant.
Feature image (from left to right): David Moody, president of Milliken Chemical; Sammy Davis, honoree; and Halsey Cook, president and CEO of Milliken & Company
