Locust company honors employee for 50 years of service
A Locust company recently honored an employee who has worked with the company for 50 years.
Michael Teeter was celebrated by the employees and owners of Carnes-Miller Gear Company, which also turned 50 years old this year.
At age 19, Teeter was hired Aug. 8, 1974, becoming the company’s second employee.
“I have worked at Carnes-Miller for 50 years because it has been a great career that I have been proud of,” Teeter said. “I have been treated with respect and many coworkers became like family to me. Another benefit was flexible hours when my daughters were growing up as I was able to travel with them while coaching their softball teams. In the latter years, I have enjoyed mentoring younger coworkers and passing along knowledge I have learned. Looking back over my career, I can say it has been rewarding and I thank God for blessing me.”
Owner Dan Tweed recalled some of the early memories of the business and Teeter.
“Mike’s history to this point is basically the history of Carnes-Miller Gear,” Tweed said. “Mike was the second hire and has been with us ever since. He worked with Gene Carnes (part of the name) and my dad (not part of the name) as we started in an old building no longer standing, where the Twenty-Four West Marketplace is currently.”
The company moved to the current location on Browns Hill Road in 1981.
Tweed said most of the company’s employees have been like Teeter, ones that have stayed for several years.
“Mike is just that special person who not only knows his particular responsibilities, he knows whatever else has to happen, and if it is not happening he jumps in to get it done,” Tweed said. “Whether it is grinding a high precision part, assembling a gearbox, shaping a gear, for our customers, or organizing the shop, ensuring a clean floor, Mike gets it done.
“He is dependable and trustworthy,” Tweed added. “It has been an honor and a privilege to work with Mike and grow old with him over the years. Over the years he has not only done the manufacturing work, but driven the company truck to deliver parts and even keeps the grass cut on the grounds. I cannot say enough good things about him.”
B.J. Drye is general manager/editor of The Stanly News & Press. Call 704-982-2123.