Joann Bomar Celebrates 50 Years at JM Spartanburg

Getting Hired Despite Initial Hesitation

Joann Bomarwas fresh out of high school when her job search – spurred by her father – ledher to the doors of the Spartanburg, South Carolina, manufacturing plant ownedby Hoechst Celanese.Then, just18, Joann wasn’t particularly interested in a career in manufacturing – orreally, working at all.

“I slumpeddown in my chair… I did everything I could not to get hired,” she recalled,chuckling.

Joann evenhoped she wouldn’t pass the physical exam necessary to start work. But pass andget hired she did, and she began working swing shifts in the texturizingdepartment – which has since been eliminated – at the plant, which now producesa variety of polyester reinforcement, filtration and specialty fabrics.

“It washard,” Joann said. “I told my father, ‘I won’t be here long.’”

That was 50years ago.“I justkept coming to work,” she said. “I started earning money and kept gettingraises and I wanted to get more. Things were going good. If you’re happy inyour job and you’re comfortable, stay there,” Joann said. “I’ve practicallylived my whole life here.”

Learning the Value of Consistency

When 鶹ֱapp acquired the spunbond/monofilament division of Hoechst in the 1990s – greatlyexpanding its synthetic product offerings in Engineered Products – Joann becamea JM employee. She has held various roles in the plant in texturizing,spinning, bailing and now as a production operator for spunbond.

“I’ve beenall over the place (at Spartanburg),” she said. “I figure, if you’ve got tohave a job, why jump?”

Shecontinued, “I like most of the people and the management is good. It’s a goodplace to work. All you’ve got to do is come in and do your job.”

A Proud Moment for Joann and JM

Joann’slongevity with the company was recently celebrated with a luncheon at theSpartanburg plant.

“Everyonewas so nice. I told them ‘Y’all are embarrassing me,’” she said.

PlantManager Andy Universal said the celebratory BBQ was full of congratulationsfrom Joann’s fellow employees.

“Joannwould have been perfectly fine letting her 50th year come and go unnoted, butwe weren’t going to let that happen,” Andy said. “Joann has been a core memberof our production team for so many years, her process knowledge is immense andher consistency is unmatched.” 

Many colleagues came to celebrate Joan's anniversary during a BBQ.
Many colleagues came to celebrate Joan's anniversary during a BBQ.

Hecontinued, “I know her team really enjoys having her on their production crew,and everyone has learned a lot from her. She’s a joy to converse with, she isalways interested and engaging and can make you smile even on the mostchallenging days.”

Spartanburg Plant Maintains Positive Work Environment

Joann isthe second woman to celebrate half a century of work at Spartanburg, with MaryMcCraw having celebrated 50 years in January 2022. Andy said he is proud of thepositive work environment maintained at Spartanburg, marked by ampleopportunity to grow and progress.

“I thinkany time you know that you are a valued member of the team, and that you arevital and important, it’s motivating and fulfilling, that leads to peoplewanting to stay,” he said. “In Spartanburg, culturing a respectful workplace isof the utmost importance to us, and I think that lays the groundwork foreveryone to have a chance to be successful.”

Plans to Enjoy Retirement

Joann willundoubtedly be missed when she retires later this year.

“Joann’sabilities extend beyond her process knowledge; it’s her attention to detail,consistency and approachability that have set her apart over the years,” Andysaid.

Joann saidshe’s looking forward to retiring in June, to spend time with her daughters,her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and her 91-year-old mother, who liveswith her.“They’vebeen wanting me to retire for a while,” she said. “I’m going to put my feet upand I might sew for people a bit; I’m good at sewing. But I plan on enjoying mytime.”

Manycongratulations, Joann, on 50 years with JM!

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