Joann Bomar Celebrates 50 Years at JM Spartanburg

Getting Hired Despite Initial Hesitation

Joann BomarÌýwas fresh out of high school when her job search – spurred by her father – ledÌýher to the doors of the Spartanburg, South Carolina, manufacturing plant ownedÌýby Hoechst Celanese.ÌýThen, justÌý18, Joann wasn’t particularly interested in a career in manufacturing – orÌýreally, working at all.

“I slumpedÌýdown in my chair… I did everything I could not to get hired,â€� she recalled,Ìýchuckling.Ìý

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

“It wasÌýhard,â€� Joann said. “I told my father, ‘I won’t be here long.’â€�

That was 50Ìýyears ago.ÌýÌý“I justÌýkept coming to work,â€� she said. “I started earning money and kept gettingÌýraises and I wanted to get more. Things were going good. If you’re happy inÌýyour job and you’re comfortable, stay there,â€� Joann said. “I’ve practicallyÌýlived my whole life here.â€�

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Learning the Value of Consistency

When Âé¶¹Ö±²¥app acquired the spunbond/monofilament division of Hoechst in the 1990s – greatlyÌýexpanding its synthetic product offerings in Engineered Products – Joann becameÌýa JM employee. She has held various roles in the plant in texturizing,Ìýspinning, bailing and now as a production operator for spunbond.

“I’ve beenÌýall over the place (at Spartanburg),â€� she said. “I figure, if you’ve got toÌýhave a job, why jump?â€�ÌýÌý

SheÌýcontinued, “I like most of the people and the management is good. It’s a goodÌýplace to work. All you’ve got to do is come in and do your job.â€�ÌýÌý

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A Proud Moment for Joann and JM

Joann’sÌýlongevity with the company was recently celebrated with a luncheon at theÌýSpartanburg plant.Ìý

“EveryoneÌýwas so nice. I told them ‘Y’all are embarrassing me,’â€� she said.Ìý

PlantÌýManager Andy Universal said the celebratory BBQ was full of congratulationsÌýfrom Joann’s fellow employees.

“JoannÌýwould have been perfectly fine letting her 50th year come and go unnoted, butÌýwe weren’t going to let that happen,â€� Andy said. “Joann has been a core memberÌýof our production team for so many years, her process knowledge is immense andÌýher consistency is unmatched.â€� Ìý

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

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HeÌýcontinued, “I know her team really enjoys having her on their production crew,Ìýand everyone has learned a lot from her. She’s a joy to converse with, she isÌýalways interested and engaging and can make you smile even on the mostÌýchallenging days.â€�

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Spartanburg Plant Maintains Positive Work Environment

Joann isÌýthe second woman to celebrate half a century of work at Spartanburg, with MaryÌýMcCraw having celebrated 50 years in January 2022. Andy said he is proud of theÌýpositive work environment maintained at Spartanburg, marked by ampleÌýopportunity to grow and progress.Ìý

“I thinkÌýany time you know that you are a valued member of the team, and that you areÌývital and important, it’s motivating and fulfilling, that leads to peopleÌýwanting to stay,â€� he said. “In Spartanburg, culturing a respectful workplace isÌýof the utmost importance to us, and I think that lays the groundwork forÌýeveryone to have a chance to be successful.â€�

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Plans to Enjoy Retirement

Joann willÌýundoubtedly be missed when she retires later this year.Ìý

“Joann’sÌýabilities extend beyond her process knowledge; it’s her attention to detail,Ìýconsistency and approachability that have set her apart over the years,â€� AndyÌýsaid.Ìý

Joann saidÌýshe’s looking forward to retiring in June, to spend time with her daughters,Ìýher grandchildren and great-grandchildren and her 91-year-old mother, who livesÌýwith her.Ìý“They’veÌýbeen wanting me to retire for a while,â€� she said. “I’m going to put my feet upÌýand I might sew for people a bit; I’m good at sewing. But I plan on enjoying myÌýtime.â€�

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ManyÌýcongratulations, Joann, on 50 years with JM!ÌýÌý

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