FAREWELL

Invariably, commentary on structures are generally reserved for those with some sort of pedigree i.e., the world’s largest, a tourist attraction, possessing some sort of historical significance, etc. Merely having the requisite number of walls, a roof, interior amenities, doors and landscaping rarely qualifies for such an effort. However, the Milliken Design Center, a.k.a., MDC, has been a very special place for the many Milliken associates that at one time called it home away from home. Many a career with Milliken & Co. included a requisite posting at MDC and perhaps its obituary is worthy of a word or two.

If they could talk, the MDC conference rooms could tell of the many hours associates spent in preparation for the bi-annual Business Reviews, Development Reviews, Sales Meetings and other requisite business agendas. In addition, the Theater could replay to the willing ear the announcement that the Malcolm Baldridge Award was being awarded to Milliken & Co.; not to a Division, not to a business unit but to the entire corporation! These business activities were complemented with time allotted for birthday recognitions, continuous service awards, United Way campaigns and a variety of other like activities. Yes, it is very unlikely that any historical importance or tourist attraction moniker shall ever be accorded MDC. However, for a corporation in the battle to not only survive but excel and prosper in the highly competitive textile industry, 201 Lukken Ind. Drive W., LaGrange, GA. was an integral and vital link to assisting in the success of the many business endeavors of Milliken & Co.

MDC also functioned as a gateway for customers and prospective customers alike to become better acquainted with Milliken & Co. Often times its hallways and aisles were punctuated with visitors eager to see and hear what the latest in fabric development or technique awaited them in their market. It was here that strategy was developed, new markets explored, fabric innovations discussed and all with the sole purpose of expanding the Milliken & Co. footprint and further sculpting each business for greater and greater success. MDC was also the location selected to serve as a sort of command post for the rebuilding of Live Oak; a year or so of frenzied but very calculated activity orchestrated by countless dedicated personnel. By its very nature, the announcement from Mr. Dillard could not possibly portray the twins of vitality and vibrancy that once were the signatures of MDC.

Sadly, the decision to shutter MDC was, perhaps, dictated by the passage of time coupled with a necessary realingnment of business requirements. Rest assured, these few paragraphs are not designed to be a forum nor a treatise on the impact of trade policy as I shall leave that topic to those who are considerably more informed and far more talented in providing meaningful comment. Having said that, the record very, very clearly has shown that for far too long the domestic textile industry has been considered by many of influence to simply be a donor industry; willing to be bartered for something in return. Those supporters, unrelenting in their zeal, may have claimed yet another victim. Mr. Dillard’s recap of Milliken & Co.’s physical presence in LaGrange in the year 2010 spoke volumes and tells most of us all we need to know.

Time shall be the final arbiter as to the veracity of Henry Ford II’s famous phrase that “History is bunk”. It certainly appears that some were and continue to be resolute in their refusal to learn from past experience. Suffice to say that children of all ages and for the ages have memorized the rhyme of Humpty Dumpty. As for me, a member of the cast of MDC past, farewell.

P. Trizzino

Deal Drive