DuPont leadership, including Chad Holliday (third from right), celebrate Washington Works' 60th anniversary with John "Kase" Wilson (center).

During the opening ceremony, John "Kase" Wilson, the longest tenured employee with 44 years of service at the site, unveiled an anniversary sign.  Other events of the day included plant tours, displays about the plant's history and products, an antique car show and a motorcycle safety fair.  Music and entertainment were provided by area school bands and choirs, employee musical groups and a local radio disk jockey.

"The event aimed to celebrate everyone who contributed to our success in the past 60 years," said Bill Hopkins, plant manager.  "I'd like to thank our employees and contractors, past and present, for their hard work, dedication and innovation.  We'll continue to face new challenges in the future as we compete in the global marketplace, but we'll meet them with the same resolve and determination."

In 1945, DuPont purchased 400 acres of farm land along the Ohio River in Washington, W. Va., named after George Washington, who was the first to survey the area.  The plant began operations in 1948, producing nylon and acrylics.  Today, the site is the largest private employer in Wood County with 1,550 employees and 450 contractors.  It is among the largest DuPont facilities in the world with seven different businesses located at the site.

The DuPont Washington Works site manufactures engineering polymers and fluoropolymers for use in various industrial and consumer applications including aerospace, automotive, home maintenance, personal care, commercial textiles, electronics and consumer goods. 

For more information visit the plant website at www.washingtonworks.dupont.com.