(Seguin) – Vitesco Technologies isn’t the only one celebrating 50 years. One of its employees, Sandi Harborth, is only 149 days away from retiring from her 50-year career at the local manufacturing plant.
Harborth on Thursday was publicly honored for her dedication to the plant. She says she still clearly remembers the day she was hired in 1973.
“I moved here about that time and I had worked for the post office and civil service in Georgia. And I let my thing run out and I had to take the test all over again so I went to the Motorola office and I asked for a job and he said ‘well, I don’t know if this would be good for you but he gave it to me,” said Harborth.
Over the years, Harborth says she has seen folks come and go and witnessed the many changes, especially the different names the plant has operated under — first Motorola, then Continental, and now Vitesco.
Harborth’s answer remained the same when asked about what she has enjoyed the most and what she’ll miss the most.
“I think it’s the people that have made this place. They are just terrific. All of these that I have walked in with, they have been here almost as long as I have and if you need something or you need something done, all you have to do is ask and they are there,” said Harborth.
Despite this week’s fanfare, it won’t be until March before Harborth hangs up her smock. She says, God willing, on March 20, she will have invested 50 years and one day in the company – a company that has become family.
“It was a goal. I had said I would never retire and then someone said something (about the anniversary of the plant), and I said that’s a good time to quit,” said Harborth.
As a tribute to her dedication and loyalty to the company, Harborth had the honor of helping to raise the company’s commemorative 50th-anniversary flag that now waves outside the plant.
A handful of other employees were also applauded for their longevity with the company. A total of 33 employees alone have invested more than 40 years with the company.
This week, the company celebrates 50 years of doing business in Seguin and ensuring its product worldwide.