Last Wednesday, the Ironton Rotary Club had the opportunity to tour the Liebert Corp. plant here in Ironton.

Rich Mountain made the arrangements, and after lunch, Pat Burke, production manager of the plant, took 20-some Rotarians on a tour of the plant. While I have known for some time what the Liebert Corp. does - produce environmental control systems for sensitive electronics - I have never actually seen the process first hand. Trust me, someone can tell you what the company does, but you really cannot appreciate it until you actually see the Liebert associates at work.

From bending and forming coils and metal casings to mass painting units, these 200-plus men and women put their heart and soul into their work.

Perhaps more important than the products they make is the enthusiasm that they seem to put into their work.

Each and every associate we encountered seemed to be thoroughly enjoying what they were doing. And the smiles they wore on their faces looked sincere, not ones painted on because visitors were touring the plant.

This

passion is not only due to the pride these folks put into their work, but the pride they have in their communities. Associates have organized plant-wide food and clothing drives for the Ironton City Welfare Mission, regularly contribute to the United Way and donate their time for various community service projects.

The Liebert Corp. itself donates thousands of dollars each year to charitable causes in our community as well. More important, the company has invested in the community itself to provide hundreds of jobs in a struggling economy.

In 2000, the company purchased the 120,000 square-foot facility formerly occupied by Cabletron. After modifying it to fit the company's needs, they added a 68,153-square-foot expansion to the facility because of their confidence in the local labor force, the quality of life, and the education and training environment in Lawrence County and the surrounding area.

I have always thought the Liebert Corp. was an important part of Ironton. Now I know. Thanks to Rich, Pat and all of the Liebert associates for giving me the the opportunity to tour such a wonderful plant.

Shawn Doyle is managing editor of The Ironton Tribune. He can be reached at (740) 532-1445, extension 19 or via e-mail at shawn.doyle@irontontribune.com