On Thursday, April 24, Vernay’s Milledgeville team welcomed community members, educators, and company leaders to celebrate the grand re-opening of its manufacturing facility. This event marked a new phase for the site, which now features several key upgrades to support Vernay’s expanding North American operations.
Local Leaders and Students Join the Celebration
More than 30 guests attended, including representatives from the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce and students from Baldwin High School. Vernay staff from across the region also joined the celebration. The day included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours, and remarks from leadership.
Speakers included Kara Lassiter, President and CEO of the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber; Doug Cumpston, Milledgeville Plant Manager; and Andy Woodward, Global Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Vernay.
“This facility is more than just a place where we manufacture parts,” said Cumpston. “It’s part of the community. The people here take pride in what they do. Opening our doors today is a way to recognize their work and show what’s next.”
Facility Upgrades Drive Innovation
During the tours, guests explored new additions such as a high-speed inspection machine and an upgraded electronic precision cutter. Moreover, the layout for a new product line—planned for Q3 installation—was revealed.
Because these changes directly impact production, they represent a significant investment in efficiency and future capability. As Vernay continues to grow, these upgrades help ensure its ability to serve new and existing customers alike.
Connecting Students with Career Opportunities
In addition to showcasing new equipment, the event created valuable learning moments for students. Vernay invited Baldwin High School students to explore the plant and gain real-world insights into engineering and manufacturing careers.
“This event helped our students connect classroom learning to real-world careers,” said Roberto Hornung, Aviation Instructor at Baldwin High School. “Seeing the equipment and speaking with employees made a lasting impact.”
Investing in People and the Future Workforce
Beyond the physical upgrades, the re-opening reflects Vernay’s broader focus on talent development. According to Maurizio Trabucco, Director of Human Resources for North America, the improvements serve a larger purpose.
“We want this to be a place where people want to build a career,” he said. “These upgrades go beyond efficiency. They help us create a positive, supportive work environment that attracts and retains top talent.”
A Continued Commitment to Community and Innovation
The event highlighted Vernay’s recent facility upgrades and ongoing investment in advanced manufacturing. By welcoming community partners, students, and local leaders, the Milledgeville team reinforced its commitment to innovation, workforce development, and long-term regional growth. This celebration emphasized Vernay’s role as a dedicated employer and technology leader in the local manufacturing landscape.
Vernay Laboratories has been a technology leader in the design, development, and manufacture of customized flow-control components since its founding in 1946. The company also formulates its own compounds to address each specific application.
Vernay’s products play a vital role in millions of medical devices, automobiles, and consumer products. Today, the privately held firm produces more than 1 billion components per year, drawing from a library of more than 33,000 elastomeric materials and compound formulations. It operates six plants around the world, in the U.S., the Netherlands, Italy and China. For more information, visit www.vernay.com.
