Mr. Tom Kemmerer was raised in Blandon and graduated from Fleetwood High School in 1988. His first job was as a mechanic at Kmart earning $6.50 hour. Tom's cement career started at Allentown Cement Co. now Lehigh-Heidelberg at Evansville in 1989 joining his uncles and cousin who were employed at the plant.

Starting as a laborer, he progressed to the packhouse and later to the repair gang. He said, 'I always enjoyed mechanical work and started as a second class repairmen; I completed a journeymen class at Berks County Community College, attending class twice a week after work for four years. There, we were taught industrial skills from welding to machinist." He graduated as a certified journeymen.

One of the old-timers, Ronnie Miller, shared many of his 40 years of experience with me," he said.

Over Tom's 25 year career, he has worked in every area of the plant, seeing old equipment being replaced by labor-saving technology.

Today Mr. Kemmerer works in the plant garage.

"I work on anything from trucks to payloaders," he said. "If it has an engine, I'll work on it."

Tom enjoys the variety and challenges of his job, as every day is different. He is supervised by Mike Transue and Chuck Christman, both good, experienced men. Safety is stressed at the plant. Each morning the maintenance team is given a short safety update, making them aware of any possible problems.

The plant has a family atmosphere. Tom works with his brother Bruce and classmate Mike Fink.

"I enjoy working with my coworkers and have had the privilege to work with both old-timers and young employees, who share their ideas to operate the plant in a safe and efficient manner," he said.

I found Mr. Kemmerer to be a pleasant gentlemen who follows in the tradition of his relatives as a dedicated cement worker.

Tom has been married to the former Pam Trax for 26 years. An avid outdoorsmen, he enjoys hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. The friendly couple reside in Mohrsville.

We hope Mr. Kemmerer and all my friends at the century-old plant have a safe and prosperous 2015.