Atlas Holdings Spotlight: Richard Baldwin

Atlas Spotlight: Richard Baldwin

Richard Baldwin, Executive Vice President of Wood Resources, was named the Atlas Chairman’s Award winner for 2009. The award is presented annually to a member of the Atlas family whose effort, dedication and performance produced extraordinary results.

In 2006, Mr. Baldwin, an Atlas Operating Partner, began serving as General Manager of Wood Resources’ underperforming Chester operations. In 18 months, he embedded a culture of employee engagement and continuous improvement and Chester became one of the lowest-cost, most productive plywood mills in North America. In 2008, he also assumed responsibility for operations at Moncure, a specialty panel mill of Wood Resources that was struggling as the result of declining demand and a difficult labor environment. While continuing his oversight of Chester, Mr. Baldwin led Moncure through a remarkable transformation, embedding a culture of employee safety, empowerment and engagement which has enabled Moncure to persevere through an extended downturn in its end markets.

The primary wage earners of more than 500 families in the Carolinas have remained employed at Chester and Moncure throughout the recession as a direct result of Mr. Baldwin’s exceptional contribution.

“The truth is, our assets are not materially different than what you would find in many other factories throughout North America or around the globe. All that distinguishes us and allows us to excel is the quality and dedication of our people,” Atlas Chairman Andrew Bursky said in presenting the award. “The purpose of this honor is to bring special attention to an individual within the Atlas family who, through dedication, commitment, persistence and performance, has personified the values we hold dear.”

Copyright 2010 Atlas Holdings Quarterly Review
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