A Job Well Done

by BOB NEUBAUER

It's been a great 32 years, but Ronnie Hooks is finally retiring from his beloved in-plant at Lockheed Martin Energy Systems. As he leaves, though, the 1998 Manager of the Year has a lot to be proud of.

Hooks' dedication is what kept the Oak Ridge, Tenn., in-plant alive during the dark days of downsizing. His efforts to consolidate and reengineer his operation earned him the respect of employees and customers alike.

Hooks always kept a close eye on technology changes, installing a DocuTech long before most shops had heard of the device. Perhaps his biggest accomplishment was his consolidation of the company's copiers under a single contract. Previously, every division was allowed to purchase its own copiers, resulting in about 700 different contracts with many different vendors. After six years of effort, Hooks negotiated a single contract that saved Lockheed Martin $265,000 a year.

As a manager, Hooks was one of the best, his employees say. He was not afraid to pitch in and work in the bindery during busy periods, and he tried to empower his employees to solve problems. When he was selected as Manager of the Year, his employees were understandably proud.

"That was a very positive event in my life," he recalls. "It helped our customers realize that in-plants are still needed, and they are cost effective."

As he leaves his post, though, continued downsizing is forcing the relocation and consolidation of his in-plant into a facility about 10 miles away. Hooks has been busy getting the proper government approvals for the move, even as he struggles to keep moving costs low. Despite this added expense, he says, the in-plant completed the recent fiscal year in the black, and was even able to redistribute some of its gains to customers.

Asked why he stayed with the same company for 32 years, Hooks answers quickly: "I enjoyed my job."

And now, he says, he's going to enjoy his retirement. A lover of woodworking, he plans to busy himself building furniture—and he'll start by making a bed for his new grandson.

"I won't be working," he says. "I'll be playing."