Sumter manufacturer EMS-CHEMIE celebrates family day, president Hobi's retirement

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On Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, new EMS-CHEMIE President Robert Meyer zu Westram hosted a Family Day event to thank all employees for their commitment to the company and to mark the retirement of Guido Hobi, former president. Hobi was instrumental in developing and building up EMS-CHEMIE in Sumter since its establishment 37 years ago.

At 2060 Corporate Way in Sumter Industrial Park South, EMS-CHEMIE employs more than 100 people and produces the widest range of specialty nylon plastic material in the U.S.

With blue skies and warm temperatures, more than 280 guests, employees and family members came together under a large tent to celebrate. Carnival rides were enjoyed by the kids.

The chief executive officer of the EMS Group, main shareholder and Swiss National Councilor, Magdalena Martullo, traveled from Switzerland to share the occasion and used the opportunity to speak to the audience. State Rep. Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, of the state House of Representatives, along with Rep. David Weeks, D-Sumter, and state Sen. Thomas McElveen, D-Sumter, presented the Order of the Palmetto - the state's highest civilian honor of service - to Hobi, former president, on behalf of Gov. Henry McMaster.

Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen bestowed upon Hobi a "Key to the City," and Greg Thompson, president of Thompson Industrial Group, offered special comments as well.

Plant tours described the EMS process to make polymer, then led guests through the production departments where raw materials are combined under specific conditions to produce strands of polymer, which are cut and sold to customers.

The tour included the Application Development Center where EMS engineers support customers to improve their products to be more competitive in the market. A typical example of a metal-to-plastic conversion was demonstrated, and application examples were shown ranging from automotive parts (in steering columns, fuel line tubing, air vanes, valve covers, headliners, etc.) to industrial and consumer products (surfboard fins, pneumatic hoses, security camera domes, mascara bottles, sunglasses, etc.). Finally, the guests could see the parts all made with EMS polymers from Sumter mounted in two high-end cars.