Former Union County man marks 50 years of work at General Mills

A former Union County man has been honored as a champion by the company with makes the "Breakfast of Champions."

Don Woods, formerly of Anna, has worked at General Mills for 50 years. His tenure ranks him second at General Mills in the United States, and fourth in the world.

General Mills is known for making cereals which include Wheaties, the "Breakfast of Champions."

Woods works as a cereal packaging line technician at the General Mills' operation in West Chicago.

Woods is a graduate of Anna-Jonesboro Community High School. He has seven brothers and two sisters.

One of his brothers, Lawrence, of Union County, shared information and an interview with Don Woods which was done by corporate communications at General Mills. The item, which included comments from others about Woods, was posted at <a href="http://champions.genmills.com">champions.genmills.com</a>:

Some champions shine in a moment. But in West Chicago, Don Woods has been shining for 50 years by promptly showing up for his job on the cereal packaging lines. And according to Human Resources, Woods is ranked second in tenure at General Mills in the U.S., and fourth in the world. And he still loves to come to work.

Don, you just celebrated 50 years of working at General Mills. What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love making Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal. I've been on that line for over 30 years, and have seen the system change over four times. It feels like my home away from home. I also really enjoy the crew on the Cinnamon Toast Crunch line.

"Don's commitment, work ethic and positive attitude  are very inspiring. Over the past 50 years, Don has kept the pace and excelled with managing technological changes, work system changes, policy changes, product changes and leadership changes: you name it. He's seen it all, and has gracefully evolved from a hand palletizer to a packaging technician who runs high-speed packaging equipment.

"Don has taught me how to be resilient. He tells me stories of how we got to where we are today. He tells me about the Mix department where he started and when Big G Cereal systems were brought in. And 50 years later, we're still standing.

"If you have a tough day on the line or in the department, Don says, 'There's always tomorrow, so come back and keep at it.'" Karmen Tai, team leader, who works with Woods.

Back in 1961, what was the first position you held?

My first job in West Chicago was in the plant warehouse. That's where I hand palletized baking mixes: Angel Food, brownie and cake.

What "technology" did you use to do your early jobs?

Hand casing and hand palletizing. Everything was pretty much a manual operation for packaging then.

"Don has never been late or called in sick and has never had a lost-time accident in his 50 years at West Chicago. At the plant, you never know where he's going to turn up. He may be on any line or even on a fork truck. Don is a funny guy with a great sense of humor. I've learned from Don to always try to play the hand that's dealt you, even if you don't know who dealt it." Rick Hernandez, production helper, and Woods' coworker.

Describe a project you've worked on over your career that you've felt proud to be a part of.

I'm a member of the West Chicago Environmental Committee and have responsibility for the recycling efforts in the cereal packaging department. I feel proud to be a member of that team to be sure we're all doing our part to protect the environment.

What was your favorite aspect of working on the Environmental Committee?

I love the folks who I work with.

Overall favorite thing about working at General Mills?

The many great people who I work with.

After working for 50 years, do you think about retirement?

I'm actually not thinking about retirement. As long as I have good health, I will continue to work. When I got this job with General Mills 50 years ago, I felt very lucky to get it.