In any company’s history, there are milestones that invite reflection. Recently, Atlas Manufacturing celebrated two such milestones with the retirements of Mark J. after an incredible 47 years of service, and Ben P., a cornerstone of our Chippewa Falls team, after 39 years.
Combined, that’s 86 years of dedication, expertise, and partnership. In today’s world, that kind of tenure is rare, and it speaks volumes. It tells a story not just about the individuals, but about the environment they helped build—a story about the very heart of Atlas.
A Different Kind of Thank You
When it came time to honor Mark and Ben, a standard gift wouldn’t suffice. We wanted to create something that reflected the same level of craftsmanship, creativity, and personal dedication they’ve shown us for decades. The result was a custom-designed and fabricated clock, engineered and built entirely in-house.
But this is no ordinary clock. To symbolize the well-deserved leisure of retirement, the clock’s hands turn in reverse. As Mark Engel, Executive Vice President, explains, “The clock tells correct time in reverse to symbolize that time moves backward after retirement, so you can remain younger next year.”
The base of each clock was laser-etched with the names of every coworker who shared the journey with them, a permanent tribute to the relationships and teamwork that define a career. It’s a gift that is uniquely Atlas—a blend of precision engineering and heartfelt appreciation.
A Legacy on the Wall
Mark and Ben’s stories, while remarkable, are not outliers at Atlas. They are a testament to a larger culture. You can see it when you walk our halls and look at our tenure plaque. Under the “25+,” “30+,” and “35+ Years” columns, you’ll find row after row of names—a visual representation of the stability and loyalty that our team is built on.
This isn’t just a point of pride; it’s our greatest strength. This depth of experience fosters a collaborative environment where knowledge is passed down, challenges are met with a collective calm, and our partners know they can count on the same reliable team, year after year. It’s how we’ve built lasting relationships, not just transactional ones.
Looking Ahead
We extend our deepest gratitude and best wishes to Mark and Ben for their decades of hard work, mentorship, and friendship. Their legacy is etched not just on a clock, but on the very fabric of this company.
To them, we say thank you and enjoy every moment of turning back the clock. Your contributions have set a standard of excellence that will inspire the Atlas team for years to come.
