Bonham -- The T-shirts employees at Clayton Homes were proudly sporting said it all: 25,000 and counting - opening doors to a better life one door at a time.
The event was a celebration held Friday, April 19 to commemorate the completion of the 25,000th home during 18 years of operations at the Bonham facility.
"Today is a huge celebration for us," exclaimed Kip Thrush, general manager Clayton Homes in Bonham. "It is an accomplishment by this world-class team and it takes everybody. Clayton Homes is one of the largest employers in Fannin County. We are also proud that we have gone 180 days without a lost-time accident. We want everyone to arrive safe, word safe and go home safe."
The $3.8 million annual payroll at Clayton Homes turns over between 5-8 times in the community, making this company a huge contributor to the local economy.
"Constant improvement, that's our motto," added Mr. Thrush.
Cathy Rhudy, an 18-year employee who has been a part of the production team for all 25,000 homes, told the audience that Clayton Homes contributed $10,000 to the Fannin County Children Christmas Program in 2012, brightening Christmas Day for more than 400 children. Over the years, Clayton Homes has contributed more than $108,000 to this most worthy cause.
"Wow. What an impact we have had on the lives of children," said Ms. Rhudy.
Clayton Homes has also been a valuable contributor to Special Olympics, Fannin County Fair Board, Bonham Senior Citizens Center, Fannin County Family Crisis Center, Hannah's Horseshoes of Hope and the Bonham Chamber of Commerce, and many others.
"Clayton Homes had made a huge impact on Fannin County," added Rhudy. "I am so proud to have been a part of that."
The Bonham mayor received a special introduction.
"Everything I have ever asked of this man, he's made happen," said Thrush as he welcomed Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd to the podium.
"This is a great milestone for Clayton Homes and for Bonham," stated Mayor Floyd. "Let's build another 25,000 homes in Bonham, Texas."
Fannin County Judge Spanky Carter also addressed the crowd.
"Thank you so much for what you have done in Fannin County," Judge Carter remarked. "It would be a different Fannin County without you."
The story of Clayton Homes originally coming to Bonham actually began in a Keen's Cafe on the Bonham Square.
Clayton Homes first general manager, Francis Moran, was in the cafe, recognized Mayor Floyd and mentioned that he was contemplating moving Clayton Homes from its original location in Honey Grove, Texas to Denton, Texas.
"You know, Bonham is closer to Honey Grove than Denton," Mayor Floyd recalled Mr. Moran saying.
"Well, why not Bonham?" Mayor Floyd asked.
The rest is history.
"And you are part of that history," Thrush told Clayton Homes employees.
