INDUSTRY AND ECONOMICS: McCammish Industries contributes to economy
Doug McCammish runs the Columbia branch of McCammish Manufacturing.
It’s all about giving back.
Doug McCammish of McCammish Manufacturing sits in the main office surrounded by parts and materials as his describes the importance of participating in Columbia’s economy.
“It is not particularly about furniture,” McCammish said. “It is about two things. It is about jobs for Adair County and it’s about change.”
His grandfather and father started the company in 1948 in Winchester.
“He found a business for sale in Winchester and decided to buy that business,” McCammish said.
McCammish Manufacturing has played a part in Adair County’s economy since 1997.
The company is owned by McCammish’s brother and sister, Mark McCammish and Mary Davis who live in Winchester.
“I started here in 2001,” McCammish said. “I had been living in Dallas for 27 years. This was an opportunity so I took it.”
Employees at McCammish Manufactur-ing work together as a team to accomplish the work load.
“Everybody does everything,” McCammish said.
McCammish manages the overall function of the company.
“Sometimes it runs me,” McCammish said.
A lot has changed since McCammish joined the company.
“When I first came here, we made just furniture,” McCammish said. “In order to stay alive in order to change with the world, we do a lot of different things now.”
The company manufactures more than furniture including building the inside of the courtrooms at the new justice center.
“We do a lot of custom things,” McCammish said. “Nine years ago we would have ever thought about doing the courthouse.”
“We do things that other people don’t, won’t or can’t do,” McCammish said.
McCammish Manufacturing received the Outstanding Industry award at the annual chamber banquet.
“It (the award) meant recognition for how much this company means to the county,” McCammish said. “It’s recognition of the folks that work here and everything they contribute.”
McCammish gave his thoughts on his definition of an outstanding industry.
“I like to think that an outstanding industry gives back to the community as well as provides jobs and contributes to the economy.”
McCammish doesn’t just participate in Columbia’s growing economy.
“Besides jobs, we try to do a lot of things,” McCammish said. “We participate in the county recycling program.”
They also try to keep business in Adair County.
“We try to work as much as we can with locals,” McCammish said. “We try to buy from local companies. We try to buy materials and parts here.”
The company also participates in local organizations.
“The company allows me to take the time to participate in the economic development board and the chamber,” McCammish said.
McCammish has a philosophy that he goes by when managing the company.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God,” McCammish said.
“It means it’s not all about the dollars,” McCammish said.
McCammish has four children and eight grandchildren.
He remembers the first thing he ever built was a spice rack for his wife.
“We still have it,” McCammish said. “She still uses it.”
By Allison Hollon
Allison@accvonline.com
