NJ Senator Thomas Kean Jr. Visits White Conveyors, a Kenilworth NJ Based Manufacturer

New Jersey Senator Thomas Kean Jr., Minority Leader of the New Jersey Senate, visited White Conveyors' manufacturing facility in Kenilworth on August 10, 2016. Mr Kean represents the 21st Legislative District, which covers parts of Union, Morris, Somerset and Essex Counties. His father, Thomas Kean Sr., was the former Governor of New Jersey from 1982 to 1990 and Chairman of the 9/11 Commission. White, a third generation family owned business, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The company manufactures a full line of Dry Cleaning, Laundry, Hotel/Casino/Resort, Correctional Institution, Retail, and Residential garment handling solutions. Since its founding in 1944, White has installed nearly 100,000 conveyors in the United States and throughout the world. Senator Kean was given a tour of the 90,000 square ft. plant by company president Mary Speckhart, along with her brothers Stephen and John Speckhart. As they toured the facility that employs over 100 people, the group discussed the opportunities and challenges facing New Jersey manufacturers. Mary Speckhart said, “Manufacturing is the backbone of economy, fueling job growth in New Jersey and across the country. We are excited to have Senator Kean here today! His continued support of local business and manufacturing has helped build an environment that promotes small business growth - and that leads to job growth.” According to the National Association of Manufacturers, manufacturing accounts for 90.6 percent of New Jersey’s exports. White Conveyors has experienced consistent, steady growth over the years and has recently expanded its national and international sales network. The manufacturing sector in New Jersey has suffered gradual decline over the last decade, however, there are signs it has recently stabilized.