photos by Cris Ritchie | Hazard Herald
Tim Embry, vice president and branch operations manager for Whayne Supply in Hazard, spoke during the company’s 100th anniversary celebration on Saturday. Sitting behind him were, from left to right, Donna McClure with Sen. Mitch McConnell’s office, Hazard Mayor Nan Gorman, Perry County Judge-Executive Denny Ray Noble, and Whayne Supply President Monty Boyd.
Several pieces of equipment were on display during Whayne Supply’s 100th anniversary celebration in Hazard.
Whayne Supply Company first opened the doors of its Hazard branch 26 years ago, but the company itself has a much longer history – a century’s worth, in fact.
Monty Boyd is the company’s current owner and became its president in 2005. He was on hand with local officials and company employees in Hazard Saturday for a celebration of the industrial supply company’s 100th anniversary. Similar events have been held, or will be, at the company’s other locations across the state.
“We are privileged to have outstanding, loyal customers and this year we want to take the opportunity to thank them for their continued confidence,” Boyd said. “As we look to our next 100 years, our commitment will continue. Our company has always delivered quality products, superior support services, and the highest ethical standards. That’s a model we plan to continue into our next 100 years.”
Whayne Supply Company, headquartered in Louisville, was founded by Roy C. Whayne, Sr. in 1913. He was the only employee during the company’s infancy, and sold items such as light engines, pumps, and bicycles. Twelve years later, he began what would become a very long-term relationship with Caterpillar, and today the company employs over 1,300 people, operating 15 facilities in 12 cities in Kentucky and Indiana. Whayne Supply is also the dealer for companies such as Thomas Built Buses, Lexion, and Trail King among several others.
The Hazard branch of Whayne Supply opened in 1987 to offer a “centralized location for parts distribution, sales and field service repair work in surrounding counties,” according to a company release.
Judge-Executive Denny Ray Noble also spoke during Saturday’s celebration, noting that all of the county’s heavy equipment, with the exception of an older piece, is a Caterpillar. Along with Hazard Mayor Nan Gorman, he thanked Whayne Supply for their continued presence in the county.
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