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Milliken Plant Named for Ashley Allen '65

Ashley Allen, a 1965 graduate of Washington and Lee, spent his entire working career with Milliken & Company in Spartanburg, S.C. When he retired in 2008, Ashley was president and CEO of the textile and chemical company, which is probably best known for its carpet but has a varied portfolio of products.

A chemistry major at W&L who went on to receive a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Cornell, Ashley was the first person not in the Milliken family to head the company in its 146-year history.

Earlier this week, Milliken rededicated its Cypress Plant in Blacksburg, S.C., as the “Allen Plant” in recognition of Ashley’s leadership. During his career, Ashley spent time in Milliken & Co.’s manufacturing-development and business-management segments. He was president of the chemical and packaging division, the industrial specialities division and Milliken Research. He was president and chief operating officer when he was elected CEO in 2005.

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