YAKIMA, WA — Kimberly Paxton-Hagner, co-owner of Kwik Lok Corporation, has been elected to the role of Board Chair for the company. Kwik Lok is a global manufacturer that was founded by Paxton-Hagner’s grandfather, Floyd Paxton, and has been run by her family for three generations. Paxton-Hagner assumed the role as chair at the company’s recent board meeting on April 1.
Paxton-Hagner succeeds John Rothenbueler upon his retirement. Rothenbueler guided the company through the transition from the second to third generation of ownership. Kwik Lok is now owned by Paxton-Hagner along with her sisters, Melissa Steiner and Stephanie Jackson.
“When our father died, John helped our family and our employees navigate the transition of the company,” Jackson said. “His leadership and professional skill made it possible for us to maintain the day-to-day operations during a very tumultuous and emotional time and has positioned the company for future success. My sisters and I are grateful to John and wish him the best as he begins his well-earned retirement.”
Together with her co-owner sisters, Paxton-Hagner embraces the concept of doing well by doing good.
Paxton-Hagner steps into the role of board chair as the company looks forward to new and exciting challenges in the packaging industry. A key focus is Kwik Lok’s commitment to sustainability. Kwik Lok has been a leader in innovating products that lower greenhouse gas emissions and use less petroleum-based plastics while still maintaining the packaging’s safety and freshness. Together with her co-owner sisters, Paxton-Hagner embraces the concept of doing well by doing good. The company is integrating this concept throughout its locations worldwide. This corporate social responsibility work is organized under four areas and includes the following:
- Unlocking opportunity: from employee engagement to education
- Improving well-being: physical health, mental health and safety
- Protecting resources: people, places and the planet
- Fostering innovation: new products and manufacturing innovation
“My sisters and I are proud of the progress our company has made, and we are optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead,” Paxton-Hagner said. “I am thrilled and honored to work with my sisters as we continue the work of our grandfather and father. We feel privileged to work with some of the finest people in the world.”