Celebrating the Retirement of Keith Cox at Marion Machine

After more than three decades of dedication, craftsmanship, and leadership, Marion Machine is proud to celebrate the retirement of Keith Cox.

Keith joined Marion Machine in 1991 and quickly became known as someone who led by example every single day. Over the course of 35 years, he built a reputation for exceptional workmanship, a strong commitment to safety, and a mindset centered around doing the job right the first time.

Throughout his career, Keith worked in both the welding and assembly departments and also poured babbitt bearings for customers. His skillset is truly rare—Keith is a master blacksmith, fabricator, and welder whose experience and craftsmanship have helped shape countless projects across Marion Machine.

But beyond his technical abilities, Keith’s greatest impact has been the way he invested in people.

Keith never hesitated to mentor younger employees, taking many new team members under his wing and helping guide the next generation of craftsmen. He treated everyone with respect and had a unique ability to turn mistakes into valuable learning experiences. His leadership and patience helped create a culture where employees could grow, learn, and take pride in their work.

Safety in the workplace was always a top priority for Keith, and he consistently served as a role model for others by setting the standard through his actions.

When asked about his favorite memory at Marion Machine, Keith reflected on one of the company’s most memorable large-scale projects:

“I guess when we built that big dryer in Building 2. It was a 105,000-pound grain dryer and we had to lay railroad track in the floor of the building to move it around. We built carts and put each end of the dryer on a cart to move it. CF Reese used 2 cranes to move the dryer.”

It’s no surprise that Keith enjoyed working on large parts and challenging projects throughout his career. When asked what he liked most about his job, his answer was simple:

“I am just interested in working on the large parts.”

Keith also offered advice that perfectly reflects the pride and work ethic he brought to Marion Machine every day:

“Do a good job the first time.”

Outside of work, Keith enjoys fishing, hunting, blacksmithing, and riding motorcycles—well-earned hobbies for someone who has dedicated so much of his life to his craft.

The photos shared above not only show Keith today, but also highlight his earlier years at Marion Machine and some of the incredible projects he helped bring to life over the decades.

Keith’s contributions to Marion Machine extend far beyond the work he completed. His mentorship, leadership, and dedication have left a lasting impact on our team and culture that will continue for years to come.

Keith, thank you for 35 incredible years of service, friendship, and commitment to excellence. We wish you all the best in your well-earned retirement.