The sculpture, created by acclaimed artist Charles Parks of Wilmington, DE, consists of four life-sized figures engaged in various tasks common to the Sonoco workplace. Most often, Parks says, sculptures are restricted to politicians and statesmen. "They have certainly made visible impact and significant contributions to society. But what about the important role of the people who work behind the scenes to make the world a better place to live?" Parks asks.
"It is time we honor the people who make our ever-improving standard of living possible. My goal in creating the Sonoco centennial sculpture was to recognize and witness the dignity of the people who make the day-to-day operation and manufacture of useful products possible."
Called "People build businesses," the sculpture was designed to represent Sonoco's past, present and future team members in work that crosses geographic boundaries. At the base of the sculpture are plaques that describe quotes from each chief executive officer in Sonoco's 100-year history.
The company, says Charlie Coker, chairman and great grandson of the founder, "wanted to provide a lasting tribute to the efforts of the Sonoco team. . . the single reason Sonoco has prospered over these first 100 years. A company, after all, is simply a collection of people who create products and make the organization work to achieve financial results and reputation."
His father, Charles W. Coker, may have summed up the six quotes most succinctly:
"Sonoco considers each employee a partner in the present and the future. The success of the company is dependent on its employees, whose skills are instrumental in putting into practice new ideas and techniques necessary for Sonoco to continue moving ahead."
