Through Roger Milliken’s leadership and passion for innovation and research, Milliken & Co. became one of the largest and most successful textile and chemical manufacturing companies in the world. With more than 16,000 associates working in 65 plants in South Carolina and five other states, Milliken’s operations extend to 12 countries worldwide. The company was one of the first to establish computerized management information systems in the textile industry and, in so doing, became the industry leader in research and development. Milliken’s Pursuit of Excellence process, in which all associates are encouraged to share their thoughts on how quality might be achieved, is featured in the book “A Passion for Excellence,” co-authored by Tom Peters, whose “In Search of Excellence” was a best-seller among business books.