LEXINGTON, S.C. – Dillon Barnette, the former plant supervisor at the Knight’s Companies Pineview plant, was recently promoted to the position of Plant Manager of the Lexington plant, outlining the volume of professional development opportunities available at the local company.
In his new role, Barnette will be responsible for managing a team of employees, batching concrete for drivers and creating a “relationship and bond of respect with these employees.”
“Knight’s is a very giving company. If you work hard and strive to grow here, they will give you the chance. The opportunity is definitely there to get promotions and to move up. I am proof of that,” he said.
Originally from Elgin, South Carolina, Barnette attended Lugoff Elgin High School. He then attended Central Carolina Technical College where he graduated with his Automotive Technology and Automotive Diagnostic certificates.
Starting as a loader operator for the Knight’s Companies Blythewood plant in Nov. 2024, he said he owes his continuous growth to his trainers, who helped him better prepare for growth.
Regarding trainers, Barnette credits Area Operations Manager Brent Nelson as his biggest one.
“Not only is Brent a very helpful and informative role model, but he worked his way up the company in a route that’s very similar to the one I am taking. He has taught me nearly everything I do in my day-to-day, from batching and running the plant to teaching me the importance of building a relationship with the people you work alongside,” Barnette said.
One factor that drew him to initially apply to Knight’s was the local feedback he had heard from employees about the positive work environment and benefits. He said this was only strengthened throughout his initial recruiting and onboarding processes.
“I’m very excited, not only as a ‘people person’ to be able to manage a great group, but to be able to guide and assist new drivers into this amazing field,” he said.
When he isn’t batching concrete or leading his team, Barnette can be found tinkering with (upgrading or repairing) his cars, practicing golfing being outdoors in nature or playing sports.
To learn more about Knight’s career opportunities, visit knightscompanies.com.