Question: When did you decide it was time for you to retire, and how difficult was – and is – the decision?

Answer:  Early this year I decided that 2018 was the right time for me to retire. I had considered working through the end of this year but elected to move the date up to the end of June. I have not second guessed my decision even though it obviously was a significant one to make. I’ve worked at Tennalum for 29 ½ years and have enjoyed my relationship with the Tennalum workforce over that time. The most difficult consideration in the decision was the void that would be created by not seeing the people with whom I have worked for so many years. I plan to stay in touch with the plant and Kaiser Aluminum Fabricated Products LLC, our parent company. One aspect that made the decision easier for me was the prospect of working with my son in his construction business, Lane’s Construction LLC. This option was quite appealing to me and provides an opportunity for me to stay active.

Question: Will you give us some background information – education, and where you worked before you were employed by Tennalum?

Answer: I was born and raised in Jackson and have lived here all my life. I went to Pope Elementary School, graduated from North Side High School in 1971, and from The University of Tennessee at Martin in 1975 with a degree in Business Administration. I worked as Office Manager for Watlington Brothers Construction Company for approximately seven years and as Controller for Construction Products, Inc. of Tennessee and Thomson and Thomson for approximately six years. I began my career with Tennalum in January, 1989.

Question: We’re thinking you were one of the first employees at the Jackson facility. What was it like to go to begin – literally – on the ground floor?

Answer: I was the second person hired locally just after it was announced that Kaiser Aluminum would open a manufacturing facility in Jackson in the Madison West Industrial Park. I was fortunate to see the property on which our 310,000 square foot building was erected before construction began. I was originally hired as Administrative Manager with responsibility for accounting, benefits administration, and purchasing. I held that role until being promoted to General Manager in January, 2001.

Question: Would you discuss the product Tennalum produces?

Answer: Tennalum produces aluminum cold finished and hard alloy extruded machining stock for applications in aerospace, automotive, general engineering, and ordnance markets. There is only one other plant domestically that makes these products. Tennalum is noted world-wide as an award winning plant in safety, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. We have approximately 180 full-time employees.

Question: What does Mark Lane have planned for the future?

Answer: My wife, Ann, and I have three children – two daughters and a son, all of whom are married and have families of their own. We have five grandchildren and will now have more time to devote to family events. Ann and I are active in our church, Fellowship Bible Church, and I serve on the Board of Directors for the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. I am an avid fan of the New York Yankees, so we may make a few trips to New York City over the next several years as well.

(PHOTO: Mark Lane)

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