Meet Keith Wharton, operations manager at the DRT Springfield plant. Read on to learn about Keith’s role at DRT and the personal passions that keep him busy.
Can you tell us about your work at DRT?
As Operations Manager, I’m responsible for making sure our plant is operating correctly – meaning our work is under compliance and ultimately creates a high-quality product for our customers. I directly and indirectly manage 25 people, helping ensure they have everything they need to smoothly and safely operate the plant.
My favorite thing about my role is the people I work with. It’s been so rewarding to see the plant operate more efficiently little by little over the course of the past year I’ve worked here – especially knowing the teamwork that’s gone into it.
Share a little about your background and what brought you to DRT.
Although I was born in New York, North Georgia is where I call home; I grew up in Cherokee County, which is where I met my wife and where our kids were born. I started my career as a compounder making fragrance grade materials, then served in various management and quality control roles – a role that ultimately took me to New Jersey.
During my time in New Jersey, I volunteered as a certified firefighter and was part of the Firefighter Assist Search Team (FAST / RIT), the team that goes into emergency situations to search for and rescue other firefighters. After living in New Jersey for 6 years, I moved back to Georgia in 2022 to join the DRT team and be closer to family.
Outside of work, what are your hobbies and interests?
As a side business, I had access to a 5,000 square foot car restoration shop. I built my father in law’s 1938 Ford in addition to many high-end vehicles – cars, mini trucks and choppers – that won car shows.
Although I’m no longer in the car business, I’ll always enjoy working on cars. My daughter is at the point where she’s looking for one, and I plan on building her something special.