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Rensch retires from Superior Essex
hoi kl Superior Essex
Retiring Superior Essex Plant Manager Brent Rensch visits at the party held for him last Tuesday at the plant in Hoisington where he has worked for 36 years. Also, employee Virginia Smith made a University of Kansas quilt for him which included pictures and was signed front and back by employees and well-wishers. - photo by KAREN LA PIERRE

HOISINGTON — After being the Plant Manager of Superior Essex in Hoisington for 24 years and 8 months, Brent Rensch is retiring and plans to spend his days doing a lot of hunting, fishing, golfing and traveling. He will stay in the area.

Rensch began his career at Essex in 1974 in production control and worked his way up the corporate ladder, managing various departments. He has set the record for number of years as plant manager. Working at Essex has primarily been his only job.

"I’ll miss the people," Rensch said. "No doubt, it is the best group of people I have ever worked with. I am a people person, and they are the number one priority. This has made this plant as successful as it is."

Engineering Manager Mike Klepper will take over on Monday.

The plant has 260 plus employees, and there is "not a bad one in the bunch," Rensch said.

"I like challenges, Rensch said. "Every day was a challenge. There was something new every day, good or bad."

The devotion is returned to Rensch as well. "Brent’s the most wonderful plant manager there ever was. He was always a friend first," said Pat Cook, former employee. "He is going to be missed."

The plant manager’s loyalty extends to his personal life as well. He is originally from Elkhart and met his wife, Marilyn, in kindergarten. They have been married for 36 years. They have two daughters Amber Brokar and Megan Appelhans and two grandchildren Madison and Caden Brokar.

"It is tough leaving people," he said. "But it is time for me to retire."