“Craftsmanship” — that is what Terry Hill, president of Sanders Bros. Inc. believes is the key to his company’s success.

This year is Sanders Bros.’ 50th anniversary and it will be celebrating with an emphasis on craftsmanship. Since 1955, through all the changes and growth the company has endured, it all goes back to the start where two confident, solid craftsmen — Horace & J.R. Sanders — discussed the idea across their back yard fences of starting a heating and air conditioning business in Gaffney.

Each of the Sanders brothers agreed to put up $6,000 from personal savings and borrow another $6,000 to use for startup expenses, space, equipment, and to float an employee or two. They were confident that air conditioning was a niche that would grow throughout the coming years. However, no matter how optimistically they projected success, neither could have guessed that 50 years hence, their modestly wrought company would report annual revenues of over $100 million.

The Sanders brothers started putting an emphasis on craftsmanship with their first employees who were all required to fabricate their own tool box to prove their skill (and received a pay raise based upon their skills demonstration).

This emphasis on skill was continued when Jim Sanders, J.R.’s son, took over the presidency of the company in the early 1970s. With Jim’s vision of the company, the business changed to serve new industrial customers moving into the South. This transition called for additional craft skills and workers. The company often grew by 25 percent annually during the 1970s and 80s.

On Saturday, May 21, the company will host a celebration of its 50th year in business and the contribution made by its craftspeople. Plant tours will be offered to the public at its 1709 Old Georgia Highway facility beginning at 10 a.m., displays of the craftsmanship of Sanders Bros.’ employees will be scattered throughout the property and at noon a celebration ceremony will be held. All employees, friends and the public are invited.

“We want everyone to come see examples of our craftsmanship and to help us celebrate as part of this community,” Hill said. "This is a company that likes to work. That’s all we’re about. Working hard, working precisely, and working cheerfully.”