One of the most recognizable names in the U.S. pallet sector retired at the end of June. Bill MacCauley, former president and owner of John Rock, Inc., officially retired from the pallet business. Kamps, Inc. acquired John Rock, Inc. in January of 2023, setting the stage for MacCauleys eventual retirement.
Bill MacCauley is a true legend in the pallet business. His leadership on the Pallet Foundation as the auctioneer for years has helped to raise millions for the pallet sector to fund research, promotion and development. His day job led Bill MacCauley to build one of the largest and most respected pallet plants in the country. John Rock is vertically integrated with sawmills and both new pallet and recycling facilities. Operating out of three state-of-the-art buildings with a combined 300,000+ sq. ft. in Coatesville, PA, John Rock manufactures over 500,000 new pallets every month. Due to its supporting entities, the organization also possesses industry-leading capabilities in lumber milling and comprehensive supply chain logistics.
Bill MacCauley announced, After 33 years in the pallet business, I have made the decision to retire effective June 28, 2024. I have had a great career and had the privilege to work with the best team anyone could ever work with to build one of the largest and most respected pallet plants in the world. We came together from all walks of life and provided the best pallet experience for all of our customers.
Confident in the Kamps team ability to fully take over running all aspects of the John Rock facilities, he explained, The Kamps family has the vision to continue to expand the Rock and give our team the opportunity to flourish in the Kamps organization. It is now time to pass the torch to the team and let them take the Rock to the next level.
Recognizing MacCauleys accomplishments and leadership in the industry, Mitchell Kamps, CEO of Kamps Pallets, said, Bill has been a visionary in the new pallet space and certainly earned the label of Industry Legend for what he and his team were able to build. He has been vital in the integration of the Rock into Kamps over the last 18 months. The pallet baton is now in the hands of Team Rock/Kamps, which is full steam ahead. We appreciate Bills passion and love for the Rock and the pallet industry. We wish Bill the absolute best in retirement!
Given MacCauleys impact on the industry, he did say that he will continue to serve the Pallet Foundation as an auctioneer and see peers at industry events where he will champion industry development. Commenting on his plans for retirement, MacCauley stated, Betsy and I have a large flock of sheep, and it is time to dedicate more time to that operation as well as work on my fishing skills in Florida. When we are not fishing or showing sheep, we plan to travel and explore more of this great country.
The Rock was established in 1973 in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, by founder John Rock. In 1997, the organization was acquired by Bill MacCauley. Under MacCauleys leadership, the organization has become a world-class new pallet manufacturer and an industry leader in operations and automation.
The staff of the Pallet Enterprise wants to salute Bill MacCauley for his contributions to the pallet sector and wishes him and Betsy well in retirement and new ventures.
