AME Inc. of Ft. Mill, S.C., held a retirement luncheon April 4 for Oscar Harley.

Harley began his career at Associated Mechanical Erectors also known as AME, in 1969 as a crane operator. He worked in this role until 2000, when, based on his extensive operating experience, the company created a position for him — crane safety and training coordinator.

Harley excelled in this role, as well, said Jeff Campbell, executive vice president of AME.

“Oscar [Harley] was a well rounded experienced operator and the coordinator position was perfectly suited for him,” said Campbell. “He was a rock-solid addition for us in safety and training. People respected him. When you put someone on in this position, you need a person who’s respected in the industry and he was and is in the Charlotte area.”

Over his years at AME, Harley operated many models of cranes, with their evolving technology and operation requirements. Recently, AME gave Harley the opportunity to ceremoniously perform the first lift with a new Grove 5165, with which he hoisted an AC unit from the roof of a Gastonia, N.C.-area middle school.

Approximately 65 people consisting of local contractors, vendors and employees attended Harley’s retirement party. The party, though celebratory in nature, was nonetheless bittersweet for Campbell.

“It’s impossible to replace Oscar and his extensive experience,” Campbell said. “He was very loyal and honest. And he was always finding a way to come up with solutions to problems. Oscar always had what you needed to get the job done; he was always prepared.”

For more information, visit http://www.ameonline.com/index.htm.

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