Procter & Gamble Dover Wipes and KSI marked a significant milestone in their decades-long collaboration during KSI’s 2025 Annual Dinner, held Wednesday, June 4 at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover. The event celebrated a 50-year employment partnership that has touched the lives of thousands of individuals with varied abilities and featured keynote remarks by P&G’s Alan Relaford, along with the presentation of achievement awards to three outstanding KSI crew members working at the Dover plant.
KSI’s Annual Dinner was made possible in part by Gold Sponsor National HVAC Service, with additional support from Silver Sponsors Delaware Electric Cooperative, Delaware First Health, L&W Insurance, and Sharp Energy. Bronze Sponsors included Delaware City Refining Company and IG Burton & Company, Inc.
The partnership between KSI and the Dover Wipes plant began in 1975, when the facility was owned by Scott Paper. KSI crews originally supported operations by bagging paper towels and providing custodial services. After Procter & Gamble acquired the plant in the mid-1990s, management recognized the value of continuing the relationship, expanding KSI’s responsibilities to include critical repackaging work on the multi-pack lines for baby wipes.
KSI crews consistently rose to meet new challenges, delivering reliable and efficient labor that helped P&G meet production goals and remain competitive. Alan Relaford, P&G’s Custom Pack Line 20 Leader, works directly with KSI participants and shared how meaningful the experience has been for him.
“They bring an attention to detail and their overall work ethic can’t be found anywhere else,” Relaford said. “I get a lot of good laughs, and they keep me on my toes.”
During the evening, KSI honored three Pre-Vocational Training participants for their exemplary contributions at the Dover plant. Randy Wroten, KSI’s Director of Community-Based Operations, introduced the honorees and highlighted their dedication and impact.
Kyle Cahall, one of the longest-serving KSI crew members at P&G, was recognized for his decades of consistent, safe, and dependable work. Arthur Bunting, who joined the crew in 2004, was honored for his commitment and the way he’s used his earnings to support his family and gain independence. Darlene Murray, also recognized, has taken on increased responsibility operating machinery on the multi-pack line and advocates for others seeking community-based employment.
Plaques were also presented to Alan Relaford for his support of the program and to Randy Wroten for his leadership in managing KSI’s community employment partnerships. Special Proclamations from the Delaware House of Representatives and the State Senate were presented to commemorate the long-standing relationship between KSI and Procter & Gamble.
KSI, a nonprofit organization serving Kent and Sussex Counties, provides vocational training, employment, community integration, transportation, day habilitation, life enrichment, and nutritional services to individuals with disabilities. This marked the first Annual Dinner held since 2019, following disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. KSI plans to resume the event annually to recognize the achievements of its participants and dedicated staff.
