Upstate Landmark Recognized for Keeping to the Grindstone
One is a four generation family business in the same location for over a hundred years. The other is a multinational corporation among the world’s largest manufacturers of polyester films. Outside of that, Mitsubishi Polyester Film (MPF) and Suber’s Corn Mill are just neighbors with each genuinely vested in the successes of the other, and last week, Greer-based Mitsubishi presented the Suber family with a dedicated historical road marker chronicling the family’s importance to the area.
One of the only water-powered mills still grinding corn and selling cornmeal in South Carolina, Suber Mill is located on Princess Creek, a branch of the Enoree River. The mill traces its history to before the Civil War when James A. Suber operated a saw mill and a, ahem, “spirits distillery” (See: whiskey still) near the site. He added the grist mill after returning from the war.
The current mill was built between 1908 and 1912 by James Suber’s son Walter Hillary Suber and has been in almost constant operation ever since, with the Suber family running it entirely since 1955 when Walter H. Suber, Jr. took over.
The idea for the $1800 marker came several years ago when the president of the Greenville County Historic Perseveration Commission approached the Suber family, but Linda Suber credits her corporate neighbor with the project’s completion.
“If it hadn’t been for them, we would not have gotten the historical marker,” she said referring to her family’s relationship with MPF as “a good partnership.”
She said that after MPF construction was complete, the company continuously worked with the Suber family to conserve and cultivate the land around the plant.
“Mitsubishi’s been just wonderful,” she said. “They always let Mr. Suber, when he was alive and able, plant oats or wheat or something. As a matter of fact, Mitsubishi built on Suber land. Their plant’s on Suber land, and when they built the plant, they let him rent it for, like, $80 a year just to plant. They wanted to keep it cut down, and he’d plant oats or wheat or whatever.”
Bill Radlein, president and chief operating officer with Mitsubishi Polyester Film, said the plastics manufacturer became involved in the project for two reasons. The first being that the MPF plant is built on former Suber family land. The second is that MPF retiree, Al Futrell, has been long involved with Greenville County Historic Perseveration Commission.
“We are always pleased to help honor the Upstate’s legacy and history,” Radlein said. “Our company’s connection to the Suber family made this a great fit.”
“Mitsubishi’s always been so nice to us. The nicest people you’ll ever meet,” Suber added smiling.
