Great teams are built by people who lead through experience, collaboration, and a willingness to help others succeed. Those qualities have defined Layke Ensor’s career at Yazoo Mills, America’s largest independent manufacturer of paper tubes and cores, making his promotion to Winding Supervisor at Plant 3 a natural next step.
In his new role, Layke will oversee winding operations at the company’s Hanover, Pennsylvania, manufacturing facility, helping lead production, drive continuous improvement, and mentor employees as Plant 3 continues to expand.
Layke began his career as a 2nd Shift Winding Operator under Donnie Myers, Production Manager at Plant 2, and has steadily advanced through several key roles over the years. His journey includes assisting with the startup of Winding Line 12 in New Oxford, supporting the launch of Winding Lines 7 and 8 at Hanover Plant 2, serving as a Floater and Lead on the New Oxford back lines, and most recently serving as Interim Winding Supervisor since February 2025. He now serves as the Winding Supervisor at Plant 3.
Along the way, Layke has helped shape many of Yazoo Mills’ most significant manufacturing initiatives. He has taken pride in building strong teams and a positive department culture while contributing to major operational milestones, including the startup of the first white glue machine at Hanover Plant 2, establishing the backline winding department in New Oxford, launching Winding Line 12, and supporting the addition of Plant 3 through the phased relocation of equipment and operations from the company’s existing facilities into the new manufacturing plant. Today, he continues that work by helping implement Winding Line 22, Yazoo Mills’ newest automated winding line.
Beyond these major projects, Layke has collaborated with teammates across departments to improve production processes as manufacturing operations have evolved. From developing innovative solutions to helping fabricate, standardize, and implement new processes, his contributions have enhanced efficiency, safety, and consistency throughout the production floor.
What motivates Layke most is coaching and mentoring others. He enjoys helping employees grow, building a positive team environment, and finding new ways to improve processes through innovation. He says this promotion allows him to lead from a new perspective while continuing to teach, mentor, and support those around him.
Looking ahead, Layke is excited to expand his leadership role while continuing to strengthen his team, support new manufacturing initiatives, and help guide Plant 3’s continued growth as additional equipment and technology come online.
Layke credits Plant Manager Jesse Smith, Production Manager Kevin Hentz, Vice President of Manufacturing Steve McMaster, and most importantly, his wife, for supporting and encouraging his growth throughout his career.
He describes the Yazoo Mills culture as down-to-earth, innovative, supportive, collaborative, and enjoyably humorous.
Outside of work, Layke enjoys spending time outdoors with his family hiking, biking, camping, and kayaking. He’s active in Scouting adventures, enjoys traveling, loves nature and animals, and even has a unique fun fact—he used to be a stilt-walking clown.
We congratulate Layke on this well-deserved promotion and wish him continued success in his new role.
