LaGrange, Ga. — The state of Georgia is dedicating 16 miles of Interstate 85 in Troup County to the world-renowned pioneer in business sustainability, Ray C. Anderson, the late founder and chairman of Interface Inc., whose flagship manufacturing operation is based at either end of the corridor, in West Point and LaGrange.
The bill designates the stretch of Interstate 85 in Troup County from Exit 18 to Exit 2 as the Ray C. Anderson Memorial Highway. The legislation was sponsored by State Representative Randy Nix and will be signed by Governor Nathan Deal on July 30.
“Ray Anderson was truly a visionary,” Nix said. “Not only did he revolutionize the carpet industry, but his commitment to manufacturing sustainability has proven that good environmental stewardship is good business.”
Once convicting himself as a “plunderer of the earth,” Anderson was the founder of the largest global manufacturer of modular carpet, and became a sought after speaker and author of two books.
“Ray never settled for status quo, and we don’t intend to either,” said Harriet Langford, foundation trustee and Ray Anderson’s daughter. “We have achieved the first step by getting the highway named for Ray, but we are partnering with Interface to go much further. We seek to make this section of I-85 a sustainable, restorative highway. Just as Interface is committed to Mission Zero, the Foundation hopes this highway project will become a legacy project that fully realizes Ray’s vision.”
John Wells, president and CEO of Interface Americas, and member of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation’s Advisory Board, said, “Mr. Anderson’s impact on the industry continues. Ray’s legacy rests not only on the shoulders of the 3,500 people of Interface who are bringing sustainability to life every day in our factories and in their communities. His far-reaching influence includes all of industry and the next generation of leaders, via his influence on higher education.”