As we celebrate 140 years of Westinghouse, we’re honoring the people behind our success. Their dedication, creativity and expertise have fueled every breakthrough: turning bold ideas into real-world impact and shaping both our legacy and the future of Westinghouse.
Westinghouse’s story spans generations and geographies, with families united by a shared commitment to advancing nuclear technology and building the next generation of talent.
Erby receives the Total Quality Achievement Award from Mead D’Amore, then acting manager of the Columbia plant, in 1989
Here’s a look at one father-daughter duo who both built their careers at our Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility (CFFF) in Hopkins, South Carolina:
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Erby Simons, a U.S. veteran, spent more than 40 years at Westinghouse, starting in 1973 and retiring as a project engineer.
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Candice Simons has built a 21-year career, growing from Chemical Operator to Teams Manager and now Communications Consultant at the Columbia site.
Candice grew up with Westinghouse as part of her childhood, visiting the Columbia plant for family days, holiday parties and tours. Years later, she returned to the same site as an employee, even working alongside her father in the same building.
“It was a sense of pride to me to work in the same place as my dad,” said Candice. “I just always felt like my family’s here, so it was a sense of comfort to me.”
Seven-year-old Candice smiles with Santa at the Westinghouse Annual Children's Christmas Party in 1989
With decades of experience at Westinghouse, Erby continues to champion educational outreach in the neighborhood, emphasizing that safety and proper procedures are always top priorities – helping build understanding and confidence in nuclear energy within the local community.
“I’ve had 44 years at Westinghouse and I’ve never felt unsafe,” said Erby. “I always feel safe knowing that employees are out there going to safety trainings every day, every year, ensuring that the plant and its community are safe.”
As a Communications Consultant at the Columbia site, Candice regularly visits the local Richland One schools, sharing insights on nuclear energy and highlighting career opportunities for students to see a future for themselves in the nuclear industry and their own community.
Erby celebrates a milestone with Candice on her wedding day in 2026
“To build the generation that comes after us at Westinghouse, we want to let students know that Westinghouse has a wide range of opportunities for everybody. From college degrees to special trades, we’re trying to educate people in the Hopkins community so that they can build careers and leave a legacy at Westinghouse.”
Follow along all year as we highlight the milestones, people and breakthroughs that have shaped Westinghouse and continue to power what’s ahead.
Share your Westinghouse journey on social media using #Westinghouse140 and tagging our social media accounts:
Header photo: Six-year-old Candice and her sister share a moment with Erby at an air show in 1988
