Several of the employees at Medeco Security Locks in Roanoke County who have been there longer than 40 years can talk about how the plant has changed. Production lines are more computer controlled.

Located just off U.S. 460 west of Salem in a sprawling plant with more than 260 employees, Medeco turns 50 years old this month. Medeco officials are celebrating by hosting a large on-site picnic on ...