Jack Lira paid an employment agency $10 to get a job at Miller Dial.

He's made the most of that investment, celebrating 60 years with the El Monte-based company.

"I never liked to change jobs," Lira said. "I wasn't a drifter."

Lira, 79, has become a model of stability at the company, which manufactures graphic identification products, including metal and plastic nameplates, overlays, decals and signs, as well as membrane switches and silicone rubber keypads.

"He's a jack-of-all-trades for us," said Bill Gallis, Miller Dial vice president of manufacturing.

Lira helps welcome back retirees who visit, Gallis said. Lira remembers names and dates from decades ago.

Lira started at Miller Dial on Aug. 5, 1946, after working for Southern Pacific Railroad. His first job was racking sheets off the press. He has since moved to different stations, working the etching press and lab processing, among other jobs.

He's also the unofficial company greeter.

"Whenever I bring customers in, Jack is the first one I introduce," said General Manager Jim Kaldem.

Having longtime employees makes customers more comfortable, Kaldem said.

"We must be doing something well," he said. "We convinced people to stay here a long time. It makes customers very happy."

Several employees have worked for Miller Dial a long time, said Gallis, a 34-year employee.

Each day offers a different customer, a different part or a different design to help keep the juices flowing, Gallis said.

"The diverse work does keep things fresh," he said.

Lira said he's had good bosses through the years.

"They treat you like a human being," he said. "You like to work for the company. If you don't have a nice atmosphere, it's not worth working for them."

Lira, who has two adult children, started taking in foster children with his wife, Ramona, in 1988. He has two foster children attending West Covina High School.

"We love children," he said. "We want to give these young kids a break."

Lira served in the Army from 1952 to 1954, including a tour of duty in Korea for one year. He is a big sports fan, with the Green Bay Packers among his favorites.

He has no plans to retire, joking he retires for the night every time he goes to bed.

He still likes his job and his surroundings.

"I have wonderful co-workers," Lira said. "They're a little rowdy sometimes. But everybody treats me with respect."