For those who feel that it can only go one way here is a story that shows that is not an inevitable path from the high paying countries to the low paying countries.
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Plant turnaround means jobs
By Bob Boughner
Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 09:00
Local News - THAMESVILLE ? A $2-million addition is planned for a local auto parts plant that was once in jeopardy of being closed.
Groundbreaking for a 17,000-plus square-foot addition to Metaldyne Corp. will take place within the next several days, The Chatham Daily News learned Monday.
?We are planning to bring three lines from our production facilities in Mexico to the Thamesville plant,?? said manager Ron Rivers.
Rivers said the move is due, in large part, to co-operation received from the plant?s union, CAW Local 1738, and a new, three-year contract.
?We have an excellent working relationship between management and the plant union,?? said Rivers. ?It has helped turn this plant completely around.??
He said that of the 13 plants in the Simpson group, the Thamesville plant was the ?worst for quality and leadership?? when he arrived 21/2 years ago.
?There were a lot of quality issues and morale was very low among the workforce,?? Rivers said.
But the plant has seen major changes.
?Our company has spent more than $800,000 on improvements to the plant. Today workers take pride in their jobs.??
He said the plant union agreed to negotiate the new contract ahead of schedule in order to help land the new work from the Mexican operations.
The plant currently employs 150 workers with 15 on layoff.
?Once the new addition is up and running, we plan to bring back those
15 employees,?? he said.
?We will also be hiring new workers beginning early next year.??
The plant manufactures an engine component for the Big Three automakers.
Rivers said one of the turning points in the plant improvement program was a visit by the company CEO. Breakfasts with the boss events have also proven popular with employees.
Rivers said the plant is now doing extremely well and is ranked in the company?s top four for quality and profitability.
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Life's not all doom and gloom
Stephen