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Post by nickthefish on Apr 8, 2009 20:20:48 GMT -5
That's what the CEO of our company calls it. "We must take extreme measures". He also put in his resignation a few weeks ago. I work for a German automotive supplier that has its American headquarters in Troy, MI. During these times of crisis; when volumes are down, unemployment in this country is at an all time high, and people can't afford to live in their own homes, they decide to make matters worse and outsource 90 jobs over the next two years. They decided to call it "Project Columbus" for obvious reasons. A majority of the 90 are design and engineering. The first phase was put into action last Friday even though they unveiled their 'master plan' in February. It's kinda funny that in 'times of crisis' where dedicated and knowledgable employees would be a key to a successful company they seem to think the opposite. We've been traded for people (and I've got nothing against other Indians or any nationality) who will work for a lower wage in a country that is starving for engineers and has the turnover rate of a buffet line. I'm not bitter about it and I feel no sympathy for myself. I got to see and live in Europe on their dime and will take the memories of that experience to my grave. I am more than happy to leave on July 10, take my 'bonus' or severence package as most would call it, and walk away not only from a job but a career. It is my own opinion that I won't be the only loser in this 'time of crisis'; my former employer will suffer as well. It's called karma. As childish as it may sound; what comes around, goes around. Sorry for the long post but I didn't want to hijack my own for sale thread. Ah yes, it's bad everywhere. My cad designer was working in the tool room the last couple of days. Design it and build it, we are a well rounded organization, and very slow. Jeff, what does your company do? Anyone else feeling the effects of the automotive industry?
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Post by RAM Z on Apr 8, 2009 21:26:18 GMT -5
Well, my plant is just about 60% empty. Its Fords biggest plant under one roof so its basically a ghost town in there. We are projected to be down a week each month for the rest of the year. Rumor is 300 may be laid off by July, Ford just cut 60,000 transmissions from our yearly schedule. I am just saving every dime I can for the when the bomb drops and I get laid off, again. I was off for 6 months over last summer.
Thank god my wife is working steady (knock on wood).
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Post by bubbasz1 on Apr 9, 2009 12:52:04 GMT -5
We make metal stamping for anyone who wants them, at the moment our biggest customer is Chrysler, nice huh. We are basically one third of what we were a year ago. Still bleeding every month although less than before. We have been quoting like no tomorrow the last month and a half we probably quoted 150 jobs hopefully that will break loose soon. We are also looking at doing some Christmas displays for Bonner's and maybe QVC, diversified, man you have to be diversified now days. Ho freakin Ho! Nick, your company HL??
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Post by 442scotty on Apr 9, 2009 18:14:35 GMT -5
Maybe you could stamp some new fenders or quarters for your favorite car
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Post by bubbasz1 on Apr 9, 2009 19:28:11 GMT -5
I already make the side scoop inserts you see on ebay and as soon as I get my post out (maybe this weekend) I can finish fitting the battery hold downs. Basically there all welded together I just want to see how they fit. Then they need to go out for dipping and they will be done. Fenders and quarters are out of my league.
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Post by bubbasz1 on Apr 10, 2009 6:32:07 GMT -5
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Post by 1965f85 on Apr 10, 2009 8:55:06 GMT -5
Sure would be nice to other companies with his resolve!
Ted
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Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2009 3:25:31 GMT -5
What do you guys think the proposed "coins for clunkers" program will do? Believe it or not, the idea came from Germany! They are giving a credit of 2500 Euros (about $3400.00) for any car over 9 yrs that was certified junked for a new/almost new (must be Euro emission standard E3 or E4, both stricter than US std). They've gotten a HUGE response. Only thing I don't agree with is that ANY car that qualifies emission-wise can be bought, regardless of where the car was built! Situation means that a significant # of cars are "cheapos" built in Rumania/Korea, etc., so they don't really help German-European manufacturers. In addition, most European-built cars being sold are the smallest/cheapest, so there's very little margin left for the manufacturers. Good idea, but I'd rate it at best a "qualified success". In addition, most experts (& me too!) predict a severe drop in sales when the program runs out on Dec 31. Hope the US program (if it actually happens!) avoids those mistakes!
Ralph
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