April 16, 200718 yr Author From the AP, 2/2/07: Ford sales plunged 19 percent in January Friday, February 02, 2007 Tom Krisher ASSOCIATED PRESS DETROIT - Ford?s U.S. sales dropped 19 percent in January, allowing Toyota again to pass it as the nation?s No. 2 automaker. But Ford?s numbers were so bad that it was also passed by DaimlerChrysler, knocking the troubled automaker into fourth place for the month. Times are tough for Ford Motor Co., which attributed its sales decline to a long-term strategy of returning to profitability by cutting low-profit rental-car sales and reducing its reliance on incentives... http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/02/02/20070202-F2-04.html
April 16, 200718 yr Author From the 2/4/07 Lima News: Fixing Ford needs union’s help Tim Rausch | [email protected] - 02.04.2007 LIMA — Joel Goins is sure the United Auto Workers will make concessions to Ford Motor Co. in the national master contract that will be negotiated this summer. There are 890 union workers at the Lima Ford Engine Plant who will be affected by the outcome of the talks. Goins expects to be affected too, though he hasn’t worked for Ford since 1991... http://www.limanews.com/story.php?IDnum=34878
April 16, 200718 yr Author From the 2/19/07 PD: Brook Park: Changing face of economy Monday, February 19, 2007 Grant Segall Plain Dealer Reporter Brook Park -- Mike Theus signed up for a buyout this summer, after 30 years with Ford. But he's not sure he will stick with the deal. "This is home," Theus, 48, says about the vast Ford Motor Co. complex that has virtually defined Brook Park since 1951. "I love it here. Working for Ford has been a blessing." Still, the millwright says it might be safer to take the buyout than to risk the boot. "I can't be complacent," says Theus, who was once laid off for three years, then exiled to Kansas City for 10. "Ford's going to do what they have to do to get lean. . . . All I can do is be prepared." A mile away, Jim Nesbitt feels blessed, too... To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: [email protected], 216-999-4187 http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/11718785884610.xml&coll=2
April 16, 200718 yr Author From the 2/24/07 PD: Ford Lima plant gets engine work Saturday, February 24, 2007 Peter Krouse Plain Dealer Reporter Ford Motor Co. said Friday that the engines for three of its new vehicles will be built in Ohio. The reintroduced 2008 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable, along with the new 2008 Taurus X crossover, will be powered by Duratec 35 V-6 engines manufactured in Lima. The Taurus replaces the Five Hundred, the Sable takes the place of the Montego, and the Taurus X replaces the Freestyle. The Lima plant already makes engines for the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers and for the Lincoln MKZ luxury sedan. Ford expects 20 percent of its vehicles to be powered by the 3.5-liter Duratec 35 engine by the end of the decade, Randy Ortiz, general sales manager for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, said at a news conference at the International Exposition Center, where the Cleveland Auto Show starts today and runs through March 4... To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: [email protected], 216-999-4834 http://www.cleveland.com/business/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/business/1172309723111490.xml&coll=2
April 16, 200718 yr Author From the 3/15/07 News Sun: State officials are working to keep Ford in Ohio Thursday, March 15, 2007 By Jaime Anton The News Sun Last week: Last year was the toughest in history for the three Ford Motor Co. plants in Brook Park. There were buyouts, a stymied project to upgrade the smokestacks and lengthy shutdowns to catch up with inventory. "Our future relies on new technology and products to determine how long we stay open," said union president Tim Levandusky. Each year, the three Ford Motor Co. plants in Brook Park shut down in December for a few weeks, but this year, for the first time, they were shut down for a month or more. "That's all volume-related," said Tim Levandusky, president of the United Auto Workers Local 1250. "As we were losing market share, to adjust to the market share, we had to take down weeks." Plant No. 1 is still experiencing some down time, but it has disassembled the entire afternoon shift, which affected 180 employees, some 60 or 70 workers were laid off and others, who were younger, took jobs elsewhere in the plant. "Shutdowns help us balance the market share with volume reductions," Levandusky said... http://www.cleveland.com/sun/newssun/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1173981067228750.xml&coll=3
April 16, 200718 yr Author From the 3/28/07 PD: Ford may add work at local complex New vehicle to use Ohio-built engine Wednesday, March 28, 2007 Robert Schoenberger Plain Dealer Reporter Ford Motor Co. is scheduled to announce plans next week for a new crossover vehicle, raising to eight the number of products that will use the Ohio-built 3.5-liter Duratec V-6 engine. So far, the engine has been produced only in Lima, but with so many vehicles using the same power plant, Ford may have to start production soon at its Cleveland Engine Plant No.1 in Brook Park as well. "We think there's going to be enough demand to make the engine at both plants," said Chris Brower, an analyst with J.D. Power & Associates in Detroit. He predicted the engine could be in production locally as early as next year. Ford spokeswoman Anne-Marie Gattari declined to say which plant will produce engines for its new crossover, but she said, "Both plants have capacity." more at: To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: [email protected], 216-999-4059 http://www.cleveland.com/business/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/business/117507122446300.xml&coll=2
April 16, 200718 yr Author From the 3/29/07 Lorain Morning Journal: UAW, Ford to vote on competitive operating agreement MEGAN KING, Morning Journal Writer 03/29/2007 AVON LAKE -- Union negotiators for workers at the Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake have reached a tentative competitive operating agreement with Ford, according to an e-mail newsletter distributed yesterday by United Auto Workers Local 2000, the union that represents the plant's workers. The UAW membership is scheduled to vote on the agreement from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Southview High School, Lorain, according to the e-mail. UAW President Tim Donovan and first Vice President Jerome Williams were unavailable for comment yesterday... http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18141553&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6
April 16, 200718 yr Author From the 4/2/07 Lorain Morning Journal: Ford workers in Avon Lake approve competitive bargaining agreement ALEX M. PARKER, Morning Journal Writer 04/02/2007 AVON LAKE -- Workers at Ford's Ohio Assembly Plant yesterday overwhelmingly approved a competitive bargaining agreement, according to union sources. The agreement, which Ford said will boost the plant's productivity and efficiency, was passed by 82 percent of the members of the United Auto Workers Local 2000, according to Michael Donovan, a member of the union's bargaining committee. Several plants across the country have signed on to similar agreements, which are part of the troubled automaker's plan to return to profitability... http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18157594&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6
April 16, 200718 yr Author From the AP, 4/5/07: Ford CEO cites need for change Dealer consolidations, more competitive wages and benefits are goals By Ken Thomas Associated Press NEW YORK - Ford CEO Alan Mulally said Wednesday the company's sweeping turnaround plan remains on track, but the automaker needs to pursue consolidations in its dealership network to improve its fortunes. Mulally, speaking to reporters at the New York International Auto Show, also suggested "our wages and benefits are not where they need to be to be competitive.'' Significant contract talks with the United Auto Workers are scheduled this summer. "If there is not a competitive Ford, it's not going to be OK for anyone,'' Mulally said... http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/business/17030847.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_business
April 16, 200718 yr Author From the 4/15/07 Blade: FORCED TO BLAZE NEW TRAILS Decision time for Maumee stamping workers By JULIE M. McKINNON BLADE BUSINESS WRITER TOM PRUSAKIEWICZ and his wife, Heather, had discussed whether he should retire before this fall from Ford Motor Co.'s Maumee Stamping Plant. The company's decision to shutter the plant next year left the 53-year-old Bedford Township resident with little choice. Staying with Ford after nearly 35 years by working at another plant had no appeal, especially because Mrs. Prusakiewicz has a job with Bedford Public Schools. So Mr. Prusakiewicz is taking a $35,000 buyout and retiring with his pension and health benefits for life. "I could transfer, but I don't want to go to Buffalo, and I don't want to go up to Detroit, and I don't want to go to Cleveland," he said last week... Contact Julie M. McKinnon at: [email protected] or 419-724-6087. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070415/BUSINESS02/704140332/-1/RSS04
April 18, 200718 yr Author From the 3/16/07 Dayton Business Journal: Delphi puts $50M into employee pension fund Dayton Business Journal - 2:14 PM EDT Monday, April 16, 2007 Delphi Corp. said Monday that it made a $50 million contribution to its employee pension fund. The bankrupt auto parts maker owed $396 million for the first quarter, but was permitted under bankruptcy laws to make the smaller payment. The unpaid portion will be settled in Delphi's (OTC: DPHIQ) plan of reorganization along with its other claims. ... E-mail [email protected]. Call 222-6900. http://www.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2007/04/16/daily6.html?from_rss=1
April 18, 200718 yr Author Both from the 3/18/07 DDN: Delphi investor talks reportedly hit roadblock UAW allegedly resisting demands to lower future wages and benefits for new hires. By Thomas Gnau Staff Writer Wednesday, April 18, 2007 In the hours after The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that crucial contract talks on the future of bankrupt Delphi had stalled, the auto parts maker was quiet. Relying on unnamed sources, the newspaper said talks between the United Auto Workers and an investors group that wants to acquire Delphi for up to $3.4 billion had hit a roadblock. The Journal said the UAW is resisting demands by one of the lead investors, Cerberus Capital Management, to lower future wages and benefits for newly hired workers. ... Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or [email protected]. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/04/17/ddn041807delphi.html UAW meeting with members about Delphi By Thomas Gnau Staff Writer Wednesday, April 18, 2007 DAYTON — The United Auto Workers are conducting meetings at all 29 of their Delphi Corp. plants on contract talks with the bankrupt auto parts maker, the Automotive News Web site reported Wednesday. Meetings will be held in Dayton Friday, said Joe Buckley, president of UAW Local 696, which represents about 800 workers at Delphi's Needmore Road plant. Asked if Delphi will be the subject of the local meeting, Buckley said, "Yes, absolutely." ... Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or [email protected]. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/04/18/ddn041807delphiweb.html
April 19, 200718 yr Author Second link contains a photo. Both from the 4/19/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: GM asks for ‘vital’ union concessions By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle LORDSTOWN — Ten-hour shifts on straight time and nonunion janitors are among General Motors Corp.’s demands during contract talks with union locals at the Lordstown Complex, according to a trade publication. Failure to reach agreement could put the complex, which built its first car 41 years ago this month, in jeopardy of closing, an analyst said. GM spokesman Dan Flores, however, stressed everyone is interested in putting the plant in the best position to win a future product. ... [email protected] http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17080 Lordstown showcases cost-cutting tech tools By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle LORDSTOWN — What if you knew before ball bearings in a motor were about to fail? Or if more insulation was needed in a wall to save heating or cooling costs? Workers at the General Motors Corp. Lordstown Complex can do exactly that, and much more, as the car assembly factory tries to slash costs to become more competitive. Lordstown officials, along with vendors, displayed high-tech equipment during Wednesday’s first-ever Technology Trade Show at the complex. ... [email protected] http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17077
April 20, 200718 yr Author Both from the 4/20/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: Delphi bankruptcy extended By staff, wire reports DETROIT — Delphi Corp.’s planned emergence from bankruptcy protection will be delayed, and a key investor is likely to pull out of a deal to pump up to $3.4 billion into the troubled auto parts maker, the company said Thursday. A spokeswoman for Troy-based Delphi said it expects Cerberus Capital Management LP to leave a group of investors that in December pledged to sink capital into the company in exchange for new shares of its stock. Delphi, which employs about 1,000 at its Warren-based Packard Electric division, will proceed with an investment group of Appaloosa Management LP, Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Merrill Lynch & Co. and UBS Securities LLC, she said. ... AP Business Writer Tom Krisher contributed to this report. http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17140 GM global car sales lead to record By The Associated Press General Motors Corp. said strong demand in Asia, Latin America and other emerging markets led to record global sales in the first quarter of 2007, according to preliminary sales figures released Thursday. The Detroit automaker said it sold 2.26 million vehicles worldwide in the quarter. Sales were up 67,000, or 3 percent, compared with the first quarter last year. GM’s global market share is estimated at 13 percent, compared with 13.1 percent a year ago. First-quarter 2007 sales of 1.36 million outside the United States accounted for about 60 percent of GM’s total global sales, growing close to 10 percent compared with the same period a year ago. That outpaces the industry average growth rate of 5 percent, the automaker said. ... http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17112
April 21, 200718 yr Author From the 4/20/07 DDN: UAW reps talk with local Delphi workers By Thomas Gnau Staff Writer Friday, April 20, 2007 DAYTON — Four United Auto Workers representatives spoke with local Delphi Corp. workers Friday, describing contract talks at loggerheads — and fielding questions about what the future holds. "We've got a job as of now, but for how long, no one really knows," said Alex Fiegly, a 22-year-old supplemental worker employed at the Needmore Road Delphi plant, where about 800 workers are represented by UAW Local 696. Delphi has been under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since October 2005. Four of five Delphi plants in Montgomery County, including the Needmore plant, are slated to be closed or sold. ... Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or [email protected]. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/04/20/ddn042007delphiweb.html
April 26, 200718 yr Author From the 4/26/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: GM suspends new car plan By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle LORDSTOWN — The future of the General Motors Corp. Lordstown Complex grew cloudier Wednesday when plant leaders learned the automaker has delayed the program that could put a new vehicle in Lordstown. As a result, International United Auto Workers officials requested Local 1112 bargainers to suspend all meetings immediately, the local told its 2,600 members in a flier distributed Wednesday in the assembly plant. The leaflet stated GM told union and management it has decided to postpone the new Delta platform vehicle, which Lordstown has been trying to win for the summer of 2009. ... [email protected] http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17352
April 27, 200718 yr Author From the 4/27/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: Pact may be key to new car By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle LORDSTOWN — Exactly why General Motors Corp. decided to stall its new small-car platform may be unclear, but one auto analyst said he expects the Lordstown complex to play a key role when the program resumes — as long as major changes are made. ‘‘It would surprise the daylights out of me not to see Lordstown as a big factor in future products for the Delta platform. I wouldn’t be discouraged,’’ Center for Automotive Research Director David Cole said Thursday. But, he added, that’s true only if new national and local labor agreements contain major changes. ... [email protected] http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17395
April 29, 200718 yr Author From the 4/29/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: GM workers don’t dwell By JOE GORMAN Tribune Chronicle LORDSTOWN — Vince Martini said he does not get too high or too low when he hears rumors or news about the General Motors Corp. Lordstown Assembly Plant, where he has worked for 30 years. ‘‘Thirty years ago, they were saying the same things, stuff like, ‘Don’t buy a house,’’’ Martini said Saturday as he was leaving work. ‘‘Now I just say, ‘Dude, I work for today.’’’ Martini was commenting on a report that surfaced during the week that auto maker told the Lordstown Complex union and management leaders that it was suspending its Delta program — the platform on which Lordstown’s current product, the Chevrolet Cobalt, is built — and its larger Epsilon program in Kansas City, Mo. ... Tribune Chronicle Business Editor Larry Ringler and The Associated Press contributed to this report. [email protected] http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17466
May 1, 200718 yr Author From the 5/1/07 DDN: Delphi has $373M loss in 3 months Staff Reports Tuesday, May 01, 2007 DETROIT — Delphi posted an operating loss of $11 million in March and $373 million in the first three months of 2007, the struggling auto parts maker said Monday. The former parts-making operation of General Motors lost $828 million in the fourth quarter of 2006 and lost $5.5 billion for all of last year. Net sales for the Jan. 1-March 31 period came to $4.09 billion, with sales to GM and its affiliates accounting for about 55 percent of Delphi's business. Expenses totaled $4.46 billion, Delphi said in a filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. ... http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/05/01/ddn050107delphi.html
May 2, 200718 yr Author From the 5/2/07 Blade: * PHOTO: Freshly poured cement is smoothed for a new floor inside the part of the factory undergoing renovation. ( BLADE PHOTOS/LORI KING ) * PHOTO: Old walls come down inside the plant on West Alexis Road. Toledo Powertrain ahead of schedule Plant readied for new transmission By MARK REITER BLADE BUSINESS WRITER A multimillion-dollar expansion of the Toledo GM Powertrain Plant for production of a better-performing six-speed transmission is ahead of schedule. Wanda Montion, a plant spokesman, said yesterday that GM officials are shooting for the project to be finished in October, 2008, with production on the new transmission line to begin immediately thereafter. Construction on the 400,000-square-foot addition began nearly a year ago and is part of a $600 million investment at the West Alexis Road facility. .... Contact Mark Reiter at: [email protected] or 419-724-6096. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070502/BUSINESS03/705020400/-1/RSS04 From the 5/2/07 ABJ: Lordstown GM talks suspended Analyst says automaker could close Ohio plant From Beacon Journal wire services LORDSTOWN - The suspension of contract talks at General Motors' Lordstown car plant might confirm an industry analyst's projection that the plant's future is in jeopardy. Erich Merkle, an analyst with IRN in Grand Rapids, Mich., said Lordstown is No. 2 on his list of GM plants that are most likely to close. He expects GM to announce two or three plants that will close within about five years. Merkle studies automakers' plans for assembly plants to prepare market research reports that are bought by suppliers and manufacturing firms. ... http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/business/17166130.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_business
May 3, 200718 yr Author From the AP, 5/3/07: GM reports 1Q profit of $62M ASSOCIATED PRESS DETROIT — General Motors Corp. reported a first-quarter profit on Thursday of $62 million, its second straight quarter in the black but down sharply from a year ago. The nation’s largest automaker, which lost a total of $12.4 billion during the previous two years, said the profit for the January-March period was driven by record sales worldwide and improvements in its automotive operations. GM’s net income of 11 cents a share is down sharply from a profit of $602 million, or $1.06 per share, in the first quarter of 2006. ... http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070503/BUSINESS02/305030015/-1/RSS04 From the 5/3/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: GM, UAW talks to resume By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle LORDSTOWN — Contract talks are expected to resume between the General Motors Lordstown Complex and United Auto Workers bargainers some two weeks after meetings broke off, according to an industry trade publication. Automotive News reported on its Web site late Wednesday afternoon that United Auto Workers leaders met and ‘‘things were moving along,’’ according to sources the publication didn’t name but said are familiar with the talks. ‘‘The issues are being worked out. I don’t know if they’ve returned to the bargaining table, but that is something that is going to happen,’’ a source close to GM said, according to Automotive News. ... [email protected] http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17635 From the 5/2/07 Defiance Crescent-News: GM VP speaks in Defiance about company's turnaround By HEATHER BAUGHMAN [email protected] General Motors" turnaround, technology and plans for tomorrow were discussed this morning during the monthly Breakfast of Champions held at Defiance College. Ron Pniewski, GM North America vice president and global portfolio planning for General Motors Corp., was the speaker at the meeting, which is sponsored by the Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce, The Crescent-News, Defiance County Economic Development and the college. With GM experiencing a fumbling market in 5 and 6, Pniewski said the company is back on track. In the past few years, he said, "You couldn"t look at a daily newspaper ... news magazine ... or turn on the television and not hear about the dire predictions and impending demise (of GM)." ... http://www.crescent-news.com/news/article/1943882
May 5, 200718 yr You have to wonder what the future is for this massive plant. Brook Park city officials have been preparing for the possibility of the entire plant closing. Ford may idle one engine plant Union says slack demand jeopardizes Brook Park unit Saturday, May 05, 2007 Robert Schoenberger Plain Dealer Reporter Ford Motor Co. may close a factory on its Brook Park campus for a year because the automaker has too many of the engines produced there. Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1 is down this week. Leaders of United Auto Workers Local 1250 say the company wants to keep the facility idled, because demand for the 3-liter V-6 engine is not expected to improve. Ford spokeswoman Anne Marie Gattari declined to comment... Plain Dealer reporter Joe Guillen contributed to this story. To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: [email protected], 216-999-4059 http://www.cleveland.com/business/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/business-2/1178353841234600.xml&coll=2 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 5, 200718 yr Author Both from the AP/Warren Tribune Chronicle, 5/4/07: GM 1Q profit slumps, stock slides The Associated Press DETROIT — By recent Detroit standards, two straight profitable quarters by an automaker is a mega-achievement. But for General Motors Corp., its losses in North America overshadowed Thursday’s announcement that it made $62 million in the first three months of the year for a second consecutive quarter of black ink. Even though the Dow Jones industrial average is in the midst of its longest advance since 1955, GM’s stock dropped more than 5 percent Thursday. Some industry analysts questioned whether the company can make money on its home pavement given that it’s already cut billions in costs and rolled out scads of new cars and trucks. ... http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17671 GM expects UAW offer soon on Delphi By staff, wire report General Motors Corp.’s chief financial officer said Thursday he expects the United Auto Workers union to make a wage and benefit counteroffer soon in ongoing negotiations involving Delphi Corp. — a lengthy process that a local labor leader called ‘‘frustrating.’’ ‘‘I haven’t seen it. I think it’s probably reasonable to expect we’re going to see something,’’ CFO Fritz Henderson told reporters, in a rare company comment on the state of negotiations. Henderson also disclosed Thursday that GM would subsidize hourly wages for Delphi workers in 2007 and for an unspecified period of time after that. ... http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17669
May 5, 200718 yr Author From the 5/5/07 AP: GM gets 7,000 resumes for 400 jobs By TOM KRISHER The Associated Press DETROIT — When the hiring managers at General Motors Corp. put out the word that they would hold a job fair to fill 400 new technical and engineering posts, they expected a big response. But not 7,000 resumes. Yes, times are tough in southeast Michigan, where all three Detroit-area automakers have cut thousands of hourly and salaried positions. ... http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17690
May 7, 200718 yr Well KJP, you were right, the Brookpark casting plant is closing. 1200 jobs unfortunately go poof. Ford to close Cleveland Casting in 2009 Posted by Robert Schoenberger May 07, 2007 10:53AM Categories: Breaking News Ford Motor Co. will close the largest of its three plants in Brook Park in 2009 and cease production at a second plant there for a year. "It was kind of like a funeral," Tim Levandusky, president of the United Auto Workers Local 1250, said of the mood at meetings Monday morning. More at: http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2007/05/ford_to_close_cleveland_castin.html
May 7, 200718 yr Author From the 5/7/07 DDN: Delphi loses $533 million in first quarter Staff Reports Monday, May 07, 2007 Delphi Corp. today a first quarter 2007 net loss of $533 million or a loss of 95 cents per share compared to a first quarter net loss of $363 million or a loss of 65 cents per share last year. The bankrupt auto parts maker reported first quarter 2007 revenues of $6.7 billion. Non-GM revenues were $3.9 billion, representing 58 percent of global revenues. "While Delphi's financial performance continues to reflect its uncompetitive U.S. cost structure, we are aggressively working on two fronts to improve the business," said Rodney O'Neal, Delphi's chief executive and president. ... http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/05/07/ddn050707delphiweb.html
May 8, 200718 yr Ford to close casting plant in 2009 Posted by Robert Schoenberger May 07, 2007 16:35PM Cleveland Plain Dealer Ford Motor Co. will close the largest of its three plants in Brook Park in 2009 and cease production at a second plant there for a year. Cleveland Casting, a 1,200-job plant that forges engine blocks and other parts, will close in 2009. At that point, Ford will outsource all of its North American engine casting business. "It was kind of like a funeral," Tim Levandusky, president of the United Auto Workers Local 1250, said of the mood at meetings Monday morning. Cleveland Casting, a 1,200-job plant that forges engine blocks and other parts, will close in 2009. At that point, Ford will outsource all of its North American engine casting business. Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1, a 580-job facility, will work for the next two weeks before going idle for about a year... http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2007/05/ford_to_close_casting_plant_in.html#comments
May 8, 200718 yr maybe this should be cross posted in the cleveland air quality thread? lets make our own future in this region and not rely so much on the past. times were good, they aren't so much now. it has been trending this way, in manufacturing, for quite a few years. lets not act surprised, but view this as an opportunity to retrain and retool 1200 employees to help local cleveland companies take it to the next level. there are a lot of smaller manufacturing/technology/bio/whatever companies that are growing. they may not have a union, or 500 employeees, but this is the future for the region. not suggesting this isn't a blow to a lot of families and workers, but i think we are long past the employee for life mantra. lets enable these workers, and require our leaders, to make new opportunities.
May 8, 200718 yr Tax Base disappearing? School funding endangered? Regionalism anyone? Why not use this as an opportunity to combine your district with others to SAVE COST? :lol: Seriously, I know Brook Park already feeds into Berea schools, but since clearly this district is going to need a windfall soon, why not expand that unified school district with others in the area to further save?
May 9, 200718 yr Author From the 5/8/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: Volt talk has sparks flying at Lordstown By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle LORDSTOWN — Is the General Motors Corp. Lordstown Complex in line to create some sparks with a Volt? The complex is said to be the leading contender to build GM’s futuristic Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid car, according to a report Monday in industry publication Automotive News. The story said GM wants to build the small car in the United States, according to a source close to the project. ... [email protected] http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17820
May 9, 200718 yr Author From the 5/9/07 DDN: Delphi pension plan may get $1.3 billion By Staff reports Wednesday, May 09, 2007 WASHINGTON — Delphi said it expects to make a $1.3 billion payment to its pension plan after shifting $1.5 billion in unfunded liabilities to former parent General Motors. In a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Monday, the auto-parts company said it has formulated a tentative deal with the Internal Revenue Service and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. that would allow it to satisfy its pension obligations through a combination of cash payments and the transfer of some unfunded liabilities to a pension plan sponsored by GM. Troy, Mich.-based Delphi, the nation's largest auto parts supplier, has about 6,000 workers in Ohio. ... http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/05/09/ddn050907delphi.html From the 5/9/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: Delphi Packard equipment heads to auction block By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle WARREN — Pieces of Delphi Packard Electric’s history are scheduled to be auctioned today and Thursday when the auto parts maker sells unneeded equipment from Plant 3 by an online auction. Dovebid.com, which bills itself as a worldwide business auctions and valuations firm, will auction toolroom, fabricating, wire, woodworking and other items over the Internet, according to its Web site. The auction is set to start at 8 a.m. today and end at 7 p.m. Thursday from the Dana Street N.E. plant. ... [email protected] http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17848
May 11, 200718 yr Author From the 5/10/07 Youngstown Vindicator: State officials have been talking to GM about an incentive package By DON SHILLING VINDICATOR BUSINESS EDITOR LORDSTOWN — Working out an incentive deal to nudge General Motors to keep its Lordstown complex is a priority with Gov. Ted Strickland, an official said. "We're very confident that we'll work something out," said Arnie Clebone, the governor's economic development director for this region. Clebone, who was appointed to his position last week, said he couldn't comment on any specifics because he wasn't sure what GM would want released. ... [email protected] http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/320367292390244.php From the 5/10/07 DDN: Celebrating a million, success of DMAX's joint venture engine By Thomas Gnau Staff Writer Thursday, May 10, 2007 MORAINE — Seven years. More than 1,200 employees. One million engines. And counting. DMAX Ltd., a joint venture shared by General Motors Corp. and Isuzu Motors, celebrated production of its 1 millionth Duramax V-8 turbo-diesel truck engine Wednesday. ... Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or [email protected]. About DMAX Built: Construction started in August 1998. Employees: 1,225 (1,032 hourly, 193 salaried). Union: IUE-CWA Local 797. Product: Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo diesel engine. Horsepower: 365 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. First engine: July 17, 2000. 500,000th engine: Sept. 15, 2004. 1 millionth engine: April 16, 2007. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/05/10/ddn051007dmax.html
May 15, 200718 yr Author From the AP, 5/15/07: Delphi avoids $1.4 billion tax bill By MARC HOPKINS The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Delphi Corp. has reached an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service that will help the struggling auto-parts supplier avoid up to $1.4 billion in excise taxes and transfer some of its pension liabilities to its former parent, General Motors Corp. Delphi has been operating under Chapter 11 protection since October 2005. Its agreement with the IRS will extend a June 15 deadline the company has to honor minimum funding requirements under its pension plans, according to papers filed Friday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan. Under the company’s so-called transformation plan, Delphi said it must lower its pension obligation in order to emerge from bankruptcy protection as a competitive entity. Plans are underway to shift some of the company’s pension liabilities into GM-sponsored plans. ... http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=18088
May 18, 200718 yr Author Link contains a photo. From the 5/16/07 Blade: GM to invest in Toledo, Defiance FROM BLADE STAFF REPORTS General Motors Corp.'s Toledo Powertrain Plant and its Defiance Powertrain factory are getting new corporate investment as part of a five-plant technology to produce engines that are more fuel efficient. A GM spokesman declined to give the investment amounts yesterday, but said Toledo's figure is the highest of the five. A $63 million project to retool a castings foundry in Saginaw, Mich., was the first of the group, announced yesterday. Announcements on the two Ohio projects are expected Friday. ... http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070516/BUSINESS02/705160400/-1/RSS04
May 18, 200718 yr Author From the 5/17/07 DDN: Local UAW leader keeps close eye on talks with Delphi With auto parts supplier's future in question, union has reportedly made counter-offer on wage concessions. By Thomas Gnau Staff Writer Thursday, May 17, 2007 DAYTON — With reports that the United Auto Workers has made a formal counter-proposal this week to bankrupt Delphi Corp., at least one local union leader is closely watching developments. The Detroit News reported Wednesday that an approximately 10-page proposal on wages and benefits from the UAW "offers some concessions." Citing an unnamed source, the newspaper said the proposal was presented late Monday. "I know there have been discussions in the last couple of days," said Joe Buckley, president of UAW Local 696, which represents about 800 workers at Delphi's plant near Needmore and Wagoner Ford roads. ... Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or [email protected]. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/05/17/ddn051707delphi.html
May 19, 200718 yr Author Link contains a photo. From the 5/18/07 Blade: TRANSMISSION FACILITIES GM to invest $389 million in Toledo and millions more in Defiance HOMER BRICKEY BLADE SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER General Motors Corp. said today it will invest $332 million in a Toledo factory to add production of more fuel-efficient front-wheel-drive transmissions, and it plans to invest millions more in a Defiance powertrain plant. As part of a program affecting five GM plants and that will help secure the future of the Toledo factory on Alexis Road, the automaker said it will spend $332 million for the equipment and other costs to add the front-wheel-drive six-speed transmissions to the rear-wheel drive variety soon to be made there. A $600 million project is under way to build an addition and buy equipment to build the rear-wheel product. The six-speed powertrains are better performing than the four-speed variety made at the plant now. The latest project, to be under construction in July and be finished by 2010, will retain 600 jobs, GM officials said. The company said it would invest another $57 million for vendor tooling and other purposes to support the transmission plant. ... Contact Homer Brickey at: [email protected] or 419-724-6129. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070518/BUSINESS02/705180360/-1/RSS04 From the AP, 5/18/07: GM CEO reacts to sale of rival Chrysler By COREY WILLIAMS The Associated Press DETROIT — General Motors Corp. has paid close attention to the sale of rival Chrysler to a private equity firm, but doesn’t expect other auto companies to travel a similar path, GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner said Thursday. ‘‘I don’t see a mad rush to privatize in our sector,’’ Wagoner said following a speech to female business leaders in Detroit. ‘‘I see this as an individual case. Wagoner said new technology, alternative fuel sources and union negotiations are higher on GM’s priority list. ... http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=18198
May 19, 200718 yr Author Link contains photos. From the 5/19/07 Blade: GM REFUELING LOCAL PLANTS Toledo Powertrain to get $332M, Defiance site $61M By MARK REITER BLADE BUSINESS WRITER Nearly 15 months after learning they were getting production of a new rear-wheel drive transmission, General Motors Corp. employees at a Toledo factory were told yesterday that another multimillion-dollar investment is being made in the Alexis Road plant. Sharing the stage with Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and United Auto Workers leaders, GM executive John Buttermore announced to hundreds of cheering Toledo Powertrain employees that they will get production of the front-wheel drive version of the six-speed transmission. The $332 million investment is being made on top of $540 million the company is spending in the factory to assemble the more fuel-efficient transmissions. The six-speed, rear-wheel drive units are to go into production in October, 2008. ... Contact Mark Reiter at:[email protected] 419-724-6096. GM BY THE NUMBERS $332 million in Toledo - New investment for tooling, other costs for new front-wheeldrive transmissions $540 million in Toledo - Money spent for plant addition, tooling for rearwheel- drive transmissions $61 million in Defiance - Pays for new technology for engine blocks 720 jobs - Investments to preserve 600 jobs in Toledo, 120 in Defiance http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070519/BUSINESS02/70519001/-1/RSS04
May 21, 200718 yr Author From the 5/20/07 Defiance Crescent-News: Work force drives GM's decision By HEATHER BAUGHMAN [email protected] General Motors will invest $61 million in new technology at its Defiance Powertrain plant to produce aluminum engine blocks in 3.6-liter, high-feature V-6 engines. This will be the first application of precision sand casting technology at the plant. The Friday afternoon announcement also means the retention of about 120 hourly jobs. The integrity and hard work of local employees were among the top factors credited for the award of this project. "Without your hard work and dedication, this couldn't have happened," Defiance plant manager John Thomas said to the crowd gathered for the announcement. ... http://www.crescent-news.com/news/article/2024821
May 22, 200718 yr Author From the 5/22/07 DDN: Delphi may close Moraine facility Union official believes the site will be closed by September and its work will be transferred to Mexico. By Thomas Gnau Staff Writer Tuesday, May 22, 2007 MORAINE — Union leader Willie Thorpe believes the Delphi auto compressor plant off Kettering Boulevard will be closed by September, once work there is transferred to Mexico, he said. "They (Delphi) have been telling us we don't have a chance for that site at all," Thorpe said Monday. Since September, Thorpe, chairman of the International Union of Electronic Workers-Communication Workers of America's Automotive Conference Board, has expected Delphi to close its plant at 3535 Kettering Blvd. ... http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/05/22/ddn052207delphi.html From the 5/22/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: GM talks remain on hold By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle LORDSTOWN — Contract talks between local union and plant officials at the General Motors Corp. Lordstown Complex remain on hold while issues are discussed at higher levels, a local union leader said Monday. ‘‘There are no meetings at all. Everything’s in a pattern of anticipation,’’ United Auto Workers Local 1112 President Jim Graham said. Graham said the only thing local union leaders know is that UAW International and GM corporate bargainers are working on critical issues that have to be resolved at the upper levels. ... [email protected] http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=18360
May 24, 200718 yr Author From the 3/15/07 Lorain Morning Journal: Officials hope to lure new tenants to Ford plant site Kate Giammarise, Morning Journal Writer 03/15/2007 LORAIN -- City community development officials are working on incentives, such as loans, to lure a company interested in locating at the former Ford Assembly Plant on Lorain's west side. Officials declined to name the company, citing confidentiality agreements. No formal offer has been made by the city to the company, which is a wholesale and distribution firm that employs about 50 people. The ordinance for the incentives include loans tailored to the specific company. There is also another proposed ordinance to create a fund for other companies that could locate there. More at http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18081451&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6
May 24, 200718 yr Author From the 3/19/07 Lorain Morning Journal: Lorain is making bid for Ford plant environmental funds KATE GIAMMARISE, Morning Journal Writer 03/19/2007 LORAIN -- The city of Lorain, partnering with the company that purchased the former Ford Lorain Assembly Plant, is applying for grant funds to pay for a portion of environmental cleanup costs there. The money would go toward removing and disposing of asbestos and PCB's -- chemicals found in electrical transformers in the main assembly building on the site, said Don Romancak, chief planner in the city's community development department. More at http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18096656&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6
May 24, 200718 yr Author From the 3/20/07 Lorain Morning Journal: Council OKs loan for tenant: City to offer company $186,000 to move into former Ford Plant KATE GIAMMARISE, Morning Journal Writer 03/20/2007 LORAIN -- City Council has approved loans for a company considering locating in the former Ford plant on Lorain's west side. Incentives such as loans are needed to attract businesses -- and jobs -- to the city, said Council member Anthony Krasienko, D-at-large, chair of council's finance committee. ''We know what we're up competing against out there,'' Krasienko said. ''We know what we have to gain and we know what we have to lose.'' More at http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18100892&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6
May 24, 200718 yr Author From the 4/25/07 Lorain Morning Journal: Former Ford site gets first new tenant By: KATE GIAMMARISE, Morning Journal Writer 04/25/2007 Trademark Global, an Avon-based wholesale distributor of toys, games, tools, billiard supplies and household items, will be moving to the site on Lorain's far west side this summer. Lorain City Council approved a package of loans for the company in March to help with its relocation costs. The financing was approved by the city's loan board on Monday and by the city's Board of Control yesterday afternoon. More at http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18258355&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6
May 24, 200718 yr Author From the 5/1/07 Lorain Morning Journal: ARNCO coming to Lorain KATE GIAMMARISE, Morning Journal Writer 05/01/2007 LORAIN -- ARNCO, an Elyria-based firm, has tentatively committed to relocate to the former Ford Lorain Assembly Plant, according to documents the city of Lorain submitted to the state. According to a letter included in the city's application for a state environmental grant for the Ford site, ARNCO plans to occupy about 200,000 square-feet and invest about $2.5 million there. The move is contingent on the company receiving incentives, according to the letter. More at http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18282698&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6
May 25, 200718 yr Author From the 5/24/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: UAW, Delphi talks sensitive By staff, wire report DETROIT — Two months ago, top officials at the United Auto Workers rejected a Delphi Corp. contract offer that they called insulting and criticized the use of the bankruptcy court as a way to drive down wages. Now that the UAW has a counteroffer on the table, there have been weeks of silence about the negotiations and union officials say the struggling auto parts maker, which employs about 6,000 workers in Ohio, has agreed to give temporary workers a paid holiday for Memorial Day. The union officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks. ... http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=18439 From same: State clarifies job assistance By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle WARREN — Some Delphi Packard Electric hourly workers who took incentives to leave the company last year could qualify for training assistance under new state policies, officials said Wednesday. The changes were made to clarify benefits for workers who gave up their job ‘‘voluntarily,’’ but who actually were pushed out due to lack of work and company downsizing. Under the state’s previous policy, some workers who voluntarily took money to leave their job were viewed as choosing to leave and not considered eligible for trade benefits, which can include reimbursement for training costs, looking for work or relocating. ... [email protected] http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=18474 From the 5/24/07 DDN: Will Navistar acquire GM truck unit? By Valerie Lough Staff Writer Thursday, May 24, 2007 Navistar International Corp. is reportedly in talks with General Motors to acquire the automaker's medium-duty truck unit. United Auto Workers Local 402 union President Charles Hayden said he could not confirm that the companies are in talks, but hopes the reports are true. "I'd like to think it's a possibility," he said. "I think the whole city would like it." ... Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0360 or [email protected] http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/05/24/ddn052407navistar.html
May 25, 200718 yr Author From the AP, 5/25/07: GM ousts 400 from jobs bank By wire reports DETROIT — General Motors Corp. has put up a 49 percent stake in its former financial arm as collateral for a $4.1 billion revolving line of credit, the company said. Meanwhile, GM said in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that it had set its estimated exposure to bankrupt auto parts maker Delphi Corp. at $7 billion and could take a $1 billion charge this quarter related to the restructuring of its former subsidiary. It also reached a groundbreaking deal with the United Auto Workers union that will force almost 400 workers out of a ‘‘jobs bank’’ program that guarantees nearly full wages and benefits when the automaker eliminates work or closes factories. ... http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=18499
May 26, 200718 yr GM is really hurting financially. Wait until the baby boomers start retiring and wanting all those benefits and money.
May 27, 200718 yr Author From the 5/27/07 Detroit News: General Motors pushing UAW to accept job changes By Sharon Terlep The Detroit News Sunday, May 27, 2007 Orion Township, Mich. — — Contract talks between Detroit automakers and the United Auto Workers don't officially begin for months, but critical battles already are under way at General Motors Corp. plants around the country. GM is pushing UAW locals at its factories to agree to money-saving work rule changes — from reduced break time to more leeway to outsource jobs — that mirror policies in plants run by foreign competitors, especially Toyota Motor Corp. Ford Motor Co. was able to put such so-called competitive operating agreements in place with relative ease in more than three dozen of its U.S. plants, but GM is having a much tougher time convincing the UAW. ... http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/05/26/ddn052707bizGMUAW.html Link contains a photo. From the 5/27/07 DDN: GM team goes the extra mile to ensure its Moraine-made vehicles are safe By Thomas Gnau Staff Writer Sunday, May 27, 2007 MORAINE — — April Adkins gently accelerates a Saab 9-7X, then, without braking, places the gear shift into park — exactly as her father, years ago, taught her not to. A clicking sound results, indicating that the SUV's parking paw was engaged — exactly as it should. Adkins, 48, turns to her passengers. "Hold on," she says. ... http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/05/26/ddn052707cars.html
May 29, 200718 yr bah. pathetic. i don't see how poaching companies from avon and now elyria does the city or the region any good at all.
May 31, 200718 yr Author From the 5/31/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: Report: Lordstown, GM gain in productivity By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle LORDSTOWN – The General Motors Corp. Lordstown Complex made strides in 2006 to becoming more productive, breaking into the top 10 list of all vehicle assembly plants and rising one notch in the compact car ranking, according to an industry report issued this morning. The complex took 19.17 hours to build each of the 278,176 Chevrolet Cobalts, Pontiac G5 and Pontiac Pursuits compact cars it produced last year, the closely watched Harbour Report showed. Lordstown, which is trying to win a new vehicle from GM in two years, placed ninth among all assembly plants, beating out the 10th place Toyota Motor Co.'s Georgetown, Ky., No. 2 plant. ... [email protected] http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=18735 From the 5/31/07 Dayton Business Journal: Moraine plant still among tops in productivity Dayton Business Journal - 1:09 PM EDT Thursday, May 31, 2007 General Motors Corp.'s Moraine Assembly Plant dropped to third place among midsize sport utility vehicles plants in an annual report that measures productivity at 190 North American auto plants. The plant was third out of 10 in its category, behind Daimler Chrysler Jefferson North in Detroit, which spent 19.88 hours per vehicle, and Daimler Chrysler Toledo North, at 20.11 hours per vehicle, in the Harbour Report North America 2007 released Thursday. Moraine ranked second last year and first the three previous years. "It's a fiercely competitive industry," said assistant plant manager Ken Mohre. "There are a lot of players and a lot of people are very good at the productivity processes." ... E-mail [email protected]. Call 528-4400. http://dayton.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2007/05/28/daily18.html?surround=lfn
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