WBFO 88.7 Radio (Buffalo), 24 January 2006, Tuesday

WBFO Radio (Buffalo)

Ford Stamping Plant Is Safe For Now [24 January 2006, Tuesday]
Eileen Buckley
http://publicbroadcasting.net/wbfo/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=869763

BUFFALO, NY (2006-01-24) The Ford Motor Company announced Monday that it will close 14 North American plants by 2012, cutting about 30,000 jobs. But the Ford Stamping Plant in Woodlawn is safe for now. One local labor expert says the plant is doing all the right things.

Art Wheaton is an industry education specialist with Cornell University's School of Industrial Labor Relations. He describes the Buffalo Stamping Plant as a world-class facility. Wheaton says the plant is known for terrific union leadership and management.

"They're one of the best stamping facilities in the United States, in terms of how they do things using the best practices," Wheaton said.

Ford is investing $260 million into the local stamping plant for the creation of new products. Wheaton says the location of the facility is one reason why it is not part of the massive cost-saving effort.

"That's the closest plant to an Oakville, Ontario facility that makes Ford mini-vans," Wheaton said. "In terms of shipping metal, it's cheaper the closer you are."

Wheaton says it will give the plant an "edge."

Cornell has honored the Ford Stamping Plant with its Champions at Work award. Wheaton says while it is a well-run plant, it must continue to consider high tech changes to remain competitive.

Local UAW leader Kevin Donovan says they did not receive any direct information from Ford officials, and preferred not to comment. But he did tell us that the investment in the stamping plant should put the local facility in good competitive shape.

The Buffalo Stamping Plant employs more than 1,500 workers