This view of #12 is from the west showing the demolition at the site of the "HALL OF THE GIANTS", this photo shows the overhead crane used to change the dies. There were two fatalities just after the regular first and second shift crane operators retired at the same time. Both deaths were due to improper training and inexperience. The new operators were leaving the brakes set while lifting the dies thus causing a pendulum effect. Both these accidents happened during the negotiations for the "Flex Body Shop" and I believe this had a lot to do with Buick City's demise. If we had gotten the new flex setup they might still be building cars there. *1 A direct quote from Lloyd Reuss: "If officials and workers at the plant had continued to pursue improvements with the same determination and "can do" spirit that went into creating Buick City, things might have turned out differently today". Like many before him he may have forgotten where he came from. I hope I'm wrong because I always liked him. In 1983 the statement made by past manager David C. Collier saying Reuss was "the best damned thing that ever happened to Buick" actually may have been a double edge sword because he may have ended up being the "worst thing that ever happened to Buick". But I have the privilege of hindsight. Some others have a totally different opinion on why Buick did not get the flex body shop. "More research needed as always". *1 The Flint Journal, June 29, 1999 pg. A 11 |
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