Detroit Chassis Celebrates
12/17/2009
Friday, December 11, 2009 Detroit Chassis celebrated 10 years of teamwork. Many guests were in attendance including: State Senator Hansen Clarke; Teola Hunter, State of Michigan Charter Commission; Jeff Wood, Director of Manufacturing, and Rob Stevens, Chief Name Plate Engineer of Ford Motor Company; Steve Lewis, Ford Manufacturing Business Office; Malinda Jensen, Director of Business Development, and Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, Business Retention Manager from the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and many others.
The event started with Detroit Chassis Company Co-Chairman Carlton Guthrie welcoming all of our esteemed guests and Associates.
“We have a lot to celebrate today including the fact that we are still here in business. Many companies did not survive what economists have labeled an economic recession and not only did we survive but we have thrived” stated Carlton Guthrie, Co-Chairman.
Michael Guthrie, President, CEO and Co-Chairman heralded Carlton’s statement and went on to thank all of the many Associates and Stakeholders for contributing to DETROIT CHASSIS’ continued success.
Mike shared a retrospective on key events over the last 10 years, especially the first year of getting production up and running. “It was our strategic vision to create a highly productive, low overhead, flexible assembly resource for niche and low volume products. We worked closely with Ford Motor Company executives Bennie Fowler, now Group VP of Quality, Carlos Mazzerin, then VP of Purchasing and Ford Land to break the mold for OEM Supplier collaboration.”
State Senator Hansen Clarke delivered a special tribute that stated the following:
Let It Be Known, that Senator Hansen Clark recognized the efforts of Michael and Carlton Guthrie for advancing Detroit’s economic renaissance.
Detroit Chassis serves as a corporate role model for advancing the values of individual initiative, entrepreneurship, excellence and community development. This dedicated leadership and service is vital to the development of the City of Detroit and to the State of Michigan.
In Special Tribute, therefore this document is signed and dedicated to recognize and honor the Guthries’ and Detroit Chassis for their hard work and best wishes for their continued success signed Hansen Clarke, Michigan State Senator, December 2009.
Detroit Chassis has much to celebrate along with its 10 year celebration including being listed on Quality Magazine’s Quality Leadership 100 List. Our accomplishments include:
We ranked #39 in Quality Magazine among 100 companies selected from 800 who were reviewed.
We have assembled more than 100,000 units.
The F53 Class A motor home chassis, our premier product has gained 80% of the RV gas market.
Customer Satisfaction Survey results remain at 95%.
Attendance remains above 98% daily.
We still have an impeccable safety record.
We received accolades from Mr. William (Bill) Clay Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company in a letter dated 12.10.09:
“Congratulations on your 10th anniversary. Detroit Chassis is well-known for the excellence of its products, and I was delighted to see Quality Magazine honor your work earlier this year…Detroit Chassis continues to achieve great things. Your dedication to your business and your community is inspiring, and it is a pleasure to be associated with you and your team. My very best wishes to all of you as you celebrate this momentous occasion. I am sorry I could not be with you today, but I look forward to many more years of continued friendship and success!” Bill Ford
Some of Detroit Chassis’ former Associates who contributed to our successes were in attendance including: Bob George, VP Operations/Plant Mgr; Bill Kirchmeier VP Operations/General Mgr; Roslyn Wallace, Labor Relations Manager; Stevie Green, Controller; Greg Williams, Finance Manager; and Ken Maxey, Production Associate. While these individuals have gone on to other opportunities we are glad that they were able to celebrate with us and we wish them much success in their endeavors.
Collectively, we have made an impact in the lives of so many individuals. We participate at the governance level for many community related initiatives including:
Davis Aerospace Technical High School Advisory Board
Concerned Christian Men
The National Association of Black Automotive Suppliers Trade Association and Scholarship Fund
The Children’s Aid Society
Junior Achievement
United Way
and many others
Detroit Chassis is committed to:
Excellence by Adding Value
Embracing Change by Learning and Growing
Respect through Diversity and Community
Win/Win Outcomes through Teamwork
Integrity and Spirituality
We are a team and constantly support one another. “I don’t know where I would be without DETROIT CHASSIS. The opportunity to work here motivated me to make better choices and it helped me to turn my life around. I thank God for DETROIT CHASSIS” stated Avis Wallace, Production Associate.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work at Detroit Chassis. I have met many outstanding individuals that challenged me to do my best everyday. When I think of the many wonderful things I can celebrate, I am reminded of the 4 promotions I have received during my tenure at DETROIT CHASSIS” stated Sharon Humphrey, Production Manager. Both Avis Wallace and Sharon Humphrey are 10 year Associates.
Michael Guthrie, President, CEO and Co-chairman took our honored guests on personal tours so that they could capture the real experience of being at DETROIT CHASSIS and we celebrated in style with an elaborate menu.
In a communication to all Associates dated 12.14.09, Michael and Carlton Guthrie wrote:
A sincere and huge “THANK-YOU” to all for your initiative and leadership in making our 10th Anniversary Celebration such a huge success. Committed DETROIT CHASSIS Associates continually step up to the plate to make things happen in a World Champion way. Our guests were impressed and several associates took the time to communicate how much they appreciated the event. Others helped out at the last minute as they saw a need. A special thanks to Edwina Milligan, Sr. Manager, HR for coming in under extraordinary circumstances to ensure that all was in order. It is this spirit by all that rededicates us to doing all it takes to make DETROIT CHASSIS a success “in perpetuity.”
Again, thank you for your time, can-do spirit and love for DETROIT CHASSIS. We are a special group of people and we are honored to work with you.”
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Linda Ratliff
Contact: Linda Ratliff, 313-571-2100 x 506, lratliff@detroitchassis.com