Today, Detroit Chassis bids farewell to Raymond Baillargeon. Ray has been at Detroit Chassis since before the beginning. He managed the facilities build-out from a bare parking lot in December, 1998 to start of chassis production in our 218,000 sq. ft. completed building in mid-November, 1999, a span of 11 hectic months. This has to be an all-time record for a launch of this complexity and timing. It could not have been done without Ray’s versatility, energy, persistence and get it done attitude. Detroit Chassis remains part of your legacy Ray!
Ray also held or led many management responsibilities during his tenure of more than 30 years. They include:
– Production Control
– Production Planning
– Materials
– IT/ERP
– Sales
– Business Development
– Engineering
– Launch Mgr.
– Customer Service and Training
– Facilities
– TruMack Assembly (now Detroit Chassis) launch team
– Continuous Improvement support throughout
Ray’s diverse background and skills have always been an incredible organizational asset. His willingness to involve himself in matters outside his lane has always been an incredible asset to his colleagues but sometimes a source of consternation to others.
But Ray has always been motivated by the desire to do his job and make a difference. And he surely has.
Ray has driven a daily round trip from Webberville MI, a distance of approximately 140 miles for the last 17 years in all kinds of weather, traffic and road construction. He has worn out multiple Focuses or Focii.
“Two words come to mind as I transition to my next opportunity, gratitude and pride. I have been enormously blessed to be a part of the Detroit Chassis family and for that I’ll always be grateful.
I’m also extremely proud of our family and the products we make through hard work and dedication. We may never see each other again but, you’ll always be my family and I will forever carry you in my heart.” Raymond Baillargeon
Michael Guthrie, Raymond Baillargeon and Linda Ratliff-Watkins
Contact: Linda Ratliff, 313-571-2100 x 506, lratliff@detroitchassis.com