Cynthia Sanders Retires

Cynthia Sanders Retires

LONG-TERM ASSOCIATE
CYNTHIA SANDERS RETIRES

Caring, focused, kind, hardworking and humble are words I could use to help describe Cynthia Sanders, the latest long-term Detroit Chassis UAW Associate to retire, January 2021. She made it clear that there was no interest in having a celebration of any kind. Still, after hearing her story, I convinced her to let us applaud her diligence and noteworthy love and respect for family and the Detroit Chassis community. “I must retire due to health reasons because I can’t physically give it my all, but make no mistake, I love my job. I still do!”

Cynthia came to Detroit Chassis after gaining two years of production experience at another facility and identified as a high-performer along with others that transitioned from that plant. Cynthia prayed that God would bless her with a job and enjoys sharing how her heart’s desire was realized through the opportunity to work at DCPM.a Fteorri alth Haat,ndl serhe committed to never missing work, showing up before start time, and always doing more than expected. “The Lord gave me a job, and I was so excited. Other Associates tease me because my car is alone sitting in the parking in the morning.” Cynthia willingly shares her knowledge and helps other Associates.

Cynthia described herself before coming to Detroit Chassis as a misplaced housewife. She was a mother of five children (four boys and one girl, including a set of fraternal twins). She had gotten them to the point of nearing independence when she lost her sister to Lou Gehrig’s disease. Cynthia opened her heart and home to her nieces and nephew after their mom passed away. The youngest was just two years old. “I determined that I was going to work no matter what! Nothing was going to keep me from doing my job.” Cynthia explained that her check went to pay babysitters and daycare costs. Still, her mission was to remain employed while caring for this extended family graced with an energetic and cheerful little girl, and keeping them safe and happy. She successfully raised all eight children and rejoices because that beautiful girl is now happily married and has a family of her own. Cynthia shared that she convinced the older niece to apply for work at DCP, and she became another high-performing DCP UAW Associate.

“Please say good-bye to Mike and Carlton, and everyone else. Remember to send my special regards to Dennis Edwards. One day he passed me working on the line, and he could tell that I was stressed out. He asked what he could do to help me do my job, and I responded, “I needed a cart.” I am impressed that he took out time to ask me how I was doing, and he made sure that I had what I needed. So, please tell him that the little lady at the end of the Bird Cage said, “Thank you.” I appreciate him, and I am so glad that I got to know him.” – Cynthia Sanders, Retired DCP Associate Enjoy retirement, Cynthia! You earned this accolade.

Thank you for your many contributions and tireless dedication to Detroit Chassis. The best motorhome chassis is built in the Motor City because of Associates like you!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to the entire Detroit Chassis Community of Associates, Suppliers and Stakeholders,

This year has been immensely challenging for many reasons, but most of all because of the tremendous impacts the Covid 19 pandemic has had on our community.

We have been blessed. However, many in our community have lost health, employment and loved ones. We are saddened by the wide-spread suffering we see.

Rather than coming together for a holiday gathering as we have done in previous years, we, as a company, committed to marshal our resources in an effort to assist others in need. We decided to partner with three deserving community organizations, who have a well-established track record in serving basic community needs such as food, shelter and family: Gleaners, United Community Housing Coalition and The Children’s Center. Their services are in great demand. These organizations could not hold their traditional premier fund-raising events, so we sought to help fill the gap.

We partnered with UAW Local 155 to conduct a 2020 Charitable Giving Campaign with a commitment from our owners to match Associates’ giving. Our goal was $10,000. By the end of the 2020 Charitable Giving Campaign, which ran from Monday, December 7th through Friday, December 18th

We far exceeded our target by nearly 60%!

Our total raised is $16,935.00.

“Gleaners’ emergency response to the Covid-19 pandemic came swiftly and on a substantial scale, starting in March,” said Terry Collia, director of marketing with Gleaners Community Food Bank. “Given that our monthly food distributions have grown from around 3.5-4 million pounds of food, to nearly 7 million, the support of community partners like Detroit Chassis is essential. On behalf of Gleaners, I want to personally thank the Detroit Chassis team and look forward to your continued involvement with our mission.”

Detroit Chassis Avon partnered with UAW Local 2000, Unit 5, to raise $420.00 for the Genesis House Domestic Violence Center, which was also matched by the owners. In addition, they conducted a food-drive that collected two hundred forty-six (246) pounds of food for The Mission Services of Goodwill Food Pantry and gave the Marines, Toys-for-Tots a full box of new name-brand toys and a beautiful bike.

Detroit Chassis is…
Committed People Delivering
World Champion Performance
to Achieve Customer Joy
On Time, All the Time, Every Time.

This is how we do it! 1DC

DC Advisor: August 7th, 2020

DC Advisor: August 7th, 2020

DCP’s COVID-19 UPDATE

Detroit Chassis continues to follow the guidelines and protocols set forth by the (CDC) Center of Disease Control and Prevention. Temperature scans and self-certification is mandatory for all who enter the facility. All are required to wear face mask, glasses or face shields.

Proper social distancing protocols are enforced, and all suspect areas of concern are immediately disinfected and sanitized. (Note: DCP has acquired a disinfecting fogger to aid in the sanitation of tooling and work areas)

Since May of 2020:

Five Associates tested positive for COVID-19
16 Associates were quarantined as symptomatic
41 Associates were quarantined under Contact Tracing

Amid the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic great things are occurring Detroit Chassis and we are proud to acknowledge the efforts of team members that push past mediocracy to excel in performing and accomplishing tasks.

Greg Scott and Jeff Hawkins, Quality Technicians are two Associates with outstanding performance managing the C2 Gate. They identify all of the issues from the Steering Column Build area, C2 and the Sub-assembly areas, and diligently provide thorough inspections leading to correct and complete resolution.

Shawn Duff at 6’6” towers above the rest of us, but he has a kind demeanor, fights for fairness, is dedicated, focused, loyal and yet humble, so it is no surprise to me that he received his fourth promotion to Production Leader effective Monday, July 17, 2020.

Shawn Duff, Production Leader, Detroit Chassis

Shawn began his career with Detroit Chassis in March of 2000 as a production Associate. His first job was decking the Birdcage on the C2 line. He quickly advanced to assembling the Birdcage and became interested in learning other operations throughout the production process. Shawn eventually learned most if not all of the assembly operations throughout the entire process.

He was promoted to Team Leader in 2014, Product Specialist in 2019, Quality Operating System Coordinator (QOSC) earlier this year; and now Production Leader. Shawn was given the opportunity to apply for this position because of his outstanding contributions during the 2020MY Launch and for the support he provided to the production line in his role as QOS Coordinator.

He is grateful for this promotion and he looks forward to continual growth at DC. When asked what advice he offers to new hires this was his response, “Start off by learning your job well. Become proficient in your area then reach out and courageously take on new assignments in the surrounding areas. Be willing to take counsel and learn from others with more experience and remain open to direction from leaders because it will improve your work performance.”

Great job, Greg and Jeff and Congratulations Shawn!

DETROIT CHASSIS AVON

Friday, July 31, 2020, DCA achieved 500 days without an OSHA Recordable injury and 500 Days without a Lost Time Incident with a Celebration Lunch.

Attendees enjoyed the following Menu:

• Lime Chicken & cheese Quesadillas
• Chicken Street Tacos with Sour Cream, Pico de Gallo and Hot Sauce
• Spanish Rice & Beans
• Plantains stuffed with Chicken & Pico de Gallo

Everyone had a great time and was thankful for the extra time added to the lunch period that allowed them to enjoy the tasty feast.

DCA’s COVID-19 UPDATE

David Forney, Interim Plant Manager, reported that there are no cases of COVID-19 identified at DCA since the return to production.

The team continues to have their temperatures taken upon entering the building and certify they are not experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19. Associates practice wearing required masks as part of daily PPE, frequent hand washing, and social distancing.

DCA ASSOCIATE OF THE MONTH

Jermaine Ross Production Supervisor First Shift, David Forney, Interim Plant Manager and Maurice Carroll.

Maurice Carroll, H567 TWA ILVS Rack Out Position – First Shift, became a member of the DCA team in November of 2018.

Maurice Carroll went above and beyond his duties when he identified a rack of tires from second shift that sat for a long time with one missing tire. Maurice elevated the issue to his supervisor and it was immediately resolved.

Great Job Maurice!

DC Advisor: August 5th, 2020

DC Advisor: August 5th, 2020

 

DCP’s COVID-19 UPDATE

Thank you to the 76 Associates that participated in June’s Detroit Chassis Associate Engagement Survey and to those that participated from DCA. All of the responses from DCA were positive and reflect that Associates feel safe while at work, and have the required PPE to perform. Responses from more of the Associates at both locations is necessary to get more of an accurate assessment.

Associates, your continued feedback is vital in helping Detroit Chassis better understand your perspective on the Safety measures relating to COVID-19. There is still more to do.

Here is a summary of the survey responses received.

1. More than 50% of Associates responded YES to Question # One – Over the past week, DCP has demonstrated that they care about me and my well-being, and I feel safe working here.

2. Question 2: 62% believe DCP is doing a GOOD job of preventing sick people from entering the building.

3. Question 3: 52% would feel very CONFIDENT about the safety of a loved one (son, daughter, sister, brother, or best friend) working for DCP.

4. Question 4: 30% strongly AGREE; 30% agree; 10% somewhat agree that if asked, they would tell their friends and family that DC’s top priority is providing a safe work environment.

5. Question 5: 95% responded YES, they received every piece of PPE that they felt was needed and requested (such as masks, etc.).

6. Question 6: 42% strongly AGREE; 40 agree, 7% somewhat agree that they understand and follow the new social distancing rules at DC, such as keeping at least 6 feet of distance between themselves and another Associate.

7. Question 7: 97% responded YES, they have convenient access to a sink or station to wash hands and use hand sanitizer.

8. Question 8: Nearly 60% responded YES, they would not come to work if they were feeling symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, unexplained tiredness): 40% responded NO. Michael Guthrie pointed out that answering this question is confusing. This question will get revised for clearer understanding.

9. Question 9: 65% responded YES, the information DCP shared before returning to work (mailing, texts, and calls) was helpful, and they knew what to expect when they returned.

10. Question 10: What recommendations do you have to help DC learn more about what it can do for your health and safety and the health and safety of your family members? MANY suggestions were provided, along with comments on the actions taken by DC to protect Associates.

Thank you for your candid feedback—the joint UAW and Mgmt. Health and Safety committee is working to strengthen Safety protocols now that the team can meet regularly. Based on the feedback received and in the spirit of continuous improvement, cleaning protocols are getting enhanced.
Stay tuned for the next survey later this month.

DCA Associates at the Town Hall Meeting Friday, June 26, 2020

DETROIT CHASSIS AVON

David Forney, Interim Plant Manager, welcomed 24 new hires at June’s Town Hall meeting at Detroit Chassis Avon in Avon Lake, Ohio. He thanked UAW Local 2000 members for assisting in training and preparation of the new Associates for the start of the second shift. He is encouraged by the teamwork displayed and let every member know they are valuable. “Having you on the team makes a difference.” David Forney, Interim Plant Manager

Congratulations Durrell Brooks, Production Associate, who won a Makita Tool Bag during the general raffle. Al Brown, UAW Team Member, also won a $ 25 Gift Card from Meijer’s.

DCA’s COVID-19 UPDATE

David Forney, Interim Plant Manager, reported that 94% of the workforce is still going strong following the COVID-19 pandemic and that there have been no cases of COVID-19 identified at DCA since the return to production.

The team continues to have their temperatures taken upon entering the building and certify they are not experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19. Associates practice wearing required masks as part of daily PPE, frequent hand washing, and social distancing.

CURRENT EVENTS

Reposted from Facebook

DC Advisor: June 19th, 2020

DC Advisor: June 19th, 2020

[vc_row type=”container”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1562″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”container”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

DCP’s COVID-19 UPDATE

Michael Hinton, Toya Jones, Sakina Goodman, Toni Siders, Edwina Milligan, Shana Smith and Andre Humes

Kudos to the team for extraordinary efforts in getting Associates back to work. Detroit Chassis, like many companies, was challenged and tasked with gaining momentum and reopening after Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced her approval for companies to return to production.

The struggle was real and known by our customers. Senior leaders within Ford Motor Company were aware and wanted daily updates on the team’s plan to progress. The plan involved retaining and motivating Associates, and by helping them to understand the vital role that each Associate plays in the production process.

The DC team coached and counseled Associates on new protocols, social distancing, and communicated openly regarding COVID-19 at the plant.

Production Associates embraced this approach and appreciated the enhancements to the Personal Protective Equipment policy.

Since the return to regular production, there has been one case identified and, the team responded immediately by implementing protocols to address the Associate with care, performing contact tracing, and limiting the spread. A new App is now used for Associates to self-certify each morning electronically and this reduces the amount of time it takes to complete the entry process daily.

They say, “When times get tough, the tough get going.” Well, that has never been truer anywhere than it is here at Detroit Chassis! I’m so grateful to be a part of such an amazing family of co-workers. The COVID-19 pandemic hit our community, especially hard and when we returned to work very much shorthanded. I watched with amazement as DCP Associates pitched in to cover two or three and even four jobs each to protect our promise of delivering customer joy!!

The team showed an unbelievable fight to accomplish what MOST places would have deemed impossible! Thirteen units were built with more than 60% of our workforce unavailable! With our business at risk and our customers hurting for our product, Human Capital, Human Resources, and the UAW teamed into action collectively working together to save the business!

“There were early morning and late-night conference calls, and seven-day workweeks to begin to build the team back up. I’m so thankful to them all.”

“As a result of their efforts, and a ‘win-at-all-cost-attitude’ from our entire company, more than 70 referrals have been received by DCP Associates! That Detroit fighting spirit fuels me and makes me feel so very fortunate to be a part of the DCP family.”

“We still have much to do, but there is no doubt that this team is more than up to the challenge of getting back to full strength and delivering on our promise of 100% Customer Joy! We are still accepting referrals and still improving daily as the chart below shows. Let’s keep the momentum going DCP! Ain’t no stopping us now, we’re on the move!”

Philip White
Plant Manager – Detroit Chassis Plant[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”container”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

DETROIT CHASSIS PLANT

  • Detroit Chassis has been busy making enhancements to the quality operating system.
  • Additional Quality Gate Inspectors were added to the process along with additional torque operators using the latest technology in the industry for auditing torque. Staffing in this area increased by 500%.
  • A Manufacturing Excellence System (MES) has been added to the I-Shaft installation process.
  • A Batch-and-hold 24-hour process is now in place so that any issues identified can get addressed before units ship to improve customer satisfaction.
  • An MES is planned for Rear Axles in July 2020. It will:
    • Ensure there are no leaks and that fluid volume is correct.
    • Confirm all of the correct parts were used and verify torque.
    • Axles will not pass this station if there is an issue.

Plans include installing a larger scale of MES throughout the plant at all delta critical stations.

“There is a proverb in Scripture which says ‘A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words.’ In other words, we need to put in action what we say to reap the benefits. I am excited to say that there are additional quality actions that are taking place now and ones planned for the future that will reap benefits for DCP, Ford, and our customers.”

David Taylor
VP Engineering – Detroit Chassis Plant

Associates preparing items for packaging in the newly designed dunnage box preparation area.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

DETROIT CHASSIS AVON

Tony Rollison, UAW Local 200 Steward/Materials Handler, Chino Gonzales, Maintenance Technician, Jim Henson, Engineering Manager and David Forney, Interim Plant Manager

Detroit Chassis Avon awarded Agueybano “Chino” Gonzalez, Maintenance Technician, the Employee of the Month recognition for June 2020. Chino was recognized earlier this month at a Town Hall meeting. He received a $25 Gift Card for having demonstrated an excellent quality of work along with a stellar attitude.

He has been with Detroit Chassis since August 03, 2015, and is currently the only Maintenance Technician. He worked to keep Detroit Chassis Avon, functioning, since the return to production from the mandated COVID-19 Pandemic shut-down by Governor Mike DeWine.

Agueybano “Chino” Gonzalez Maintenance Technician

THANK YOU, to Chino Gonzalez, from the UAW Local 2000 and the Detroit Chassis Leadership team.

Keep up the good work!

DCA’s COVID-19 UPDATE

David Forney, Interim Plant Manager, reported that 94% of the workforce returned following the COVID-19 pandemic and that there have been no cases of COVID-19 identified at DCA since the return to production.

The team continues to practice the wearing of masks, social distancing and frequent hand washing to help combat the spread of the disease.

All Associates have their temperatures taken upon entering the building each day and certify they are not experiencing any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19.

DCA PREPARES FOR 2ND SHIFT

The plant will start second-shift production Monday, June 22, 2020, to meet increased customer demand. We added 24 new Associates who will complete training on the first-shift before assignment to the second. Both shifts will run Monday – Thursday until further notice.

Forward questions to dforney@detroitchassis.com.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

DPS Corona Resource Page – Food pickup sites, academic information, and Corona positive cases through DPS schools
DPS Resource Page

City of Detroit COVID 313 – Resources for families including utility relief, free Wi-fi, housing, and more
COVID 313

Scholly – $200 cash assistance for families with students
SC holly Application Page

Pantry.Net – Food Pantry locator
Pantry.net

Forgotten Harvest – Food resources & appointments
Forgotten Harvest Website

Gleaners Community Food Bank – Food resources & place to donate for those in need
Gleaners Website

Detroit Food Updates – Updates on your favorite restaurants’ hours & operation during COVID – 19
Detroit Food Website

Great Start Wayne – Daily food pantry & warm meal updates for the homeless and those in need
GSW Website

Eater Detroit – List of grocery stores that offer curbside pickup and delivery in Detroit
Eater Detroit

Michigan Bridges – Food delivery or meals for those who are older than 60
Michigan Bridges

EMPLOYEE CONNECTSM SERVICES

We offer confidential guidance and resources for you or an immediate household family member.

  • In-person help with short-term issues; up to four* sessions per person, per issue, per year
  • Toll-free phone and web access 24/7
  • Unlimited phone access to legal, financial and work-life services
  • A 25% discount on in-person consultations with network lawyers
  • Financial consultations and referrals
  • Work/life services care, finding movers, kennels and pet care, vacation planning, and more.

To learn more about the Lincoln Financial Employee Connect program, visit www.Lincoln4Benefits.com or www.GuidanceResources.com  (user name = LFGsupport; password = LFGsupport1)
Or talk with a specialist at 888-628-4824.

EmployeeConnect SM services are provided by ComPsych® Corporation, Chicago, IL.

ComPsych® is not a Lincoln Financial Group® company. Coverage is subject to actual contract language. Each independent company is solely responsible for its own obligations. Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. Affiliates are separately responsible for their own financial and contractual obligations.

©2013 Lincoln National Corporation
BP 10/13 Z04
Order code: GP-EMPCO-SJM001

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”container”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]