Our Members at Work: Dresden Industrial Ridgetown
October 16, 2017
Did you know, you might drive a vehicle with parts made by UFCW Local 175 Members?
Read it as it appeared in Checkout September 2017
About 280 Members of UFCW Local 175 work at the 150,000 square foot Dresden Industrial plant in Ridgetown. Originally, AJ Sales opened the plant in 1947, and in 1976 KSR International acquired the company.
The primary product line for many years was brake pedal assemblies and door latches. Today, the facility is home to the company’s global Research and Development office and manufacturing of automotive sensors, as well as brake assemblies.
Five departments run through the plant and on each, there are a number lines and job tasks to be done. This includes:
- solder ball inspection,
- quality assurance,
- line operators,
- line set-up,
- crib attendants,
- spring building,
- stamping press,
- maintenance,
- suspension,
- safe launch, and more.
Members, who work either morning, afternoon or midnight shifts, make these products for a number of customers. This includes: Ford, Chrysler, Magna, GM, Jaguar, Land Rover, Kia, Fiat, and more.
In 2016, five new Stewards were elected to the team of ten, and in January of this year the members ratified a new collective agreement.
“This year has been a learning experience for everyone. It has shown me just how great the team of Members at Dresden is. They are really good to work with,” said Union Rep Wendy Absolom. “This plant is a fixture in the community. Everyone looks after each other here. The Chief Steward, Trudy, is a great leader and the Stewards and Health & Safety Committee all look out for the best interests of the members.”
The items manufactured by UFCW Local 175 members include sensors that control the position of the throttle body and the vehicle. Other sensors produced control the ride height, headlight aim, and sense the position of the transfer case.
Members make most of the product and components used to manufacture the final saleable parts as well. These parts include: Injection molding, high speed stamping, Surface Mount technology, and automated assembly.
Find more features of UFCW Locals 175 & 633 members at work.
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