Apparently, I lied earlier about not writing work related blogs, because I’m writing another. But since this is what pays me to be here, you’ll just have to get over it.
We have finally begun moving into the plant!!
No, construction is far from complete, but it is far enough along to allow us to begin moving in machinery. In order to meet our start up delivery dates, we need to begin installing now around the construction. Our wash machine (cleans finished bearings before they are shipped – Its big), one non-destructive test machine (chemically tests the steel for any micro damage that could occur during manufacture – it’s pretty big), and many of our gauging and measurement instruments have been moved in.
If I thought the hassles with construction delays were bad enough, this week just about blew my top. After spending several hours coordinating deliveries with our logistics team, it was apparent not everyone was in agreement to begin now.
Several of our local team (that would be OUR people) were resisting the machine moves because they were concerned about security in the building.
So get a guard!
They resisted moving in machines because some internal rooms do not have permanent lighting, yet.
So put up temporary lights!
They resisted moving in machines because the heat is not on yet.
So buy a space heater!
They resisted moving in machines because of the construction dirt.
So hire janitors!
And then the killer …
“The driver is not available to take us to the plant site for training.”
“It’s a half mile – walk! We do it all the time!”
“It’s snowing.”
“an unprintable reply”
Oh my goodness gracious! If I am ever destined to have a coronary, it was right then.
We have had more people spending more time trying to create more delays than trying to resolve them. Is this what we have to look forward to? Hopefully not. One advantage I have is that when I was involved with building the airbag plant way back in 1994 (remember that other century?) – we installed machines during construction, so I have some experience with those type headaches.
But through it all, this equipment is now inside the building and installation has begun. Next week, there are several more coming in and I am hoping the plant will finally begin to look like a manufacturing facility and not just a huge concrete box.
Many of you have asked to see pictures as we install, but since we use some proprietary technology and this is a public website; I can’t post those if I plan on remaining employed, so you have to wait until I see you personally to show you limited photos.
But it will be a great plant.
As our Assembly Work Stream Leader said about our washer machine (and I quote) … “It’s Big – and It’s Sexy!!
27 January 2008
And So It Begins!
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4 comments:
The phrase "oh my good gracious!" Was that in there to please your wife or your mother or the Chinese censors? That does not sound like you, nor would I suspect, was that something you actually said! That sounds like something from Project Runway!
BTW, I do like the phrase "And so it begins!" Sounds like something Sherman would have said as he stood atop Overlook hill in Vinings (where I used to have an office) just before he sent the Yanks down to Buckhead, Midtown and Downtown Atlanta, to burn pillage and rape. Or something a Roman General would have said as he unleashed "hell" on some unsuspecting German or French or British army! Or, maybe what Martin Sheen said just as he came across Marlon Brando in Apocalypse Now!
Hi Mitch
I like the referece to the old airbag day's - I remember it well. Drop me a line when you get a chance or your back in country. You can reach me through the following website
www.jitsufoundation-usa.com
All the best
Mike Mallen
Actually i beleive the phrase "And so it begins!" was used in the third installment of the Lord of the Rings. I beleive gandalf says it before the battle of Gondor
-Sam
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