The_Hedgehog

I completely agree. The last two years have gone by fast. Too fast. There was definitely something special with the people, and facility that made up AAP. I have tried to carry on the "AAP Tradition" at my new plant, but it has always been an uphill battle.

Great to hear from you...I was just thinking about you last week and how life is treating you. Very busy out here, all the down time was cancelled, and we are material protected for OT again soon. The new model builds easy, but the tools still need a little more debugging. Building on the w/e's to avoid going on the wire during the week, as DTP did. Send me an e-mail or P.M. and we will get into the hairy detail!! Be careful in Saudi..No more diplomatic immunity for you!! Remember...if you heat the lotion in a microwave...check it on a non-viable body part first...OUCH!!

No downtime for the forseeable future. Remember....we build a third model (regular cab and 8 foot box) DTP does not...Our R/C mix is around 40%. It is helping us stay afloat...

Yesterday, all I could think about was what I was doing same time last year...It was raining it's ass off that last day. Seemed very appropriate for the day. I am going to have many cocktails today, watch the Atlanta Nextel race on TV, and call Diamond Head up to see how sober he is this afternoon...Hope all are doing well...

The drawers reminded me of the stripes on a master seargent's sleeve. Soak em in water, and get a respectable broth. Was able to knock down my FCPA by 15% however...Just takin' a hit for the team, don't ya know....

I also miss the place. I stayed with Ford and transferred to another facility, but regret tremendously in hindsight not accepting the offer I had from the outside to stay in Ga. I miss grabbing a beer at Spondivits after work, sneaking off to Chick-Fil-A during work, bribing Alan in the FCPA shed for a good score for the tire kick...little things like that. I also miss the way Dale ran things...He was very approachable, totally unlike my current PM. I also hear Dale has his hands full at Wayne with the new focus...I wish him well...

one kind word such as yours is the reason I get up every day. unfortunately for us, it is easier to get a foot in the butt than a pat on the back. again, thanks for the words, it is definitely appreciated. wish we heard more of them.

Perhaps we should ask the poor bastards in Atlanta how they like it too, especially since all the SHO's came from that facility...

By the way, let's get back to the original topic of discussion. The Edge will not come to KCAP for several reasons. The SUV body shop is not a flex shop, and to retool without effecting current Escape production would not be an attractive option. Jesus....the "bubble" back there looks like Gotham City from the first Batman movie as it is, and is totally out of location, facilities wise to accomodate. That combined with the fact that Mikula would find a way to screw it up does not bode well. The truck side is a flex shop, and could conceivably make it happen, but their plate is overflowing with the upcoming P-415, and all that ensues. There will be a major amount of work to support that over the next year. IF and I mean IF an overflow plant was needed, my vote (looking into a crystal ball) would be MTP. They will be on 1 shift soon, have a flex body shop, and have more than enough room to do it...Also, they will be a heck of a lot closer to the supplier base at OAP than most plants. Just speculation from an unconnected grunt... :stats:

Word...

I agree with Bob. Less management typically equals a better running facility...IF the ones left have the stones to make a decision and then stand by it...

Jesus....I have a million Todd F. stories, from his time at NAP to WSP, then from his stint at VO thru his Wayne's World fiasco, followed by how he found a way to go to AAP and give 'em a little screwin down south, to his time in Ohio...All the same theme...thinking with the wrong organ, ate up with the dumbass disease, DUI in plant manager's car (after crashing it)...the list goes on and on...

What is his name??? It isn't Todd F. is it???

Where has the D.R. run off to???

Diamond Head: Have fun at Yellowstone...Don't steal any picnic baskets!!! Let me know how the job search goes. I am thinking about throwing in the towel next year, moving back and opening up a Jiffy-Lube!! Hopefully not too technical for a stooge like me. Stay in touch...Hog