I found the Budd Blog very nostalgic. I started with the company at Budd Gary in 1971. Mr first Plant Manager was H.K. Hockenbery, one of the finest plant managers that I have had the privilege to serve. He was succeeded by a very dynamic, demanding and exemplary leader, Robert A Bitting who also happened to be Commander-in-Chief of the U. S. Naval Reserve, MI. He set an example that any Annapolis graduate would be proud of and I was very fortunate to serve him as well. I am Lucius Woodson and was known as Buddy Woodson. When we closed our plant in 1982, some of my colleagues went to Detroit and some went to Philly. I chose to remain and find work in and around Gary, Indiana.
Perhaps you know some of them: R. A. Bitting, Don Bormes, Steve Gallegos, L. C. Williams, Kellemburger, John Kaminski, Al Jackson, Dave Wimmer, John Seebrook, Adam Sierkowski, Rodriquez, and many others. I lost track of everyone but I know that they are OK because they have had the Budd Experience and will do well anywhere.
Yours truly,
Buddy Woodson #11716
Blogger's Note: After the Gary Plant closed, many of the executives came to the Corporate Offices in Troy. Among them were: Jim Wahlman and Dave Verbeke, both in Human Resources. H.K. (Ken) Hockenberry also made the transition. Ken passed away in 2006at the age of 91.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Budd Rochester Knows How to Party!!
Hello Everybody:
Just thought I better post the date of this year's party.
The party will be on friday dec.5. Party time will be from 5'oclockto whenever. The party will be at Dublins Pub located on ten mile rd.two blocks west of I- 94 expressway. Iwill be there from
4 o`clock on
Hope to see you there.
Norm Fournier Sr.
Just thought I better post the date of this year's party.
The party will be on friday dec.5. Party time will be from 5'oclockto whenever. The party will be at Dublins Pub located on ten mile rd.two blocks west of I- 94 expressway. Iwill be there from
4 o`clock on
Hope to see you there.
Norm Fournier Sr.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Upcoming Election -- A Budd Pastime
The Budd Company, prior to its acquisition in 1978, was always a company that actively encouraged its employees and the public at large to vote.
The company published a annual "Guide to Federal Officials," which was distributed to approximately 100,000 nationwide. It also held a "Forum on Government Affairs," an event where corporate employees and their spouses could hear a nonpartisan government official address an important issue.
In 1978, the company rented voting machines and conducted a mock election to gauge the political opinions of its employees.
The company never offered its own views, but simply asked that everyone "Make Their Voice Be Heard."
Budd also had a Political Action Committee (PAC) that supported candidates who favored the automotive and railcar businesses.
The company published a annual "Guide to Federal Officials," which was distributed to approximately 100,000 nationwide. It also held a "Forum on Government Affairs," an event where corporate employees and their spouses could hear a nonpartisan government official address an important issue.
In 1978, the company rented voting machines and conducted a mock election to gauge the political opinions of its employees.
The company never offered its own views, but simply asked that everyone "Make Their Voice Be Heard."
Budd also had a Political Action Committee (PAC) that supported candidates who favored the automotive and railcar businesses.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Shopping for Budd Photos
Hi,
I'm looking for a larger, higher quality photo of the Budd AutomotiveProducts sign that used to sit atop the Budd Manufacturing Company plant in Philadelphia (see the following link):www.pgworks.com/images/major_budd.jpg
Budd had a similar sign atop their stamping plant in Gary, IN, and may have had others.I would appreciate any potential photo sources or leads that you can provide.
Thanks for the help!
(Note: Information can be sent to the Budd Blogger at go2paulf@gmail.com)
Mark T. Evans
Anaheim, CA
I'm looking for a larger, higher quality photo of the Budd AutomotiveProducts sign that used to sit atop the Budd Manufacturing Company plant in Philadelphia (see the following link):www.pgworks.com/images/major_budd.jpg
Budd had a similar sign atop their stamping plant in Gary, IN, and may have had others.I would appreciate any potential photo sources or leads that you can provide.
Thanks for the help!
(Note: Information can be sent to the Budd Blogger at go2paulf@gmail.com)
Mark T. Evans
Anaheim, CA
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Attention: Rochester Retirees -- October 23 Lunch
Rochester retirees luncheon will be held October 23, 2008 at Rivercrest.
Please contact Karen Hunter at 586 286-0525 or Ramona at 248 656-1362 or r.hepfner@earthlink.net for information.
Thank you.
Ramona Hepfner
Please contact Karen Hunter at 586 286-0525 or Ramona at 248 656-1362 or r.hepfner@earthlink.net for information.
Thank you.
Ramona Hepfner
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Rochester Retirees Luncheon
For several years now retirees and those who had worked at Rochester have gathered for a spring and fall luncheon. RiverCrest. Many of you will remember the meetings held there plus Nino catered our picnics at Addison Oaks where our luncheons are held. Over 60 were in attendance this spring and are looking forward to our fall luncheon. Joe and Marilyn Logan (Florida) planned a trip to Michigan around our luncheon date. No date for the fall get-together has been selected at this time. Thanks to Karen Hunter and Ramona Hepfner for making the arrangements. For more info, contact Ramona at: r.hepfner@earthlink.net
Friday, July 4, 2008
Budd -- A Place for Bonding, says Bondy
Hi Paul!
Thanks for a great e-mail and a great idea! It's hard to sum up 20 working years into a 'philosophy', but I think many of us share the feeling that the work we did each day was not just for a paycheck (although that was important!) or to further the company's goals, but because our fellow employees needed what we did, to do what they had to do. At least for me, it was a personal thing.
We may not have been able to articulate the company credo, but we felt what we did was worthwhile and necessary to someone. Ideas like The Budd Institute gave us a chance to meet employees all up and down the corporate ladder and establish ties we would not otherwise have had.
My wish for you and all the Budd gang on this day is health and happiness and a joyous 4th of July!
Karen Bondy
Thanks for a great e-mail and a great idea! It's hard to sum up 20 working years into a 'philosophy', but I think many of us share the feeling that the work we did each day was not just for a paycheck (although that was important!) or to further the company's goals, but because our fellow employees needed what we did, to do what they had to do. At least for me, it was a personal thing.
We may not have been able to articulate the company credo, but we felt what we did was worthwhile and necessary to someone. Ideas like The Budd Institute gave us a chance to meet employees all up and down the corporate ladder and establish ties we would not otherwise have had.
My wish for you and all the Budd gang on this day is health and happiness and a joyous 4th of July!
Karen Bondy
Hooray for the Red, White and Budd
LET'S HEAR IT FOR EDWARD G. BUDD...AN AMERICAN 'PIONEER'! His legacy left us filled with pride in a company born of one man's ingeniuity and skill and steeped in traditional patriotism and pride. I am one of many who remember the 'original' Budd Company. I am extremely proud to have contributed 25 years of my service, and I continue to be rewarded each month for my hard work and loyalty. My memories are many, which include the American flag that flew proudly out front, first in Philadelphia,and last in Troy. May God bless all of those who contributed to this wonderful company on this Fourth of July. Today, there is only ONE remaining soldier who fought in WWI. May we never forget all of our friends who served so that we can enjoy the freedoms we treasure today.
Lynne Wikarski, Indian River, MI (lynneupnorth@fastmail.fm)
Lynne Wikarski, Indian River, MI (lynneupnorth@fastmail.fm)
Budd Family Loses Norm Freitag
Norm Freitag, the friendly engineer who worked at The Budd Company Technical Center, died June 26.
May 21 Budd Retirees Reunion
May 21 was a day of reunion for old and dear friends who retired from The Budd Company.
More than 60 Budd retirees met at the Rochester Chop House for lunch. In attendance were Budd people who retired 20 years ago and some that retired last year.
Thanks to Mercedes Godin for arranging the event. It may be an annual affair.
If you attended the Budd Retiree Luncheon and would like to tell us about your experience, please do so on Budd Company Blogs.
More than 60 Budd retirees met at the Rochester Chop House for lunch. In attendance were Budd people who retired 20 years ago and some that retired last year.
Thanks to Mercedes Godin for arranging the event. It may be an annual affair.
If you attended the Budd Retiree Luncheon and would like to tell us about your experience, please do so on Budd Company Blogs.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Remembering Pat McIntosh from Detroit Plant
From Don Ruedisueli,
I just received notification that Pat McIntosh passed away on Saturday, 3/22/08.
Most of the corporate elitists probably don't know Pat but he had been the Benefits Manager at the Detroit plant for almost 30 years until he was unceremoniously transferred to corporate in 1998 and relegated to answering the phones for the new benefits center which was established at the end of 1997.
In my opinion, Pat was the best manager ever to have worked for Budd and I am blessed with having been able to work for him for all the years that I did. He was not only the most knowledgable and caring employer I have ever had the honor of knowing but he also had unrivaled personal integrity. A trait which the Corporate HR staff was sadly lacking.
The way the corporate HR people treated him following his transfer to Troy in '98 was far beyond disgusting. I was greatly saddened when he developed his medical problems to the extent that he had to leave the company on disability but at the same time I was relieved that he no longer had to put up with such insulting behavior from his own managerial peer group.
Thank you, Pat, for leaving such a positive impact on my life and may God welcome you home and watch over your family. You will truly be missed............
Don Ruedisueli
I just received notification that Pat McIntosh passed away on Saturday, 3/22/08.
Most of the corporate elitists probably don't know Pat but he had been the Benefits Manager at the Detroit plant for almost 30 years until he was unceremoniously transferred to corporate in 1998 and relegated to answering the phones for the new benefits center which was established at the end of 1997.
In my opinion, Pat was the best manager ever to have worked for Budd and I am blessed with having been able to work for him for all the years that I did. He was not only the most knowledgable and caring employer I have ever had the honor of knowing but he also had unrivaled personal integrity. A trait which the Corporate HR staff was sadly lacking.
The way the corporate HR people treated him following his transfer to Troy in '98 was far beyond disgusting. I was greatly saddened when he developed his medical problems to the extent that he had to leave the company on disability but at the same time I was relieved that he no longer had to put up with such insulting behavior from his own managerial peer group.
Thank you, Pat, for leaving such a positive impact on my life and may God welcome you home and watch over your family. You will truly be missed............
Don Ruedisueli
Saturday, March 8, 2008
The Budd Culture -- Executives Who Cared
In my 30 years with The Budd Company I was fortunate to work with many great executives. They were great because they cared not only about the company, but the people that worked there.
If an executive at Budd did not care about people, he did not last long.
This "people first" philosophy came from the top down. I knew three Budd Chairmen... Gil Richards, Jim McNeal and Sigi Buschmann. You noticed I said: Gil, Jim and Sigi. That's because they were your friends and they wanted to be addressed like one.
These three chairmen came from different backgrounds. Gil was the ultimate salesman. Jim was a manufacturing expert. And Sigi was financial savvy.
Yet all three were people oriented.
Gil Richards would routinely walk the halls of Budd in Troy asking secretaries, clerks and supervisors what THEY thought about the company, its products and its top management.
As part of the Public Affairs Department, I was honored to organize a "Breakfast with the Chairman" program for Jim and, subsequently, Sigi. Each month or so, the chairman would visit a company plant or facility to answer questions from the rank and file as well as listen to their concerns.
The first round of questions were formal, pre-submitted so appropriate responses could be prepared. However, the second round of questions were spontaneously and unrehearsed. Manytimes, information meant only for the Boardroom would be discussed in these meetings. Perhaps some of you participated in these breakfast meetings.
I was honored to know three of the six Budd chairmen in its 90-year history. How many of you knew all six?
Who was your favorite Budd executive...and why. Tell us about it in the Budd Company Blogger.
If an executive at Budd did not care about people, he did not last long.
This "people first" philosophy came from the top down. I knew three Budd Chairmen... Gil Richards, Jim McNeal and Sigi Buschmann. You noticed I said: Gil, Jim and Sigi. That's because they were your friends and they wanted to be addressed like one.
These three chairmen came from different backgrounds. Gil was the ultimate salesman. Jim was a manufacturing expert. And Sigi was financial savvy.
Yet all three were people oriented.
Gil Richards would routinely walk the halls of Budd in Troy asking secretaries, clerks and supervisors what THEY thought about the company, its products and its top management.
As part of the Public Affairs Department, I was honored to organize a "Breakfast with the Chairman" program for Jim and, subsequently, Sigi. Each month or so, the chairman would visit a company plant or facility to answer questions from the rank and file as well as listen to their concerns.
The first round of questions were formal, pre-submitted so appropriate responses could be prepared. However, the second round of questions were spontaneously and unrehearsed. Manytimes, information meant only for the Boardroom would be discussed in these meetings. Perhaps some of you participated in these breakfast meetings.
I was honored to know three of the six Budd chairmen in its 90-year history. How many of you knew all six?
Who was your favorite Budd executive...and why. Tell us about it in the Budd Company Blogger.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
KITCHENER PLANT TO CLOSE NEXT YEAR
The news from the North is not good.
Google Blogs Alert for: MARTINREA
Martinrea to axe 1200 jobs with plant closureBy GREG KEENAN Industry woes and Canadian dollar cited in decision to halt work at Kitchener Frame in 2009, one of the largest factory shutdowns yet in the storm battering Canada's auto parts industry.The Globe and Mail - News & Comment News - http://www.reportonbusiness.com/news/
Google Blogs Alert for: MARTINREA
Martinrea to axe 1200 jobs with plant closureBy GREG KEENAN Industry woes and Canadian dollar cited in decision to halt work at Kitchener Frame in 2009, one of the largest factory shutdowns yet in the storm battering Canada's auto parts industry.The Globe and Mail - News & Comment News - http://www.reportonbusiness.com/news/
Monday, January 21, 2008
Last Budd Employees Depart
With the December departure of Tara Maliszewski, human resources manager, and Mike Carr, payroll supervisor, there are no longer any employees from The Budd Company. Several former Budd employees are currently working for ThyssenKrupp USA. At one time Budd employed more than 20,000 people.
Another Detroit Plant Manager Remembered
The plant manager prior to Roy Schucker was Bob Haberlien who came to Detroit from Philadelphia Plant in the early 60's. He was a wonderful man and set the stage for much of the improvements in the plant.
Bud Evans
P.S. We may be able to trace plant managers back to the 1920s when Budd purchased the plant from the Liberty Motor Car Company.
Bud Evans
P.S. We may be able to trace plant managers back to the 1920s when Budd purchased the plant from the Liberty Motor Car Company.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Budd Glee Club Members
In answer to Jim O'Connor's question on the previous blog, following are some of those who joined Herman Foster in the early 1980s on the Budd Glee Club, actually the "Christmas Choir," at Troy Corporate.
Mary Ann Paris, KurtMoilanen, Lou Drapeau, Barbara (Haggard) King, Dawn Riege, Dorothy Strefling, Christa Tews-Albrecht, Julie (Craig) Barthold, Donna Tomlinson. The perennial Glee Club director was Lynne Wikarski.
Other performers of note: Paul Sichert as Santa Claus. Jim Quinn as Scrooge. Alvin (Mark Gordon) and the Chipmunks (Don Fairchild and Greg Burdick), directed by David Seville (Walter Young). Elves were Gloria Armstrong, Kathy (Daugherty) Grimaldi, Margarita (Barczak) Smith.
There was a lot of talent at Budd Troy.
The Choir was resurrected more than 20 years later in 2005 by, among others, Deborah K. Harris, Lori Mason, Sue Ting-Wang, Linda Stout and Nancy Rough.
Mary Ann Paris, KurtMoilanen, Lou Drapeau, Barbara (Haggard) King, Dawn Riege, Dorothy Strefling, Christa Tews-Albrecht, Julie (Craig) Barthold, Donna Tomlinson. The perennial Glee Club director was Lynne Wikarski.
Other performers of note: Paul Sichert as Santa Claus. Jim Quinn as Scrooge. Alvin (Mark Gordon) and the Chipmunks (Don Fairchild and Greg Burdick), directed by David Seville (Walter Young). Elves were Gloria Armstrong, Kathy (Daugherty) Grimaldi, Margarita (Barczak) Smith.
There was a lot of talent at Budd Troy.
The Choir was resurrected more than 20 years later in 2005 by, among others, Deborah K. Harris, Lori Mason, Sue Ting-Wang, Linda Stout and Nancy Rough.
From Foster to The Little Women at Budd
Having read your posting, two Holiday memories came to mind. I recall Herman Foster and others in the “Budd Glee Club?” singing carols at the corporate office. I recall that Herman had a great tenor voice. Unfortunately I cannot remember the names of the other singers. Perhaps another Budd Blogger will contribute.
The second Budd holiday memory was about a Stamping and Frame Christmas party. Jim Roth had been enjoying the first class refreshments and rose to give the obligatory thank you for the employee’s contribution the previous year. As he held forth for some time he said thanks to all the little women at home supporting their husbands efforts to make the division successful. Needless to say this was not appreciated by “all the little women” who also worked outside their homes as well as the ladies who worked at Stamping and Frame. This proved to be one of the more memorable parties and contributed to much office discussion and joking about “the little women at home”.
Regards
Jim O’Connor
The second Budd holiday memory was about a Stamping and Frame Christmas party. Jim Roth had been enjoying the first class refreshments and rose to give the obligatory thank you for the employee’s contribution the previous year. As he held forth for some time he said thanks to all the little women at home supporting their husbands efforts to make the division successful. Needless to say this was not appreciated by “all the little women” who also worked outside their homes as well as the ladies who worked at Stamping and Frame. This proved to be one of the more memorable parties and contributed to much office discussion and joking about “the little women at home”.
Regards
Jim O’Connor
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