From: http://wvgazette.com/section/Today/200701018 ***************************************************** Closed, future uncertain Union Stamping and Assembly in South Charleston threw in the towel and declared bankruptcy after union workers declined to make another round of concessions that would have substantially trimmed wages that averaged $17.21 an hour. The plant had 525 workers when Cleveland-based Union Partners LLC bought the plant from Mayflower Vehicle Systems two years ago, and had nearly 800 workers three years ago. Park Corp. of Cleveland has owned the building since 1969 and over the years has leased it to American Motors Corp., Chrysler Corp., Volkswagen of America Inc., Checker Motors Corp., Mayflower and Union Stamping. In early December, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Ronald Pearson approved Park's $18 million offer to buy the massive presses and other equipment inside. That seemed like a ray of hope. By yearend, Ray Park had hired 20 to 25 people to paint, put in new lights and repair the roof and floors. He also brought in John Wise, who once managed the plant, to help repair the machinery. ***************************************************** -- end -- _______________________________________________ AMC-List mailing list AMC-List@xxxxxxxxxxxx http://www.amc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/amc-list or go to http://www.amc-list.com