Snap on to close Natrick pneumatic tool plant?

[paramudduck]

"NATICK —

An international tool-making company confirmed Friday that it will likely close its West Central Street plant by June, potentially ending four decades of operations there and putting 80 employees out of work.

Rick Secor, a spokesman for Snap-on, said a final decision had not been made, but the closing was likely so the firm could maximize its productivity and efficiency.

"This is certainly not a reflection on the associates in Natick," he said. "It's a highly dedicated work force."

During a lunch break Friday, several longtime employees said the company appeared unappreciative of their efforts to turn around the pneumatic tool-producing plant in recent years with the help of new management."

http://www.tauntongazette.com/news/regional/x497795233/Natick-tool-plant-expected-to-close

I wonder if the production will be moved to the USA plants or overseas?

[Moose-LandTran]

It's moving to another plant, one of the Natick employees posted in another thread here somewhere.

[Diesel-Mech]

Heres what one of those 80 individuals has to say about it.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=372483&postcount=49

From this thread.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16373&page=5

I think its a shame but at least production is still staying here.

[Gregster]

Meh Unions suck anyways..

[fotoflojoe]

This sucks.

Strange though. I've driven past that building a hundred times, always thought it was a distribution center, didn't know it was a manufacturing facility.

[chad s]

Meh Unions suck anyways..

Exactly. Many union workers wont agree, but look at the US auto manufacturers. The unions wont negotiate a better deal, the lug nut install guy is still making $75k a year weather he is working or on leave, so they would rather make unreasonable rates for a short term, and soon have no job when the plant closes.

The Asian auto makers have no unions, offer good benefits themselves, and aren't held by the balls by some selfish Union.

Unions are really a false sense of security. The amazing thing is, the union workers actually think the union looks out for them!

[Merkava_4]

Just wondering if Snap-on could continue to make quality products without union labor, and whether the prices would be lower without union labor?

[Moose-LandTran]

F**k unions..

That's my contribution.. :lol:

[chad s]

Just wondering if Snap-on could continue to make quality products without union labor, and whether the prices would be lower without union labor?

Their cost would be lower, but I doubt they would lower their prices.

I think they could produce the same quality product without the Union labor. Union doesn't necessarily equal quality.

[bayou985]

F**k unions..

That's my contribution.. :lol:

That would be british unions....right??

[AutoTech]

Exactly. Many union workers wont agree, but look at the US auto manufacturers. The unions wont negotiate a better deal, the lug nut install guy is still making $75k a year weather he is working or on leave, so they would rather make unreasonable rates for a short term, and soon have no job when the plant closes.

The Asian auto makers have no unions, offer good benefits themselves, and aren't held by the balls by some selfish Union.

Unions are really a false sense of security. The amazing thing is, the union workers actually think the union looks out for them!

You hit the nail on the head Chad , coudn't have said it better!! :beer:

[fiver67]

There are only 2 other facilities making pneumatic tools for all you techs.
The Murphy , North Carolina plant and China. Yes China. Some components on the FAR Series come from China but assembled at the Natick plant. The MG725 still has 100% of its components made in America.

I agree that Union work does not equate to quality as we have had many quality issues at our plant. Quantity instead of quality was the name of the game at the Natick plant. I have been a machinist for over 20 years and I can
honestly say that the management at this facility did nothing to increase quality. Be sure to bargain with your Snap-on dealers because paying $350 for your impact wrenches, you are paying too much for that gun. I no doubt believe that the Murphy plant will meet production but quality will still be an issue. Union or Non-Union made. The cylinders and frames of the motors along with the anvils still lack the engineering. Hold onto your warrantys and ask for at least 5 years.

[fiver67]

http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1162817636/Natick-tool-plant-expected-to-close