[ctbruce]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

That is a very good (and valid) concern... As production grows, then falls, then grows again, "line layoffs" occur at any plant. Those workers have the option of sitting around the house on unemployment or looking for work somewhere else. Many "move down the block" to a different factory, different assembly line, some even move within Keystone to a different facility. Hideouts and Springdales today and Alpines and Montanas tomorrow.... Quality? what's different in the assembly of entry level and luxury models ??? Wonder why there might be a "trim problem in a Montana" ???

Then, there's always the guy that doesn't like his boss, the shift work or can get 50 cents an hour more "where they're hiring this week" and moves for whatever reason. I'm sure every plant has some unique, small differences, even if, to an outsider, the jobs look identical. For instance, at one plant, the worker installs axles, aligns them and verifies the alignment in one sequence while in another plant, the worker installs axles, aligns them, BUT a second worker checks the alignment and then tightens the bolts. Moving from the first to the second would mean a "triple check" while moving from the second to the first would mean the bolts were loose when the trailer is turned over (right side up) to move down the line. Trailers move down the line on dollies and aren't supported by their axles until they are pulled out of the plant "big door". Chances are it would be towed to the dealership with loose bolts in the axle hangers and possibly the big "spring block U bolts" as well...

I can see where a "new guy not familiar with everything" could easily cause many "guffaws" that would/could go undetected until they cause a problem, possibly well after the warranty has expired.....

Which goes right back around to the need for training and verifying that training. Just because Sylvester did the job at GD doesnt mean he can or should do it unsupervised at Keystone. Wait, this starting to sound like a call for better quality control!