News
ERT Completes Rope Rescue Training
May 10, 2013
The Buffalo Stamping Plant's Emergency Response Team (ERT) wrapped up their annual Rope Resuce training yesteday with a rope resuce drill. The exercise took place in the Oil House, where members of the ERT applied the knowledge and training they received over the past week to a simulated real life rescue.
Instructors from Michigan State University were on hand to assist with the training and drill. The members of the ERT completed the required 16 hours of in-class training and simulated rope rescue to become certified.
Attention Buffalo Stamping Plant Race Enthusiasts!
May 1, 2013
Buffalo Stamping Plant Employees: New members who join the BSP Facebook group from May 1st through May 31st will be eligible to win a pair of tickets to the 2013 Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, June 16th!
Ford Posts First Quarter Pre-Tax Profit of $2.1 Billion, Driven by Highest North America Profit in More than a Decade; Net Income of $1.6 Billion
April 24, 2013
Congratulations to the entire Ford team for continuing to deliver our One Ford plan, serving our customers around the world and delivering profitable growth. Thanks to our efforts, we today are announcing strong quarterly financial results, built on solid growth in volume and revenue.
Our earnings are driven by our highest North American profit since at least 2000 – when we began reporting results for the region as a separate business unit – and continued solid performance from Ford Credit.
Our results reflect more proof that our investments in Asia Pacific Africa are paying off, as we post record first quarter market share in the region and in China. They also reflect continued implementation of our transformation plan in Europe – which is on track to return to profitability by mid-decade – as well as expanding our global product portfolio and working on all areas of the business for further improvement in South America, as we address the challenging business environment in that region. Click here to read full article.
UAW Scholarship Opportunities
April 15, 2013
There are scholarship opportunities available to members and dependents of active UAW Ford employees. Current scholarships availabe include:
For additional information on these scholarships, please contact Dave Cerroni, UAW Quality Representative/ Employee Resource Coordinator, Local 897
Communication Plays Vital Role in Manufacturing
March 11,2013 (@Ford Online)
DEARBORN - Communication is an essential part of any successful relationship – whether it’s between a husband and wife, a parent and child or a company and its employees.
Effective communication is particularly important at Ford’s manufacturing facilities.
“A strong communication system is important to enable all of us to understand how our business is performing, to stay aligned, and to understand the challenges that we face as part of the global manufacturing team,” said Adrian Price, director, Global Ford Production System.
Ford Friendship Program Delivers Vans to 3 Nonprofits
February 7, 2013 (NBCNews.com)
Three nonprofit groups were selected by the WNY Ford Dealers to receive vans through its 2013 Ford Friendship Express program.
Buffalo Museum of Science, Cantalician Center for Learning and Family Help Center each received the keys to a new van during the announcement at the 2013 Buffalo Auto Show.
Ford Posts Highest Fourth Quarter Pre-Tax Prfit in More than a Decade; Full Year Pre-Tax Profit of $8 Billion and Net Income of $5.7 Billion
January 29, 2013 (@Ford Online)
Congratulations to the entire Ford team for continuing to implement our plan and taking decisive action to increase our competitiveness and deliver profitable growth. Thanks to our efforts, today we are announcing our highest fourth quarter pre-tax profit in more than a decade. These results are driven by record North American fourth quarter and full year pre-tax profit and operating margin, and continued solid performance from Ford Credit.
By staying absolutely focused on our One Ford plan going forward, we will be able to continue to take advantage of opportunities and address challenges around the world. This includes continuing our growth in Asia Pacific and North America, transforming our business in Europe and introducing more new global vehicles in South America. Click here to read full article.
Ford Doubles Quarterly Dividend in 2013 First Quarter
Updated January 10, 2013 (@Ford Online)
- Ford to pay quarterly dividend of 10 cents per share, up 100 percent from the previous rate of 5 cents per share
- Strong balance sheet, increased liquidity and positive business performance enable increase
- Ford's plan is to grow its dividend, consistent with earnings and liquidity growth, to a level that is sustainable through all business cycles
DEARBORN – The Board of Directors of Ford Motor Company declared a first-quarter dividend of $0.10 per share on the company’s outstanding Class B and common stock. This is double the level of dividend paid in each quarter of 2012 and consistent with the company’s One Ford goal of delivering profitable growth for all stakeholders.
“Our ability to double our dividend in one year is a testament to our One Ford plan, which has enabled us to maintain a solid balance sheet, while at the same time growing our business to provide our shareholders with more return on their investments,” said Bob Shanks, chief financial officer, Ford Motor Company.
Through the first three quarters of 2012, Ford increased its liquidity position by $2 billion and generated 10 consecutive quarters of positive Automotive operating-related cash flow.
The first-quarter dividend is payable on March 1, 2013, to shareholders of record on Jan. 30, 2013.
Alan Mulally Reflects on 2012, Looks Ahead to 2013
Updated December 17, 2012 (@Ford Online)
As we come to the end of the year, we encourage everyone to take time to appreciate all that we have accomplished together. We should feel very proud!
We restored Ford’s investment grade status after many years of hard work and earned back the Blue Oval. Together, we launched 25 vehicles and 31 powertrains globally. We marked 13 straight quarters of profitability through the third quarter – including record quarterly profit in North America. We developed a comprehensive plan for restoring profitability in Europe, continued to invest for growth in Asia Pacific, are using our One Ford plan to improve our performance in South America, began the reinvention of Lincoln and continued solid profitability at Ford Credit.
On behalf of Bill Ford and the entire leadership team, thank you! Each of you has contributed to our progress.
Click here to continue reading this message and to view a short video from, President and CEO Alan Mulally.
Training Process Begins for Team Leaders, Process Coaches
Updated December 11, 2012 (@Ford Online)
DEARBORN - Darrell Rowser is a new Team Leader at the Buffalo Stamping Plant. He recently went through eight days of intensive training on the seven operating systems within the Ford Production System (FPS) and the 18 key tasks that he will be responsible for in his new role.
Today, Rowser is leading approximately ten people and six lines in the assembly area at the Buffalo facility.
The placement of team leaders at Ford’s manufacturing facilities throughout the globe is critical to the success of the FPS, according to Adrian Price, director, Global FPS
“Our plant employees are the ones that deal with the issues and the process,” said Price. They’re the ones that can recommend real tangible improvements that are going to impact their safety as well as the quality and flow of our products.”
As a Team Leader, Rowser will take on some of the responsibilities previously handled by his supervisor at the plant. That supervisor is now evolving into a new role as a Process Coach.
Click here to continue reading the full article.
BSP Emergency Response Team Holds Live Action Drill
Updated December 7, 2012 (The Herd, December 2012)
The Buffalo Stamping Plant’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) held their annual Fire Drill in October. A total of 11 Fire Departments from the Towns of Hamburg, Orchard Park and Evans responded and participated with BSP in the annual live action drill.
The scenario for this year’s drill centered around an explosion and subsequent fire located in the oil house; with four missing employees. The last known locations of these missing employees included working on the roof, one was inventorying the paint room, and two were in the oil house looking for a drum of oil.
Preparation for the drill began at 4:30 pm, when four manikins (to represent 4 unaccounted employees) and three artificial smoke generators (smoke machines) were brought to the drill site. The three manikins were placed in the oil house along with the BSP manikin, which was placed on the roof. Since the drill was to commence at 6:30 pm, the three smoke machines were started at 6:15 pm to ensure the smoke would be banked down to the floor for the start of the drill. With the manikins properly placed and the smoke hanging heavy in the oil house, the live-action drill was ready to begin.
At 6:30 pm the ERT was notified of and responded to a reported explosion and fire in the oil house. Upon arrival Asst. Chief Pat Maxon performed his size up and determined that this emergency was well beyond the sole capabilities of the ERT. He notified security to call 911 to get outside help ASAP. While waiting for the outside help to arrive, the members of the Emergency Response Team zoned the area off, closed off exits from the plant that would have been in the hot zone, and positioned the ERT equipment in a safe, out of the way position so as to not hamper the positioning of outside fire companies’ apparatus.
Upon arrival of the first Woodlawn Vol. Fire Co. officer, Asst. Chief Maxon gave the officer a brief report of what was known thus far about the emergency at hand. At this point however, the scenario’s pace picked up rapidly. Many other fire companies and pieces of apparatus arrived in a very short time— each of which received orders before arriving on location at the oil house. An initial attack line was deployed through the “man door” on the east side of the oil house in an attempt to quickly knock down any fire that was present. The ‘second in’ engine crews were set to task searching the oil house for the four lost employees. There were two ladder trucks deployed, one to cover any fire on the roof and one to search for the missing employees. The first employee was brought out 4 minutes after the first search crew went in, and the victim was quickly turned over to waiting EMS for treatment. A second hose line, or back up line, was deployed through the east side man door to protect and aid the attack crew.
After the last victim was removed from the building, Command received a report that two firefighters were unaccounted for and thought to be injured inside the building. Immediately at this point the RIT, or Rapid Intervention Team, was deployed to search for the down firefighters. Both firefighters were located and rescued 6 minutes after the RIT entered the building.
It is the advanced planning, realistic situations and unanticipated circumstances that allow these annual drills to mimic real life emergencies. To be able to invite our local fire departments and colleagues to the Buffalo Stamping Plant for such a large scale night of safe, realistic and hands on learning is unprecedented in the town of Hamburg. Both junior as well as well seasoned fire fighters leave the annual Ford drill enlightened with typical plant hazards as well as the knowledge of how to handle an emergency at the Buffalo Stamping Plant.
Participating Fire Departments:
Town of Hamburg
Woodlawn
Bigtree
Blasdell
Newton Abbott
Hamburg
Lakeview
Lakeshore
Armor
South Towns Haz / Mat Town of Orchard Park
Orchard Park (RIT) Town of Evans
Evens center (RIT)
In addition to all the fire departments that were present Hamburg’s D2-1 was also present. D2-1 is a position held in the town of Hamburg to aid and assist the incident commander.
Women’s Committee of UAW Local 897 Raises Money for Breast Cancer Awareness
Updated November 12, 2012
The Women’s Committee of UAW Local 897 brought breast cancer awareness to the Buffalo Stamping Plant by coordinating a day of makeovers for cancer survivors and supporters. The event, held at the end of October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) allowed participants to enjoy some pampering and try out beauty products while supporting Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Lisa Kavish-Jefferson, Independent Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics, was the professional host on hand for this event. Due to the overwhelming interest in the event, two separate sessions were needed to accommodate all the registrants. Under Kavish-Jefferson’s step by step directions, participants in each session were able to test new skin care and make up products while learning the proper techniques of application.
Throughout the duration of the event, the sole purpose of breast cancer awareness and support remained at the forefront. Through the generosity of the participants, BSP employees and volunteers-- including Kavish-Jefferson, who donated 15% of the day's sales-- the event raised over $550 for Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Four Manufacturing Plants are First to Embark on Team Journey
Updated October 31, 2012 (@Ford Online)
DEARBORN - Four manufacturing plants in North America have marked a milestone.
The Sharonville Transmission Plant, Rawsonville Plant, Woodhaven Stamping Plant and Buffalo Stamping Plant are the first to be approved by Ford and the UAW to begin implementing the new team-based structure at their facilities that was outlined in the 2011 contract negotiations between Ford and the UAW.
Protect Yourself from the Flu
October 3, 2012
Summer is over and flu season is on its way— and bringing all the sneezes, coughs, aches and fevers along with it. But this year you can avoid all the headaches (literally) by getting your flu vaccination early!
Getting vaccinated not only protects yourself from the seasonal strains of the flu, it benefits your friends, family and co-workers as well. The flu is a highly contagious respiratory virus, and is transmitted easily though coughing, sneezing or coming in contact with contaminated surfaces. You can further protect yourself and your family from the spread of germs and illnesses by practicing good health habits. Washing your hands regularly, limiting contact with people who are sick, staying home when you are ill and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing/sneezing are a few simple healthy actions that go a long way in cold and flu defense.
The Buffalo Stamping Plant and UAW are offering two opportunities to receive their shots:
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Makeovers
September 27, 2012
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Women's Committee of UAW Local 897 is showing their support by sponsoring makeovers for employees, guests, and breast cancer survivors.
The makeovers will take place on Saturday, October 27th at 10:00 AM at the Union Hall. They be provided for a small donation, which will go directly to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and breast cancer survivors will receive their makeovers free of charge. Beauty consultants from Mary Kay Cosmetics will be on hand to provide demonstrations and product sampling, as well as offer beauty makeovers and tips.
Come and enjoy a relaxing and fun atmosphere of friends and fellow survivors, as we celebrate the strength of those who have battled breast cancer and the love of theose who support them.
To ensure everyone has the best possible experience, Interested participants are asked to register by October 12, 2012. For additional details and registration information, click here.
October is Fire Safety Month
September 26, 2012
During the month of October, remember to practice fire safety and prevention at home and at work. Click here for some great tips you can share with your family.
BSP Hosts Open House in 2012
September 24, 2012
On August 26th, the Buffalo Stamping Plant opened its doors for the first time in 12 years to welcome active employees, retirees, and their families to attend a BSP Open House. This Open House gave employees and retirees the chance to show their families the facilities, machinery and people they work(ed) with on a daily basis. Guests visiting the plant also enjoyed a variety of activities including a car show, in-plant tours, a dunk tank, and great food from BW's Smokin' Barrel BBQ.
In addition to the fun and games of the day, BSP also held a food drive during the Open House, which collected 464 pounds of food for the Food Bank of WNY! Thank you to the entire (extended) BSP family for your generosity and food donations.
Click here for the 2012 BSP Open House photo gallery!
Ford of Canada Announces Four-Year Contract with CAW That Improves Competitiveness and Creates Jobs
September 24, 2012 (@Ford Online)
OAKVILLE, Ontario – Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited and the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) have locked in a four-year collective bargaining agreement after employees endorsed the deal in votes held today.
The new contract includes new job opportunities at Ford’s Canadian operations and significant cost-savings for the company.
“By becoming more competitive in our labour costs, we are better positioned to support the growth of the Canadian economy and to provide new job opportunities,” said Stacey Allerton, vice president of Human Resources at Ford of Canada and the company’s lead labour negotiator. “For every auto job in Canada, multiple supporting jobs are created, and both the company and our employees view that opportunity and responsibility very seriously.
Do you know your SQDCPME Acronyms?
September 17, 2012
At the Buffalo Stamping Plant, we use a lot of acronyms in our everyday operations. While it may be difficult to remember what every Ford acronym stands for, it is important to know the meanings of the acronyms you hear most. Click here for a 'cheat sheet' of some of the most commonly used SQDCPME acronyms.
2013 Ford UAW Ski Price Guide
September 12, 2012
Summer is almost over and winter is a-coming, almost time to hit the slopes!
Ford UAW Ski Club and Kissing Bridge are offerering special rates for the 2013 Ski Season. Click here for price guide and registration form.
NCIF Approves Request to Implement Manufacturing Work Groups at BSP
August 30, 2012
On Monday, August 27th, local UAW and Ford Leadership at BSP issued a joint letter informing employees that the National Continuous Improvement Forum (NCIF) recently approved BSP's request to implement manufacturing work groups.
To read this joint letter in its entirety, click here.
Work Group Development Progresses at the Buffalo Stamping Plant
July 30, 2012
On Friday, July 27th, local UAW and Ford Leadership at BSP issued a joint letter updating employees on the current state of the Work Group development. This joint letter addresses recent progess that has been made in determining current and future states of the process, as well as necessary next steps.
To read this joint letter in its entirety, click here.
Ford Announces 2nd Quarter Financial Earnings
July 25, 2012
Pine Hill Food Truck Adds New Summer Menu, Saturday Service at BSP
June 30, 2012
The Pine Hill Food Truck has debuted a new menu for Summer 2012, that features various seasonal daily options. Employees will have an additional day during the week to try out this new menu, as Pine Hill has also added Saturday food truck service here at BSP.
To check out the new Summer 2012 menu, click here.
Ford Seeks Qualified Hourly Skilled Trades for Various Manufacturing Locations
May 30, 2012
At Ford Motor Company, our manufacturing team enables our plants and facilities to produce world-class products for customers around the world. Our employees are the driving force behind our success.
Ford is seeking qualified hourly skilled trades personnel for various manufacturing locations including the Chicago area and Southeast Michigan. A Joint Letter from Jimmy Settles & Jim Tetreault:
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) & Japan
May 29, 2012
The automotive industry in the U.S. continues to gain strength as investment and jobs in manufacturing are leading the recovery. Each employee has played a critical role and partnerships with the Administration, federal, state and local governments have supported the industry as it returns to profitability. Together we have much to celebrate, but we must also ensure that the manufacturing recovery is not short-lived and has a solid foundation in the years ahead.
Moody's Investors Service Upgrades Ford Motor Co. Status to Investment Grade
May 22, 2012 (@Ford Online)
On Tuesday May 22, Moody’s Investors Service announced its decision to upgrade Ford Motor Company to Baa3 with stable outlook, or investment grade. This is a significant milestone for all of us and the result of several years of hard work and progress by everyone associated with Ford.
May 18, 2012
The UAW National Ford Department and the National Quality Committee Department are proud to be sponsoring a charity drive for the Native American Heritage Association (NAHA). The NAHA is making a difference in the lives of many Native Americans on the Sioux Reservations in South Dakota.
We are collecting non-perishable food items, and new/gently used clothing and toys through Monday, July 2nd, 2012.
Donation bins for food, clothing, and toys are located near the East & West bridge entrances and outside the in-plant Union offices.
Ford Announces 1st Quarter Financial Earnings
May 4, 2012
UAW- Ford Scholarship Opportunities
April 25, 2012
There are scholarship opportunities available to members and dependents of active UAW Ford employees. Current scholarships availabe include:
For additional information on these scholarships, please contact Dave Cerroni, UAW Quality Representative/ Employee Resource Coordinator, Local 897
Congratulations Buffalo Stamping Plant, Winner of the 2011 North American President's Quality Award!
Ford Motor Company has recently named BSP recipient of the 2011 North American President's Quality Award for Best Stamping Plant. This is a wonderful acknowledgement for the entire BSP Team and all their continued hard work, dedication, and commitment to quality.
To thank our employees and celebrate this award, the Buffalo Stamping Plant UAW-Ford Quality Team will provide free lunch to all employees on Tuesday, April 10th, 2012. Every BSP employee is invited to stop by Columns 28 & 29 during their shift's scheduled session and enjoy a hot dog lunch on the house!
Please click here for times and additional information.
Ford Ushers in New Year with Brand Promise
Jan 3, 2012
Across the globe, Ford Motor Company employees have been working together to live by the One Ford plan. Now, Ford is taking that initiative to the next level with Go Further – a global brand promise that puts a voice behind One Ford and communicates the characteristics that distinguish Ford from other automakers.
Follow the link to find out how Ford will go further.
Ford Employees Give Back, Spread Cheer this Holiday Season
Dec. 13, 2011
Employees at our Ford plants have truly embraced the spirit of giving this holiday season. From toy and food drives to fundraisers and volunteering, Ford employees are spreading holiday cheer to those less fortunate within their communities. You can read some of these heartwarming holiday stories in this month's edition of "In the News."
For additional stories highlighting our giving workforce, click here.
FAAN Presents the "2011 Holiday Glow" Celebration
Dec. 2, 2011
The Ford-employees African Ancestry Network will be hosting a "2011 Holiday Glow" celebration next Friday at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn. If you are in the mood to relax and enjoy some holiday festivities, click here for additional details.
Ford Earns $1.6 Billion Net Income in Third Quarter 2011; Continues Building Foundation for Global Growth (@Ford Online)
Oct. 26, 2011
This morning, we announced solid third quarter financial results that reflect progress on our One Ford plan and demonstrate that we are well on track to delivering improved pre-tax operating profit and Automotive operating-related cash flow over last year. Read full Press Release here
7th Annual BSP Fundraiser Hits Hole In One for JDRF
Sept. 30, 2011
This year, the sun wasn’t the only thing shining at the 7th Annual BSP Golf Outing and Wine Tour. Faces were beaming with fun, excitement, and smiles as employees and friends of the Buffalo Stamping Plant came out to play some golf and taste some wine in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
The festivities began bright and early on Saturday August 20th, with both golfers and “wine tourists” arriving to the picturesque Arrowhead Golf Course ready to start the day. After registration, the golfers and wine tourists separated as the teams took to the course to begin the tournament, and the tourists hopped into their limos and set off for their first winery of the day. A total of 124 golfers made up the 31 teams that participated in the 4 player scramble golf tournament. Competition was friendly and light as each team vied for 1st place and participated in fun specialty holes along the way, including longest drive, closest to pin, “beat the pro,” and a putting contest. The 30 wine tourists enjoyed complimentary wine tastings at some of the best wineries on the Niagara Wine Trail, with Spring Lake and Arrowhead Spring Winery among the stops on the tour.
Through the fun and revelry of the afternoon, the true purpose of the day remained strong as the support of JDRF carried on into the evening. Both tourists and golfers returned to the clubhouse for dinner at Timberlodge, and generously participated in the chinese and silent auctions, as well as various raffles, from which all proceeds went to benefit JDRF. The evening concluded with an awards ceremony, and the team of Patrick Marks, Shane Moore, Brian Grasso, and Craig Scime was announced winner of the golf tournament. The victory of this team was made even more significant when one of these golfers, Patrick Marks, revealed that he himself is a Type 1 Diabetic. He addressed the audience and shared his own personal experiences of living with diabetes, and how it has affected himself and his family. You can watch a video of his speech by clicking here
The warmth and generosity of everyone who participated in this year’s fundraiser was thanked and applauded as the Buffalo Stamping Plant presented a check for $35,011 to the WNY Chapter of JDRF. It is the devotion of the volunteers, organizers, and participants that once again allowed BSP to shine and raise a substantial amount of money for such a great cause. The continued success of this annual event reinforces our dedication to JDRF and to finding a cure for diabetes.
Pictures from the 7th Annual BSP Golf Outing & Wine Tour are available on the BSP Facebook group. (This is a closed group only open to active employees of BSP).
Ford UAW Ski Club
Sept. 2, 2011
Interested in joining the Ford UAW Ski Club at Kissing Bridge this winter?
Click here for pricing information
Click here to download the Registration form
If you have any questions, please contact James McNichol at x 4086.
See you on the slopes!
Great Deals Galore at the"Discount Marketplace" Aug. 8, 2011
The "Discount Marketplace" link is available to all Ford Employees and Retirees. Here you can find some really great deals on electronics, restaurants, apparel, books, and so much more! So be sure to check out it out on @Ford Online or visit the link for the "Discount Marketplace" under the Key Links section of our Plant Page.
Jun 15, 2011
Stay connected and become a member of the Buffalo Stamping Plant Facebook Group. Join the conversation and talk with your co-workers about issues that matter to you.
Have a question? Need assistance joining Facebook or editing your privacy settings? Check out these links:
How to join Facebook and edit your privacy settings
BSP Facebook- FAQs
Flag Ceremony on June 14, 2011
June 14, 2011
In celebration of Flag Day, the Buffalo Stamping Plant held a Flag Ceremony to present and dedicate three new flag poles and a new vehicle display ramp located in the front of the plant. The Color Guard from a local American Legion was at the event, along with representatives from of our local Ford dealerships.
The ceremony began at 10:00 AM with the raising of the American flag by members of the American Legion Color Guard. Taps was played as the flag was raised to the top of the pole, and was then followed by three ceremonial gunshots that were fired into the air. The American Flag was raised on the middle flag pole, flying in between the UAW and Ford Motor Company flags.
The Buffalo Stamping Plant's new vehicle display ramp was also presented at this ceremony, and featured a brand new Ford Edge, courtesy of our local Ford dealer. Through the partnership with our local Ford dealers, the ramp will see new vehicle models on a rotating basis, showcasing the Ford products.
Plant Manager David Buzo, and UAW President/Chairperson Charles Gangarossa addressed the attendees and emphasized the positive presence of the Buffalo Stamping Plant within the community, and the great products of the Ford Motor Company.
New Vehicle Ramp and Flag Poles at BSP June 14, 2011
Check out the finishing touches that Carpenters David Lewandowski, Paul Nelson, and Timothy Stone have put on the ramp and flag pole bases....
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