Open enrollment coming soon! Updated: 7/20/12

Reps from Sterling Insurance will be here July 26-27 to help participants enroll in optional life and accident insurance. The 2012 open enrollment period runs July 16 through Aug. 31. Enroll today by calling 1-800-843-8184!

American Cancer Society Research Study
 Updated: July 20, 2012

This is your chance to help find a cure for cancer! Enroll today in the American Cancer Society's CP-3 research study. ACS reps will be on site Aug. 23 and 24 for those interested in participating. For more information, visit www.cps3Lima.org

Meet Our New Safety Guy
Updated: Oct. 26, 2011
Ryan Kelly is our new Safety Engineer here at LEP. While he’s only been with us for a few weeks, he’s actually worked for Ford Motor Company for over a decade. His career with Ford began twelve years ago at the Livonia Transmission Plant in the security department. From Livonia he transferred to the Wixom Assembly plant where he worked in the safety department and as a production supervisor for six years. When the Wixom plant closed Kelly transferred to the Memphis Parts Distribution center where he worked as a Safety Engineer and a Human Resource associate. In 2008 he decided to transfer to the Ohio Assembly Plant as a way to gain more knowledge and safety experience in vehicle operations. 

Kelly is originally from Highland Township, Michigan. Outside of Ford, Kelly has a background in public safety. For six years he was a member of the Highland Twp. Fire department , and he also worked part-time for the Milford Police Department as a reserve officer for five years. When he’s not working to keep our plant safe, he’s usually spending time with his wife of nine years Tracy. His hobbies include cycling, hiking and watching Redwings hockey. His office is located in the Labor Relations office.

Ryan Kelly

Recognition Event for Emergency Response Team
Updated: Oct. 26, 2011 

On Tuesday October 18th the Lima Engine Plant hosted a recognition event to honor the hard work and dedication that goes into the Emergency Response Team (ERT). More than 50 people attended the event, including Lima Mayor David Berger, Allen County Sheriff Samuel Crish and members from many local public safety departments. The ERT also recognized the Bath Township Fire Department for all of their help with ERT training events. Plant Manager Mike Felix presented BTFD Chief Joseph Kitchen with a leadership award, and each ERT member received a certificate of appreciation. ERT Coordinator Mike Copeland was also recognized for his hard work planning and managing each ERT training event.

ERT Event Photos

 LEP Employee's Daughter Gets the Chance of a Lifetime
Updated: Sept. 1, 2011
Roger Maag's (b-crew's west crank line) daughter Samantha had been down on her luck for the past couple years. Starting off with a volleyball injury (knee) that required three surgeries in a span of only 18 months. Sam spent 24 months of her past two school years on crutches while her high school (Ottawa Glandorf) volleyball career came to an end.

In spite of all she's been through, it seems as though luck is finally on Sam's side. Her brother Brett recently came across an advertisment for America's Next Top Model Auditions at the Toledo Mall. Sam went to the audition to raise her spirits, but what she didn't expect was to hear back from them a few weeks later. "I never expected to be called five weeks late," said Sam, "it was a complete shock."

Sam said she's always wanted to be a model, but after all the issues with her knee she had started to give up on everything. "I was in pretty bad shape after each of my surgeries, I'd pretty much given up on my hobbies because I'd been in bed, off and on, for practically two years," Sam said.

Sam said that while her family was very supportive through it all, it was also the support she received from her long-time boyfriend, and United States Marine, Brett Corson. Corson was able to be with Sam during her first surgery, but had to miss the following two because he was sent to Afghanistan to serve in the Marines.

"Even at my weakest points he lifted me up and always knew how to make me smile, he made me believe that there's always a second chance for everything."

She's made it through to the final stage of the contest, and now she has to wait until they tell her where to go next. Sam has been told that the next, and final, phase is casting. She'll be sent to a location (TBD) for a few days while the production crew makes their final decision as to which contestants will  participate in the next season of the reality series.

Sam says that no matter what the outcome, this new opportunity has helped her move forward with her life.

"I knew it was time for me to come out of the box I'd put myself in for so long. I needed this for myself, and I needed to stop giving up," Sam said.

"If I had any advice to pass along, I would say, 'don't let anyone say you'll never do anything again! Fight for what you love and never give up, because you'll always have something to look forward to in this lifetime,'" said Sam.

Sam Maag photo gallery

LEP Employee Helps Residents of Joplin, MO.
Updated: July 19, 2011
Lima Engine Plant internal auditor Frank Terry took his family on a vacation they'll never forget. On their way home from a trip to Texas, Terry and his wife Jan decided to make a stop in Springfield Missouri to visit a relative. From the interstate they thought they had seen majority of the damage caused by the now famous EF-5 tornado that swept through the city just two months ago, but that wasn't the case.

When Terry and his family arrived at their relative's home, they decided it would be neat to spend a day in Joplin helping clean up. So on Wednesday July 12th Terry and his family went to Joplin. Terry said the most devastating moment was when they were just coming into the town. "As we came up over the hill, into the red zone, I was completely stunned," said Terry, " I never expected to see so much damage concentrated in one area." 

Terry's cousin Beth and her friend Jill had been volunteering in Joplin one day a week since the tornado struck. Beth took Terry and his family to the base camp of an organization called Relief Spark. Relief Spark was started in September 2005 by Sidney Ray after hurricane Katrina. Just one week after the Joplin tornado, Relief Spark was able to secure a location on East 20th street for a base camp where volunteers can work to provide relief to residents in need. 

Terry said residents seem to be very appreciative of the help they've received. He said that while there is still a lot of work to be done, the residents are determined to restore their city, how long that will take, is unknown.

For more information on Relief Spark, including donations and volunteer opportunities, visit www.reliefspark.org   

• Frank Terry's Trip to Joplin Photos

  
Wheelchair Ramp Crew Going Strong
Updated: June 20, 2011
They may be retired, but they’re still working hard…Every Thursday a crew of more than 20 Lima Engine Plant retirees meet at various homes in the community to build handicap-accessible ramps. The program began about 15 years ago, and has been going strong ever since. In the past year or so the crew has had a difficult time funding the program. Funding from sources like Local UAW 1219 and Ford Motor Company have become increasingly limited and grants have virtually disappeared. The crew used to build two ramps every Thursday, but have had to limit what they can build due to the funding issue. Each ramp costs anywhere between $500 and $1,200 depending on its size. The crew has never asked for a dime from the public, but with a waiting list of more than 30 people, they have no choice but to ask for donations. People in need of handicap-accessible ramps are usually referred to Program organizer Bill Roeder from various community organizations such as Hospice and St. Rita’s. “After a hard day’s work, the reward is almost instantaneous,” Roeder said. “When the ramp is finished, and the homeowner uses their ramp for the first time there’s a sense of freedom that makes the work worthwhile.”

 Click Here for Photos