Friday, March 26, 2010

a beautiful Gypsy!


Here is a photo of a 1974 MFG boat! It is a "Gypsy" model and is in original and beatiful condition. The boat was made by MFG in Union City, PA, and I happend to be General Manager at that time.
Many thanks to Ken Ralyon for sending us the photo. Great job, Ken. Bringing back some nice memories. 35 years old never looked so good!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Mt Hood

Here is a photo of Mt Hood (from the north), that I snapped from an airplane. This is a beautiful mountain that sits 50 miles east of Portland, OR. By mountaineeeing standards, Hood is a short, relatively easy climb. By my standards, it was pretty tough! Several years ago my daughter Hilary and I, along with two nephews, hired guides and made the summit. The last part was steep, about 40 degress, but the sense on top was well worth the effort.
Hiking in the mountains is great therapy, something we could all use from time to time.

Friday, March 19, 2010

a beautiful new truck manufacturing plant


One of the most interesting aspects of being a manufacturer that supplies to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM's), is that we visit our customers, both at their purchasing/engineering offices, and at their manufacturing plants. Many of these manufacturing plants are very impressive and interesting. For example, the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, KY, is very stimulating to see. Another very impressive plant is the new Daimler Truck plant located in Saltillo, MX. This plant is over 1.2 million square feet, and contains the latest in truck manufacturing equipment and technology. MFG supplies composites parts to Saltillo as well as DTNA plants in Oregon, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
In the photo above, I have the privilege of standing by Mark Hernandez, Plant Manager. We are quite impressed with Mark and his Team!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

A beautiful truck (and hood)!


MFG, in addition to manufacturing automotive parts, has for decades produced composite parts and assemblies for the world's leading truck manufacturers. The photo at the left shows a Daimler class 6/7 truck, displayed in DTNA's North American headquarters (Portland, OR). It is a beautiful and successful truck and possesses a composite hood using MFG's unique PRIME process. The hood is molded and assembled in MFG's North Carolina facility, and is shipped to DTNA truck assembly plants in NC and Mexico.
Admittedly, I am a little partial, but if I may, this is one of the most beautiful truck hoods anywhere. Certainly to me, and hopefully to the many thousands of customers who drive this outstanding vehicle.