I live just east of Indianapolis and this story of the IH engine plant shuting down was headlines in the Indianapolis Star a week ago. This plant started building engines in the 30s. Its a old building and a union shop.
The Star also told us that IH has a much newer non union show in the south, Alabama if I recall correctly that is still going strong. Paper said with IH losing Fords business it did not need 2 engine plants running and elected to close its oldest plant which also happened to be union.
I know several who worked there or still do and my understanding is the 6.0 engine problems were mostly of Fords making.
To be honest I am really surprised this engine factory managed to stay alive this long. Employee theft was unbelievable. Guys walking out with new injection pumps etc, etc. There was a huge black market for 6.9, 7.3, and powerstroke parts for many years in this area.
Old union shop vs newer non union shop, loss of Fords engine business and employees biting the hand that fed them killed the IH engine works at Indianapolis.
The Star also told us that IH has a much newer non union show in the south, Alabama if I recall correctly that is still going strong. Paper said with IH losing Fords business it did not need 2 engine plants running and elected to close its oldest plant which also happened to be union.
I know several who worked there or still do and my understanding is the 6.0 engine problems were mostly of Fords making.
To be honest I am really surprised this engine factory managed to stay alive this long. Employee theft was unbelievable. Guys walking out with new injection pumps etc, etc. There was a huge black market for 6.9, 7.3, and powerstroke parts for many years in this area.
Old union shop vs newer non union shop, loss of Fords engine business and employees biting the hand that fed them killed the IH engine works at Indianapolis.