Transforming a Unionized Plant: Leadership Lessons for a Divided World

There are a number of examples of unionized manufacturing plants that were unable to change in order to survive. This book describes a successful transformation of a unionized manufacturing plant that was able to change through the collaboration between management and the United Auto Workers. It is also an example of how globalization can assist a manufacturing operation to raise its performance level to world class in order to survive. This Mack Trucks Powertrain Plant was owned by Renault and then by Volvo and each owner brought both challenges as well as improvements. The secret to success for this plant was the fact that leaders of both the company and the union were able to put the common good above their self interest and prevent the Hagerstown Powertrain plant from becoming a manufacturing wasteland.