Good Plant Attitude and Support Enhanced Innovation
In 1966, I was transferred to the GM South Gate Assembly plant, in California, as Chassis Superintendent. I worked for a plant manager named R.J. Howlett, who had recently been assigned to South Gate. Mr. Howlett was already famous in GM for his innovations in Atlanta, Georgia in "Sand and Bake" paint process, and on-line air-condition charging. He had zeal and support for working on new processes. Today we call it "working outside the box."
During the years that followed, the two innovations that I remember most are "evacuate and fill the brake system" which is still in use today and developing a power tool that shuts off and marks the job when the proper torque is achieved. The first operation to use this new "torque and mark" tool was steering gear to frame bolts. After a long test we deemed it a success. Next we converted the multiple nut runners for the wheels with our new "torque and mark” tool. At that time we had to hand torque 20 nuts on each car. Once the proper torque was achieved on each lug nut, the wheel hub was sprayed with purple dye. Quite a labor savings. All the inspector had to do was look for the dye on the hubs rather than hand torque each lug nut. These are just two of the many innovations that were achieved under the plants leadership and encouragement.
Harvey Williams
Retired Plant Manager
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