Since last September, Ford has named 9 of the 16 facilities across the United States it plans to close as part of its downsizing effort. Back then, the Casting Plant in Brook Park was not on the closure list. But today, workers at the facility were told Ford plans to rely on foreign parts suppliers for most or all of its casting work and close the Cleveland plant in 2009. Mike Theus worked for 30 years at the casting plant. Sitting on his front porch in Brook Park, he says he'll stay at the plant until it's last day.
Mike Theus: I'm going to stay here, I'm not planning on going anywhere. This is (a) great community and there's going to be a lot of other businesses that are impacted.
Workers at the nearby Engine Plant Number 1 are in a similar situation. That plant was scheduled to begin building 3.5 liter V-6 engines this week. But sagging demand for Ford cars means the engines aren't needed - at least not right now - so the Cleveland plant will be idled until sales pick up. Union President Tim Levandusky.
Tim Levandusky: They're committing to opening that plant back up in a year, and hopefully they'll live up to their commitment.
In total, over 1,700 people will be effected by Ford's announcement - 1,200 at the casting plant, and over 500 at the engine plant. In Brook Park, every 600 Ford workers equals $1 million in tax revenue for both the city and its schools. Brook Park Mayor Mark Elliot says losing the casting plant workers will be difficult for the city.
Mark Elliot: It's a set back. They are our largest employer no question. So it's a big hit but its one that the city of Brook Park will over come.
The casting plant isn't scheduled to close until 2009, so Elliot says the city has two years to plan for a drop in its tax base. With proper planning, Elliot says, Ford's actions shouldn't lead to city layoffs down the road.
Mark Elliot: I don't want our people to suffer through what these men and women are going to be faced with.
Workers at the Engine plant will receive 40 hours a week in wages and benefits during the one-year shutdown. The men and women of Ford's casting plant are faced with three options. They can retire early, relocate to another Ford plant or, Union President Levandusky says, they can take a buyout.
Tim Levandusky: We're gonna allow those members who did not sign up this sign up period to get back on and those who decided 'no it's not time for me to retire now' we're gonna allow them to get back on the packages.
Meanwhile, Levandusky says he's going to push Ohio's political leaders on the state and federal level to pressure Ford to reconsider it's decision.
Tim Levandusky: It's really a devastating day for all of us. But I truly believe that if we put our heads together we can come up with a viable economic package and reverse this decision.
Gazing across the bright green lawns of his suburban neighborhood reminiscent of the 1950s, Ford worker Mike Theus hopes Levandusky is successful. He says without the plant, there may not be enough left in Brook Park for people to stay.
Mike Theus: In the future, who knows what's going to happen with the neighborhood. But hopefully not everyone's gonna bail.
Lisa Ann Pinkerton, 90.3.