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2011-04-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

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Former Superior Machine and Tool Employees

2007-11-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

Superior Machine and Tool (Chatham) Limited - 1945 to 2006 Many former employees of this company refer to the experience of working at Superior as belonging to a "family". It was a family owned and operated business, that despite it's assimilation with larger companies, still somehow managed to maintain that " family" atmosphere. But I don't think that was all they were referring to.... there was more... It was a unique place to work. A place where you could loose your temper, throw at hammer at the boss, and return to work the next day - forgiven - understood and respected as a "highly qualified, top Tool and Die'mn", (as I was reminded every time I objected to certain outlandish antics of the men who were employed at this establishment). It was a place where everyone was made to feel they belonged. Where everyone had a purpose. Everyone was made to feel they were a member of an extended family. And everyone knew it. (They truly were part of his family. Trust me. His real children were often jealous about the amount of attention they got). In retrospect, I have asked myself. How did that happen? How was that type of atmosphere fostered? And how on earth did it last? It was sometimes a crazy place. With more work than a body could possibly accomplish. And sometimes - no work at all. Through the tough times, the leader was creative, hitting the road and rustling up small jobs on his own, dreaming up make-work projects to keep spirits high and pay cheques flowing in, even offering out "Jack Tax" to save the company and the families whose lives depended on it's prosperity. To some, these actions were misunderstood. To most, they were valued for their true sincerity and dedication to the employees of Superior Machine and Tool. He was often referred to as "fair and caring", whenever I was asked if I were his child by strangers. And he did honestly care, about the people - not just the work - not just the status of the company - but about the people - HIS people. Sadly, all good things must come to an end.... first on June 18/06 and then again in December of that same year. But through it all, the company seemed to have something others didn't. It seemed to have "IT". And it held onto "IT" until the bitter end, even without it's leader. "IT" had become something that could not be extinguished, no matter how hard the new non-committal managements tried. What was "IT?" What made up the "IT" that just would not die? What was "IT" that made the experience of working at Superior so special to so many people that they still stop me on the street to share with me their admiration for the operation and their experiences? What is "IT" that they go on to share with me, that is missing from the 'job' they now hold? "IT" is definitely something that is missing from the modern day work experience, I agree. I would bet, there are few companies operating today, whose workers report that attending their workplace everyday was like getting together with their "family". Or who would report "as employees" of their company they felt they were "some of its most important assets. " Or quite simply, "It sure was a "nice place to work", as many of you have shared with me since it's demise. It is clear it was a special place. I would bet, more often than not in today's business world, you would be hard pressed to find employees that would report such experiences of belonging and personal self worth. I would bet most employees would report, that there company's only interest is in turning a "profit" at any human cost. More often then not, the modern working place has become a cold and unrewarding experience, where the focus is all about what the employee does wrong and seldom about what he/she does right. It is about exposing their inadequacies instead of showcasing their talents. It is about punishment, not praise. About keeping individuals in line by creating an atmosphere where they are constantly devalued and fearful of random dismissal; emotionally and creatively paralyzed by job insecurity. It is about dictatorships, and bullies. About lying, cheating and crapping on people to get to the top. And for what? As the saying goes, "You can't take it with you." Years ago employees prided themselves on being able to keep one job for the duration of their career and conversely, employers prided themselves on low turnover and employee dedication (gawd only knows, leaving Superior was like committing a crime). Sadly, today's workplace dictates otherwise. In the modern work experience, many employees express they feel they are just working their lives away for a pay cheque - and little more. I believe there is something vital missing from the modern day work experience. Something that came only too natural at Superior. Something that held that place and it's people, together like the glue and mortar. Something that made 'work'; more than just a job. Working there appears to have been such a unique and treasured experience for so many, that they still come to tears speaking with me about it. Superior had something few modern day workplaces possess. It had the "IT" factor. But what was "IT"? I believe, "IT" was embodied somewhere in the ethics and experience of working at Superior Machine and Tool. I have some ideas of my own about what "IT" might have been, but I am sure I do not have the complete picture, nor the words or experiences to do "IT" justice. I believe "IT" was built around a multitude of factors. That's why I am extremely interested in hearing from former Superior Machine and Tool Employees and finding out exactly what, they think "IT" was... If you're wondering what I am up to, 'suffice it to say', (to quote Jack) I am on a personal journey to discover and define just exactly just what "IT" was. From there, it is my hope to complete a book about "IT", to hopefully inspire future management trainees into recapturing the essences of workplaces like Superior. Anyway, will you please consider assisting me by contributing your thoughts and comments to me. Thanks, looking forward to hearing from you all.... Sincerely Jackie Garlick Superior Employees: 1) Please write me a blog with your thoughts 2) Or contact me at jjpynaert@hotmail.com. 3) Be sure to leave a contact number or email, so I may follow up with you personally....

Superior Machine & Tool Employees

COMPLETELY LAST CALLS

Former Superior Machine and Tool Employees