Military Contract for Navistar Barton?/Publix & Propinquity

Navistar's Military Vehicle MaxxPro

It now seems those pre-Christmas layoffs at the RSA/Navistar plant in Barton weren't just the work of a Grinch. Sources close to the former National Alabama plant say the untimely terminations were the result of new, more stringent background checks.

Why were such background checks necessary? It seems the American Motors HHMVWs, or Humvees, lost favor with the military some time ago. The preferred vehicle for desert combat is the mine-resistant MaxxPro, a Navistar product.

Does this definitely mean the new Navistar facility will be producing components for the MaxxPro or a similar vehicle? We should find out next week...

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What do Wal-Mart, Publix, and propinquity have in common? They're all elements in the local battle for your buck. Many thought it odd that Publix would have located so close to Florence's existing Wal-Mart, yet Publix probably thought it an ideal location. Routine Wally World shoppers can easily drive to the new Publix to finish off their weekly shopping. It's why you often see restaurants and hotels clustered together; if one doesn't provide what the customer wants, he has to only drive or walk next door.

Now Wal-Mart is planning a second super center...one not remotely close to any major shopping area. (Sorry, Big Star and CVS--you're just not a destination unto yourself.) Those cash spending customers from the western end of the county or southern Tennessee will now be isolated from the new Publix, Target, Regency Square Mall, and K-Mart, assuming the latter stays in this area. You can't say the Wally World honchos don't know their marketing.



Shoalanda

Comments welcome. No profanity. No vulgarity. No libelous statements. Get it? Got it! Good...

Navistar Firing?/Saluting Tim Kent

It's less than ten days until Navistar is expected to make their big announcement and we finally learn what will be replacing National Alabama at the RSA super complex in Barton. A new year is always the perfect time to start a new project, but unfortunately it seems Navistar's plans have necessitated the firing of some personnel. Termination--not a very nice Christmas present is it?

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The Shoals area is steeped in history, especially that of the Civil War. Tim Kent is a local military aficionado and historian. He's pictured here at the grave of our local Gen. James Deshler. This morning Tim will be working at the Tuscumbia Cemetery to replace headstones of unknown Confederate soldiers. Kudos to Tim for keeping our history alive and in good repair.

Tim Kent's Civil War Tales

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Russellville Municipal Building pictured on a 1940's postcard: Link



Shoalanda

Comments welcome. No profanity. No vulgarity. No libelous statements. Get it? Got it! Good...

Utility Bills: How does 200K/Month Sound?

We've done several blogs over the past months on the problems and general malfeasance at National Alabama. Many of these problems seem to have overshadowed smaller ones, if 200k a month could be considered small. Yes, that's what the Barton plant's utility bill usually runs, at least a ballpark figure.

The facility has 2.2 million square feet of floor surface and is 80 feet high. There are suspended ceilings in the approximately 10% of the plant that comprises the office area. We haven't done the math as to cubic feet, but it's safe to say the rather dubious word ginormous would be a fitting adjective.

So...200K a month for 12 months a year? That's not including payroll for the more than 120 hourly workers at the plant and the few executives in residence. We've often heard of families who will bankroll a child in business, but set a time/money limit. In other words, if the child doesn't make it in two years of after 100K dollars, the parent will pull out. We have to wonder if National Alabama's parent RSA has such a limit...

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On a positive note for National Alabama, the plant may not have fire hoses, but does have a sophisticated sprinkler system. We sincerely hope it's never needed.

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Several readers have recently written to inform us that Lauderdale County Commissioner Rhea Tays Michael Fulmer has gone "blackout" on her Facebook page. In other words, if you don't know her personally, you can't see her page or communicate with her. Perhaps she didn't like the negative feedback over her ethics complaint against George Grabryan?



Shoalanda

!!! Fire Drill at National Alabama !!! or Murphy's Law at Work

We all know Murphy--he's that unlovable Irishman who makes sure "if it can go wrong, it will." Apparently Murphy has been working overtime at National Alabama, aka the Barton Rail Car Plant. Yesterday we presented three hypothetical murders; today we'll present a hypothetical fire...at the Shoals' largest hypothetical employer. Doesn't the phrase "hypothetical employer" really suit National Alabama?

After a fire at the Barton facility in August 2009, you know the manufacturing plant is on its toes to prevent any major recurrence...or at least it should be. We would think unannounced fire drills would be standard at National Alabama, the fallen star in the RSA's crown, so let's take a look at one.

The alarm sounds; employees scramble. Is is a drill or is it real? The smell of smoke wafts through the mile-long plant--it's real. Trained workers reach for the more than 50 fire hoses fitted strategically around the plant, but something's wrong. The hoses aren't there. Even worse, it's rumored they were tossed into a dumpster in one of the plant's routine renovations...this in a plant that could be considered unused...feel free to smile at that one.

That's right. Apparently over the two-week Christmas break all the fire hoses were removed from the building. Did someone think they weren't needed? After all, what in the mammoth plant would be highly inflammable? According to our source, plenty.

Among the highly combustible materials at National Alabama are paint, solvents, and cutting oils (all by the barrel full). Since welding is involved in rail car manufacture, there are also various compressed gases...and if the hypothetical fire should reach the ceiling? The roof is made of plywood and rubber.

Ah, but you, gentle reader, are saying, "Have no fear. The fire department will save the day." Really? Just which fire department has jurisdiction over Barton. If you guessed Chuck Lansdell's volunteer brigade from Cherokee you are indeed astute at geography.

The Cherokee Volunteer Fire Department, the same fire department that has just had it's fuel allocation slashed, the same fire department that is selling at least one of its trucks. Yes, that same Cherokee Fire Department will be the one to attempt to save National Alabama. Notice the adroit placement of the word "attempt" in the previous sentence.

We have to wonder what Dr. David Bronner would say if his beloved National Alabama burned to the ground. If the fire produces no injuries and the facility is properly insured, he just might breathe a sigh of relief.



Shoalanda

Red Faces & Pink Slips at the Rail Car Plant

Red Faces & Pink Slips at the Rail Car Plant

A Guest Commentary By

J. J. Ray

Where else in the world could we have Government Motors in Detroit and Alabama Railcars right down the road from Cherokee? That almost seems like poetic justice. There is no doubt the rest of the world, with maybe Venezuela as an exception, is envious.

Think about it folks with only a pittance of just one billion (1,000,000,000,000) we are now in the same category as Barry Obama. Imagine the excitement of the taxpayers and retirees to find out they are now the proud owners of the largest white elephant in the world. A mile long building where nothing happens. Obama I am sure is salivating that we have the audacity to play in the same league as the federal government.

Where is the speech from Governor Riley? After all, he sold us this bill of goods, or was it that swampland in Arizona we bought. Where are our leaders now? They are probably out buying another country club to turn into a dump. When are we going to wise up and quit listening to these snake oil salespeople? There is an old adage that goes, “When do you know a politician is lying to you? When his lips are moving."

Congress is now at eleven percent approval, what about our state leaders when do we hold them accountable? Is there any possibility that something good can come out of that one billion (1,000,000,000,000) hole in the ground. Let’s look at the possibilities, how about the largest car or tank wash in the world or maybe an indoor exercise spa for a herd of white elephants? Don’t like these suggestions? Why don’t we have a contest, name the building, and pick the best use for the facility. The winner will win an all expenses paid trip to the golf course in Ford city that we pay two cents a gallon for every day until the Good Lord comes back.

Yes, it is disheartening to see those sixteen hundred jobs go bye bye. Now we must know how the citizens of Iuka feel. Remember that debacle? How come the phones are not ringing off the wall in our leaders offices? How much longer do we let them drain our life’s blood from this area with their nonsense? Remember the definition of a politician? Poli meaning many and tics meaning blood sucking insects. That is what we have today--many bloodsucker politicians. Stand up for Alabama. Hold them accountable. Vote in November. Send them a message they will understand. Pink slips to all, and to all a good night.

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J. J.'s commentary is right on the mark. We would suggest that every retiree covered by the Retirement System of Alabama (RSA) contact David Bronner and inquire about the status of this project. No squeaky wheels indicate satisfaction. Anyone out there satisfied with National Alabama so far?

We would also suggest those affected by this mile-long albino pachyderm contact local news media to inquire why the lack of coverage on this royal mess. We no longer expect the TimesDaily to offer any honest input, but surely the Huntsville television stations would be interested in doing an investigative piece on this massive malfeasance.

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Maisie the Beagle has become something of a local celebrity. She's also the namesake of a new charitable cause. Read about it here: Maisie's Fund.

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Are you following the adventures of the Naked Baby? Why not suggest new destinations for Naked Baby? We're pretty sure it doesn't need a passport, so how about: Naked Baby Joins the Canadian Royal Mounted Police or Naked Baby Infiltrates a Mexican Drug Cartel?

The possibilities are endless. If you haven't been following, you can catch up here. Link


Shoalanda



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