Volume 12, 1978
CHEM-TEXTS
Page 3
“Making It A Better Place To Be”
(continued from page 1)
Joseph Scullin, Materials Dept. driver, stands beside the mail truck, painted on one side with a big pink question mark and a big pink exclamation point on the other side. These were the first of the many signs that indicated something new and exciting was happening at the Chemical plant.
years that it had slipped, in all likelihood due to the closings of the Synthetic and Reclaim Rubber plants, along with the Footwear Plant closing. There was great pride in the fact that at one time the Chemical plant was a major profit maker for the Company but as patents expired on our chemicals it fell to a low position in the Company.
Signs Are Only the Surface
The signs are only the surface of an exciting program to recapture that spirit and really make the plant “a better place to be.”
For the past few months Departments have held meetings at which members pinpointed problems in their own and other departments, the Division and the entire corporate structure. It was one of the first opportunities where people opened up and attempted to identify problems. The problems were delineated and assigned to individual department members who were given the responsibility for their solution within a designated time. The initial skepticism of “another periodic program” soon disappeared as things began to happen. Overnight a new feeling appeared, as promises became realities.
Things Are Happening
In the past month Factory Manager Mazaika has been flooded with suggestions on improving the plant. Some have already been put into effect such as the reserved parking for employees over 62; the 11 P.M. to 7 A.M. shift parking in the plant; new shower facilities; new work clothes for plant people; and interior and exterior building improvements.
But most important, according to Bob Mazaika, is that the real concern and pride that people have for the Naugatuck Chemical plant is once again beginning to show in a healthy, constructive manner and the real Chemical “spirit” is coming back.
The “pink painter” struck his brush in Bldg. 18 and the Maintenance Dept. Locker Rooms.
Outside truck drivers stopped and left their cabs to check the 42 ft. clearance in the Chemical Production area.
Black “arrows”, painted over the entrance of the Firehouse, were some of the first signs to appear in the plant.
This sign that looks like a railroad track is painted in purple and black on the side of the building.