Some of Western Pennsylvania's best jobs moving to Germany

[billbuckhead]

Kennametal moving jobs to Germany, Michigan
By C.M. Mortimer
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, June 2, 2005

Kennametal Inc. said Wednesday it will move about 75 jobs from its component manufacturing operation in Chestnut Ridge, Westmoreland County, to operations in Germany and Michigan.
Kennametal said the plan translates into a savings of $3 million annually to the Unity Township-based industrial toolmaker's bottom line.

The United Auto Workers union said a number of alternatives were discussed during a series of meetings over the past five weeks, including an offer to change work rules, but their pleas fell upon deaf ears. The Governor's Action Team also was involved in the negotiations.

"Morally, it's not right. Labor costs in Germany are higher than here, and they only work 36-hour work weeks," said Phil Watkins, international representative for Region 9 of the United Auto Workers union, whose subdistrict is based in Butler.


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These are the creme de creme of manufacturing jobs. Legend has it that this company was one of the top targets of Nazi Germany if they ever got a chance to bomb America. This place make the tools that make the tools that make the tools. It's way up on the industrial foodchain. I'm surprised that the Bushies are letting this happen over 3 million a year.

[blue neen]

1. This is sad.

Western Pa. can ill afford to lose more jobs.

It's hard to believe that the Tribune Review reported this story, being the Republican whores that they are.

[Orrex]

2. When I first moved to Pittsburgh

A friend who'd lived there for years warned me that the Trib was a worthless Liberal rag. Obviously I've learned that this is wildly inaccurate, but his caveat echoes maddeningly in my skull every time I think of that paper.

Why he thought was liberal, I have no idea. He wasn't even of particularly strong political views, and he was no fundie.

Baffling.

And it's great to hear that western PA's already anemic economy will be hemorrhaging even further. Lovely.

[blue neen]

3. And what I don't understand about this story

is that they say the labor costs are higher in Germany. So, how is Kennametal going to save money? This doesn't make sense.

The Trib is the farthest thing from Liberal that I've ever seen!

Welcome to Pittsburgh! Are you going to the Pittsburgh meet-up? Check the Pennsylvania forum if you are interested.

[Orrex]

4. Thanks for the invite

But I no longer live in Pittsburgh.