Mr. Wizard OMC archived feedback back part 2
Mr. Wizard OMC Article
Archived Feedback
Part 2A
Dec 21, 2000 through Jan 7, 2001 |
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Reader Comments
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000
To: "'wizard@virtualpet.com'"
From: David
Subject: OMC
Good analysis of OMC. That's the first time I've read something that really
puts all the pieces of their puzzle together.
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: Peter
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Re OMC Debacle
I don't think you are out to lunch at all. I think we should all get down on
our hands and knees and pray that HE might inspire Penske to pick up the
pieces. Penske in turn, could pick up Davey Jones as President, and together
they could cement 'the deal' that's been floating around with Suzuki.
Now, backed by Suzuki's engineering prowess and massive capital reserves,
Jones' acknowledged ability and Penske in the role as Chairman, OMC might
just get back on its feet.
The one criticism I'd make of your excellent OMC assessment is that under
"Assets" you missed probably the best asset in the OMC wreckage - the fact
that every single member of the boating industry in the World WANTS OMC to
make it.
You can't put moral support on the balance sheet, but it is nevertheless, a
tangible commodity - ask any football coach about it !
The industry - the world - needs a healthy, vigorous level of competition
between Mercury & OMC - let alone Yamaha.
I trust you'll be keeping a close watch on developments.
Date: 20 Dec 2000
From: R
Subject: Re: What's Next for OMC? feature article
Well researched and written. Very thoughtful business perspective without the
emotion that normally comes into play when talking about boats and motors.
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000
From: Jeff
Subject: Re: What's Next for OMC? feature article
Enjoyed the article, Gary. I really think Suzuki will be a player in
the OMC mess.
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000
From: bill
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
I think you are right in a lot of areas, but I think you have
left out possibly one major player. G.M. A few months ago it
was reported that G.M. had bought a large portion of Suzuki
and got a seat on it's board of directors. I think Suzuki will be
a much bigger player and that GM will slip in the back door
and end up with FICHT technology for a song. In the right hands
this patent owned by OMC could revolutionize the gas and
diesel eng industry with the proper research and development
and deep pockets that G.M has. They could sell off OMC boat
companies, facilities, etc. at a tax loss. Bottom line get
FICHT for nothing. In my opinion that is why Pensky wanted OMC.
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000
From: Scott
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
Great article! As a six year veteran who successfully "abanoned ship"
I really hope that OMC can turn things around. I think Penske and Suzuki
would be the best bet, but I agree that it would be a tough sell.
Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000
From: Earl
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: info
Dear Mr. Wizard,
I have just read the info you wrote on OMC and I was looking to find
out where I can located additional articles that you have written. I only
came across you because of a link in my boating international e-mail. Do
you only comments on the marine industry? I found your information very
useful and would like to be kept up on your further writings regarding OMC
and other marine industry issues.
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000
From: Jeff (again)
Please let me know when you update again. I've got some friends that
are sponsored by OMC and are interested as well.
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000
From: R (again)
Subject: Re: What's Next for OMC? feature article
I'm a management consultant and the OMC situation is very interesting;
I tend to view it "clinically." And since I don't own a Ficht or Four Winns
or anything else OMC makes, it's easy to remain detached.
Your analysis rang true.
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000
From: Larry
Subject: Re: What's Next for OMC? feature article
Excellent piece, Gary! Best information I've seen anywhere.
BARTENDER! Buy this fellow a round, please!
Thurs Dec 21st
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: Rob
To:
Subject: Omc
What about Honda. The have they have the cash and it would give
them a world wide dealer network at the stroke of a pen. I know
Mercury was really worried that this would happen a few years ago.
I don't go with the Suzuki idea they just don't think large enough.
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000
From: XXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Dear Mr. Wizard,
Being a seven year employee in the OMC Calhoun facility, I have
seen the ups and downs of business. This is by far the deepest down
that I have endured. Naturally I am not up to date on the emissions
problems and debts, but the product (FICHT in specific) has become
alot more economical on the manufacturing front. I am an engine tester
for OMC on the large motors (30hp-250hp). I have seen the pass fail ratio
increase greatly. The smoothness and runability of the FICHT engines at
present is far better than at any time in the past. It is a truely amazing
product, and would be a technilogical loss if the program is scrapped.
I don't believe I would have a problem gaining employment elsewhere
but like my job and my co-workers, It would be a devastating blow to the
local economy, other plants in the area have also recently had large scale
lay-offs. I most assuredly hope that a reasonable solutin or buy-out
can be reached quickly enough to alow this age-old standby to continue
to survive. Possibly even with the right combination strive.
Thank you for your time, and allowing me to vent my feelings and opinions.
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000
From: Ten
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Comments on OMC
Thank you Wizard for a very good and informative report. It is sad the
condition OMC has gotton into. However, as an employee of OMC, I can
tell you the problem is not having qualified line employees building the
products. A lot of the problem with OMC has been in management and
supervision. Millions of dollars has been wasted and bad decision made
because of jealosy and coverups by people trying to protect their jobs or
get an in for promotion. I hope that someone will purchase the company
who really wants to build the best boating products on the market, not just
make it big enough to sell the company for a larger profit. There is no
reason OMC can not be the number one company with the best financial
status in the industry. Truth and honesty will be essential to the efficient
operation of this company and its facilities worldwide.
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: Ron
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC article
Who are you?
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: rude
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
We have shut down for good. Permanent lay off effective 12-20-00.
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: Ad
To: polsong@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Closed
Was notified this morning that OMC sent Waukegan staff home (laid off) and
closed the doors. No further information.
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: Jack
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: How to Fix OMC
Mr. Wizard,
First let me say that I have been a fan for some time. I believe your
article is on track, except that you failed to mention the consumer and it
is the consumer who is demanding four stroke, so technology may or may not
be the answer ^Ö remember beta.
With that said if I was Ted of monster.com fame and someone was offering me
the chance to run a 100 million dollar company, I would implement the
following plan:
A. Sell what you have that works ^Ö great boats & Johnson outboards.
B. Strengthen the relationship with Japanese partner(s) to produce four
stroke outboards to meet immediate needs and provide you with environmental
credits to continue to sell Johnson outboards.
C. Implement a plan to produce four stroke outboards, either jointly or on
your own depending on your financial backing. It is here, that Ficht
technology, if it is as good as many believe - may allow you to leap from
your competitors.
Simple yes, but it has been proven over the years that going back to the
basics works when you are in the trenches.
Ted and his staff are available if you have the checkbook to finance the
buyout/takeover. P.S. Ted likes to win, so Ted votes for Ted, no dimple.
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: Ron
To:
Subject: Site Visit
Gary,
Enjoyed your site. There is lots of interesting information that will be
useful as we research various companies and industries.
By the way, you would not happen to be related to Mr. Wizard would you now?
The article on OMC was excellent!
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 13:28:38 -0500
From: F
To: polsong@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC files Chapter 11
Employee returned from OMC training center Atlanta, GA this morning from
FICHT class. Teacher told students OMC filed chapter 11 and for everyone
to leave. Did not finish course or take final test.
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 12:58:03 -0500
From: Mike Colombo
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Outboard Marine
Newspaper (Rome News-Tribune in Rome,Ga) wants to talk to OMC employees,
especially those in Calhoun, Ga., area. Call 706 290-5259 or email
MColombo@rn-t.com
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: XXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
Please don't use my name, but I work for OMC in Andrews, NC. We were
informed today that OMC has filed for bankruptcy, and as of tomorrow, we
are no longer employed. I have worked there for more than 15 years, and
we will receive NO severence pay , our medical insurance will no longer
be in effect as of Dec. 31, and we will be receiving NO holiday pay.
More info for you, But what an awful way to treat their long-term
employees.
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: tom
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Options
Excellent article and analysis. Thank you, Tom
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 16:37:37 -0000
From: Matt DiFebo
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Cartersville, Ga. newspaper
Hello,
I am a reporter for The Daily Tribune News in Cartersville, Ga. working
on the story about OMC's situation. If there are any employees of the
Calhoun, Ga. plant that wish to discuss the situation, especially if
they're from Cartersville/Bartow County, please call Matt DiFebo at
770-382-4545. I can also be e-mailed at mdifebo@daily-tribune.com.
Thank you,
Matt DiFebo
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 17:39:38 -0500
From: XXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: omc closings
Please do not used my name- I have work at at the OMC of Andrews plant
for fourteen years and how they notify us that they were closings the doors
was awfully. No formal meeting or nothing is this all we get
for all the years we put in. Just a letter in the mail saying its over.
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: T
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
I have been an employee at the OMC Burnsville N.C. facility for 16 years.
We were told today to gather personal belongings and hit the trail.
( permanent layoff ) I think our ship has sank. Wish someone with
some sense would have bought us but no such luck
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: G
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Omc
My father works for omc for over 15 years in came in to our shop today
add told us that he had no job.
Hell of a christmas present. LOVE your page
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000 19:18:57 -0500
From: m
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: omc
As a dealer,
I think Peter's logic of keeping Davey Jones around stinks.
His methods of improvement were backwards. Hopefully a
japanese company will get involved and straighten this mess out.
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: Matt
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: hmmm
I can appreciate the hard work you put into analyzing the situation
at OMC, for what seems to be little or no money at all, but I really
don't understand why you feel you are an authority on the situation.
I don't see you addressing any of the points which I am about to
bring up yet you seem inlclined to forcast the companies worth.
This is not only intriqueing but irresponsible.
1. In the past 12 years OMC has been through how many presidents?
(i think around 11) and even more vice presidents. (fundamental problem)
2. In the past 12 years OMC has hired how many goofy consulting
groups? If you have to hire consultants to the magnitude OMC did?
Man o Man, "The president to the consultants: Sounds like a great
Idea, let's do it! The consultants to the president: Uh,Uh,Uh, We
actually just propose ideas we don't Make it Happen"
3. This in my opinion is possibly the total demise of the company.
From the early 80's to now, the company was completed de-diversified
(is that a word?), anyway, look at brunswick and look at the old omc.
Those guys in the 80's sold all the diversification OMC owned.
My opinion, many of the uppers got rich while OMC became a one
product company with nothing to rely on for profits when things got
tough. While brunswick was selling widgets and wodgets and making
a bundle while the outboards were killing their pocket book OMC
was left saying uh-oh we don't have neir a one widget nor a one
wodget to sell. Meanwhile the fat cats were sitting at home saying,
I hope I don't burn in hell for liquidating OMC's diversity and putting
all their goodies in one pile. To anyone of the current upper
management that reads this, I don't mean you, those guys are long
gone and know who they are. (Although I do think David Jones
and whoever that fat cat vp they just fired over the summer of 2000
were total idiots)
4. An lastly, what about the people. I personally met some of the
hardest working, most honest, most ethical people I think I will ever
meet in my lifetime while at OMC yet no profit could be realized? Can
you, are you going to address this? I know they are there. I remember
us as supervisors and engineers busting our ass to get out product
for the company on saturday evenings to meet the numbers management
put out, hmmm, something else was wrong. You had a product that
definately was as good as the competition, the majority of the people
busted that ass (about 95% always do) but still no profit. I just don't
get it. Seems like something else is going on??? Hmmm, could
something else be going on. Could you just get down to it and say
somebody raped the company to line their own bank account or someone
needed a tax write off. Now that would be news. But what you put
up seems irresponsible to me for some reason. Maybe its not, maybe
you are doing the best you can. Not trying to knock you personally
but come on, hit on some of these facts! People and their families
are and will suffer, at least speak up for them in some manner. At
least pose the question! At least address a few of these points.
Bottomline, the court will sell the proprietary stuff to the highest
bidder, somebody will get a big tax break and a lot of good people
will worry over Christmas about money. I suppose I will stick to
my bottomline with the company I built after my departure from OMC:
Make damn sure you have more money coming in than going out.
So far this is working.
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: J
I worked for one of the strongest boat brands in the world for the past
14 years and I have a feeling they will be back as strong as ever.
The people of FOUR WINNS have alot to be proud of ! It has been
difficult for any of the now, old OMC boat brands to be sucessful,
trying to hold up such a poorly managed OMC.I am vary proud of all
the hard work that went into such beauitiful product as the FOUR
WINNS.FOUR WINNS EMPLOYEES CAN REBUILD ! THEY HAVE
DONE IT IN THE PAST , THEY WILL DO IT AGAIN!
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: XXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC's Troubles
Hi, please do not use my name or e-mail address.
I work for a competitor of OMC and I have been on the frontline of 4-stroke
sales and product development for more than 12 years. In my opinion the
problems of OMC falls on the heads of OMC's top management and their Board
of Directors.
What a shame. This company had over a 60% market share not to long ago and
now they are going under. They put out unverified product to consumers,
screwed their dealer network and employees and made bad decisions about the
future of engine technology, etc... Shame, shame, shame.
For example, take the middle 1980's boat company buying spree by OMC. How
many millions of $$$ did they spend, and on what: Brand names? And just to
keep the Jap's off those transomes. The problem was, any moron can start a
boat company because it doesn't take much of a capital investment to start
building boats (in the '80's) but it takes a whole lot-O-Money to start
building engines to compete in the outboard engine market (Four-Stroke's
cost even more.) So, OMC subsidised the low margin boat companies with their
high margin (I est. +60% margin) two-stroke outboards. OMC's purchase of
boat companies did not dry up avalible boat transomes. Also, their lack of
innovation in meeting the upcoming EPA and California emision regulations,
and putting all of their eggs in one basket with FICHT was just plain
stupid. As any good mechanic knows, the last thing you do to a 2-stroke is
to "lean it out".
I have gotten to know many frontline OMC employees over the years and they
are some of the best people in the industry. The short term thinking of
OMC's management, Stockholders, and last, but not least, their Board of
Directors is sad. They screwed an old, industry leading company into the
ground. What morons.
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: XXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Well, what can we say? It's been bad at OMC CALHOUN, but never this bad.
I've been at OMC CALHOUN for 12 long years, my first real job!! And it really sux!!
My husband and myself works there. I've seen a lot of changes. Most of them
very stupid ones. Like the Lean, DFT, and Yomo. OMC worked their employees
10/12 hrs a day for 14/20 days straight, a lot of people busted their tails and what
did we get?? It really XXXXXX me off that "OUR MANAGEMENT" done this to us.
A lot of people will be hurting from this. A lot of Husbands and Wives doing without.
I've seen OMC ship bad Quality to just make the numbers, and yes, I work in the
Quality Dept. I've worked from the asy lines to the office. When Mr.. Jones fired
Bill XXXX, I knew then, he wasn't what he said he was. Bill was wonderful!! He
was for the people, I seen him actually work on the asy lines, building like the rest
of us. If you could only have seen the look on our faces when Billy XXX announced
today would be the last day. It would break your heart. OMC has a lot of good people,
they will be sadly missed!!!! We have no insurance, no holiday pay, no job...what
are we suppose to do now? All we know is boat motors!!!!
Friday Dec 22
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: Dale
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: omc
As an OMC employee I have to say this sucks! Consider yourself lucky if you got
a letter in the mail, many of us have not and had to learn this news off of the local
news or even had to call the plant ourselves to find out we are no longer employed.
It would have been nice to have had some kind of warning,but what did we expect,
we've been getting screwed by OMC for years!
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: Lee
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Merry Christmas
'Twas four days before Christmas when the workers were told,
"You don't have a job, you're out in the cold."
Two years,six years,twelve years,sixteen-
Your length of service means nothing.
We did all we were asked,some of us more,
It matters not now with locks on the doors.
No severance,no benefits,nothing we get,
For all those long hours of toil and sweat.
Our "leaders" betrayed us with decisions unsound,
A great corporation has been run aground.
I could go on but I guess I'd better polish up my job hunting skills.I'm so lucky,
at least I got a gold (for sale,cheap) watch.To all of my (former) co-workers at
OMC Andrews:It was great working with you all.
Merry Christmas
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: P
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Buy Out
Is there a way for the heart and soul of OMC to bargin/buy the company from
the present clueless owners? The core of OMC (employees) do have an
understanding of the problems. Is there any help for us? Sure some people
have to go, but you don't throw away the hole 9 yards. Just a simple thought.
Later
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
From: support
To: Gary Polson
Subject: Re: hmmm
Thank you for understanding my aggravation. I have friends calling for jobs
that I wish I could supply but>......can't right now. Anyway, if you can
get my full name and my full email up I would appreciate it. I don't need
anonimity from them and am not scared of them. If they sue me and ruin me
then life goes on. I will rebuild, but I at least would like to speak as a
man and as myself and stand behind what I say. In short I am not asking for
confidentiality from you journalist point of view. I ask to speak as myself
to the everyone.
Matt Smith
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: Mike
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: omc
what does a dedicated omc dealer do about its inventory and debts to omc and
floorplan companies????????? please give advice.
RBBI RESPONSE BELOW
RBBI RESPONSE TO REQUEST ABOVE
Thanks for your comments. I am certainly not qualified to offer
legal advice in this area, but here is what I would do
If it was out in the middle of the year, I would let the dust settle.
I expect in a week or two and maybe sooner some new direction will
be found and undertaken by the remains of OMC by them or someone else.
Meanwhile I would keep in contact with a few OMC dealer friends I
knew and keep each other consoled and posted on the latest updates.
But right now at the very end on the year. I think I would go ahead
and contact a lawyer with some experience in bankruptcy recovery and
just chat about the situation to make sure none of my options expire
at the end of the year.
If their is a major problem, there will probably be a class action
suit brought by all the dealers and maybe other creditors as well.
Would just want to make sure there are not options lost by letting
it roll over the end of the year, - Might also visit with an
accountant on how to handle my taxes and any last minute year
end decisions based on the situation.
If you or anybody else out there receives any professional advice
in this area you can share with us, please drop us a note.
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: C
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
Mr Wizard.
As a "Former" OMC employee for 14 years, I am extremely saddened at the
closing of the company. I was in the field for the company and worked a lot
more than I was paid to, as do most of the field personnel!
This company had one of the most dedicated, loyal and trusting employee
base..... The working persons should all be highly commended for the years of
hard work and loyalty, not laid-off for Christmas.
Dont get me wrong on all upper management, some were very good, while others
should have been working in government along with Al G.
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: John
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC CLOSING
Great site. I am a salaried employee at OMC Waukegan, or was until today. I
can say that I got more info from your site than I did from our own company.
I was told I didn't have a job to go to through hear say on a phone
conversation with a family member. Called the plant and was told not to
bother coming to work. WOW Merry Christmas.
Any how I find it hard to believe OMC is closed when we are still running
production at the Waukegan Facility.
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: L
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC CALHOUN SHUTDOWN
I find it hard to realize just how malignant the corporate culture at O.M.C.
is. I, as an employee of app. 6 years at the Calhoun plant, have watched
supervision,manangement and corp. decision makers blame almost all there
mistakes on the people who man the production lines. Our people here have
been told that they must work overtime hours no matter the damage to their
family life, and then are blamed for low production when the managers cannot
supply the necessary parts to complete the work. We are then left standing on
our production lines, with nothing to do, sometimes for as long as 5 hours
out of a 10 hour shift. David Jones tore our 7 powerhead assembly lines down,
at the start of peak season, and then combined the fuel injection lines with
the carb engines and declared that we should be able to build more product
this way despite the difference in the product lines. The training of
personal to man these lines was shoddy and then the people were blamed for
low quality so the turnover's began and things got worse. But Billy XXXXXX,
the plant manager, and Rose XXXXX , the area manager, in there wisdom degree
that to solve the problem just build more engines work more hours shove them
off the end of the line. to hell with quality build more and stack them up in
test and repair stack them in the floor maybe we will get a few good one's.
As for the thought that David Jones should be returned to O.M.C. my
thoughts are that he should be simply committed to DAVY JONES LOCKER so that
he can no longer destroy the lives of hard working people.
If any group buy's O.M.C. then they should have marine quality people
on board to deal with troubles at our company. This company is malignant to
the core in the corp levels and should be scoured clean if we are to have a
new start, which I hope we will have. I wish all my shipmate's at O.M.C.
lot's of luck and I hope that our prays for a new well ordered company is
brought to fruition.
Come on out there O.M.C.s production workforce is one of the best in
the world. We just need some good instructors
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: XXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC...gone but not forgotten
Good Morning,
Please do not use my name or email (just on the off chance that I do have a job,
once someone decides to buy OMC out...)
My name is XXX and I have been (or was formerly...now that noone has a job
anymore) employed by OMC at the Calhoun plant as an Engine Tester since
XXX. 1999. And I think that OMC's latest action has proven to the many loyal
workers that the acronym OMC really does mean: Our Management Can't...I for
one do not see how we can be soo far behind the production schedule that we
must work twenty hours a week overtime, and then within the last thirty days
finally went back down to fourty hours a week, and now have closed the doors
at the plant...Something doesn't make sense here !!! We produce the most fuel
efficient Outboards on the market period. Quality is our Number One Priority
(that engine gets checked out like a recruit going to boot camp), Heck, all the
FICHT engines meet 2006 EPA standards for the state of California (which are
the TOUGHEST emmision standards period) and we can't sell enough motors
to keep the doors open? And No one in management knew this was going to
happen ? I REALLY FIND THAT VERY HARD TO BELIVE !!!!
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: L
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Comment
I was employed by OMC at the Andrews, NC facility. I just found out last night that
I no longer had a job and that we were closing the doors. No group meetings, no
severence, no compassion, etc. Our employees have worked long hours to help
straighten out the mess that was made by trying to outsource connecting rods to
China (which they could not make). We feel like we have been RAPED! We have
really been putting the units into the warehouse, probably have enough to fill orders
for awhile. What I would like to know is can they legally do this to us with no notice?
What are our rights? If anyone out there is planning on a lawsuit where the Andrews
facility can join in, please email me at labs@dnet.net. Thanks for your site, I have
learned more there than from my former employer. By the way, I haven't
received my formal letter yet!
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: Jim
To:
As a 22 year employee who left OMC two years ago when I saw the end coming I
feel I must express my feelings.
I started out at OMC Evinrude in Milwaukee WI. In 1976. I meet Ralph
Evinrude and most of his staff. We owned the outboard industry.
During the shift to the south, Calhoun GA was where the main assembly plant
location. The poor start up resulted in five plant managers in five years.
The result created a view of this plant as the main problem with in OMC well
beyond the years it was fixed. The unresolved problems in Waukegan were
never addressed. Coupled with this internal vision failure was the failure
to acquire Bayliner and Sea Ray when both were offered to OMC in the late
1980's. The mis-managers have now created so much hardships for the people
that worked on the shop floors that I feel should be hung.
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: t
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Closing
My husband worked for OMC in Waukegan for a little over 28 years. He went
into work yesterday only to be told to clean out his desk and go home. A
letter came in the afternoon by fedex stating that they are closing the
plant. They will be paid through Dec 21st and receive no severance pay.
Also, any who where close to retirement and where going to in only months
time will now have to wait until 65 to receive their pension (60 at a
lessened amount). This is a nice "Merry Christmas" from a company that many
people put their whole lives into..
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: D
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Waste and Cover-up
Maybe if OMC didn't spend all that money killing seagulls at the Waukegan
plant, because a few of the executives cars were getting crapped on, they
wouldn't have to layoff their employees. It all started very simple but after
the federal fish and wildlife people got involved it became an expensive
cover-up. If you want to read a sad story with a bunch of liars in it, go to
the the Illinois Pollution Control Board website and read the hearing
transcripts.
Please sign me Voice
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: C
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: comments re OMC
Mr. Wizard - excellent analysis of the situation at OMC. It will be a steal
for someone interested in taking on a business with poor management. Poor
David Jones, never got all the rats out of the woodwork at the corporate home
front and Bob Gowens made some very expensive decisions... $20mil to buy
machining equipment for added capacity.... that was like throwing money in
the toilet. Thus goes the saga for OMC. A Penske buy would be ideal, but
probably a fairy tale.
Thanks for your expert thoughts.
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: j
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: omc
Excellent article Gary, well research and authoritatively written. What
I read rings true. I've been in the industry from the dealer side for a
number of years and can attest to much of what you pointed out. I do
think that the desire of most in the industry for OMC to succeed will
play a significant role in OMC, as a "mainstay" surviving this
tumultuous time. FICHT troubles proved, I think, to be the level of
emergency bouancy but in the right hands technologically and
managerially can once again make OMC a mover and shaker, there is merit
there.
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: R
To: Gary
Subject: Re: OMC's Troubles
The Miami Boat show in Feb 2001 is going to be a strange sight with a big
hole where OMC used to be on display. OMC's failing is like GMC crashing in
the automobile industry. The boating industry will never be the same again.
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000 13:18:16 -0500
From: D
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: It's Penske with an 'e' please...
RBBI comment, woops! Mr. Wizard has trouble with the keyboard sometimes.
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000 12:22:14 -0600
From: R
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Job Opportunities
Mr. Wizard:
My heart goes out to the people at the OMC facility. I do not understand why they
have to do this at Christmas and in the cold weather. Makes no sense.
On a more positive note I am a recruiter and currently looking for people in AR, TX,
TN and MO, I especially need people who have experience in two cycle engines.
Unfortunately these are professional positions and will not be any help to those on
the line that are the meat and potatoes of the plant.
Any one who would be interested can reach us at:
Advanced Recruiting Technologies
PO Box 94340
Little Rock, AR 72190
PHONE: 501.812.6200 or www.advancedrtec.com
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: R
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: omc andrews,n.c.
I have worked at OMC for over 15 years and I have never seen it this
low. We were told today Dec. 20,2000 that OMC would be shutting it's
doors. I was very upset. We were left hanging high and dry. I feel this is
a bad way to treat your employees,after they have given such length of
service. I didn,t even get to recieve my 15 year service award, which
was up in Oct. 2000. "Thanks you very much".
Maybe there is some way the state can find a factory that will try to
stay in the running longer than OMC did. I know that all my friends at
OMC Andrews would like to see each other in the near futher. Thank for
letting me vent my feeling!
UNEMPLOYED.
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: B
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: omc closing
Well Mr. Wizard you will get the same story out of me as you have everyone
else. I have worked for OMC 5-6 years and to just be told that you not needed
by letter is inexcusable. We at the Calhoun Plant asked for months is we were
going to close and asked to have a plant wide meeting but that did not happen
because in typical OMC way --The Gutless Way-- they just laid us off and
sent us a letter. We were told today that this decision was just made a couple
days ago well I don't believe it but if it is true then it shows how idiotic
OMC management is. I hope you keep us informed because this is a tough blow to
Calhoun and its economy. Keep all the good work coming!!!
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: Kelie & Doug B
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: To All OMC Employees
The thoughts and prayers are with you all This Christmas....
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: R & B
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
We are retirees, what can we expect about our pension, management
incentive pension and health insurance, will it continue?
RBBI Response Below
RBBI Response to Above Question
Suggest you gather all you pension, health, etc policies together
and visit with an accountant in an area (city) with a major OMC
facility. They should be familiar with the program and be able to find
out if the retirement program is some form of guaranteed pension
(insured) in some fashion and may have an understanding of the
other programs as well.
I would expect quite a bit of information of this nature to come
forward from some group (maybe the local union or a credit union office)
after all the dust settles.
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: Roger
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC-Calhoun closing
As a former employee of OMC-Calhoun, I seen the ship sinking 3 years ago
after Green Marine took over. They blew millions upon millions of dollars
on consulting firms to let them tell them what was wrong with the company
they had just bought. The problem with this was they didn't use this
information to solve any of the problems.It was like they looked away. This
money could have been better spent on other things such as a little more
research on the Ficht (found in calhoun having trouble) technology. They
pushed Ficht on to the market without even knowing whether they had all the
bugs out. This has always has been the problem with this company. They
test and research their product in the field. OMC was letting the customer
test the new product. We took thousands of motors back out of the box and
reworked them after boaters were stranded out on the lake where they thought
they were going to have fun. Management at Calhoun was coming and going.
People who had no knowledge of the business or the product were being put in
supervision rolls. Some one in these positions should know the product. A
compay is in bad shape when management doesn's know the product I seen all
of the management that knew the outboard business sent out the door. How
can great employees follow a managemet that is blind to the business. I left
OMC over a year ago because I knew what was about to happen to OMC. It was
a hard decision to make after investing 11 years in company. I miss my job
at OMC. I enjoyed what I did. My thoughts and prayers go out to my former
fellow team mates.
P.S. Without sight how can there be a vision.
My opinion: Green Marine should have taken there small loss 3 years ago and
let Detroit Diesel and Roger Penske take OMC where they should have been,
at the top of the marine industry.
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000
From: f
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: News
Well boys they waited until Friday to decide to file for Chapter 11. Guess
they decided they really didn't want to have to pay their creditors after
all...........................................or at least right now.
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000
From: C & B
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC BURNSVILLE
Wizard,
I have been a faithful employee of OMC for 16 & 1/2 years. When
GREED-MARINE bought us, we all kind of knew it was over. We knew they knew
nothing about the marine industry. They were just an acquisition company;
buying & liquidating. Penski should have been allowed to buy us out. But,
NO.....there was too much stock owned, 40%, then you had all the idiots like
Jim XXXXXX who was given stock & all the bigwigs who ALL held out for the
highest bidder. You now see where that got us & now, they don't give a
damned about us. We ARE the back bone of OMC; the hourly paid employees.
OMC ..... "OLD MENS CLUB" is what has happened to us. They are enjoying
their lives, but don't give a crap about us. Maybe David Jones, Suzuki, &
Penski can come in & straighten us out. It's our ONLY hope. Where is Lee
Iacoca when we need him? Have a merry Christmas?
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000
From: Jim
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
My heart goes out to all of the employees of omc that have lost their jobs
at this most inoppurtune time. But, please try to also remember in their
prayers the dealers that stood up and bought a years or more worth of
inventory to help satisfy the needs of the company for engine orders. We are
now left with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of product that we
have absolutely no idea of what its value may be except as some real quality
used parts. We too depended on OMC's committments, parts plans based on
orders, engine rebate plans based on orders, oil and accessory programs
based on orders. All of which we wholeheartedly participated in to further
our position in the industry and to assist our partners omc with their
goals. We were first made aware of the problems by a faxed letter explaining
of the extended shutdown of OMC, the rest of the info has came from
different sources on the internet. So, I guess all that is left to do is
figure out what to do with this $700,000.00 worth of OMC engines that meet
all of the epa requirements but dont have any warranty and the roughly
$150,000.00 we have in parts and accessories. Sure wish We had been a liitle
better informed.
Saturday Dec 23
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000
From: STEVE
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
This message is to Marine Execs, board members, Industry leaders. I read in some
of the feedback that OMC's greatest asset was it's people, this is a fact that is not
in dispute ! some of us are no longer employed, some of us haven't left yet. but we
can all be reached by phone or mail, more importantly we know how to design,
manufacture, market, and service the best Marine products/engines in the world.
we know right from wrong, no matter what the decision, you know as we do, lately
there has been many wrong ones. please consider the future of OMC and it's
people, we yearn for great leadership and the opportunity to continue to do what
we know and love best. OMC people are the finest anywhere.
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000 11:43:15 -0500
From: Sis
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Friends
I just want to say to my friends, that you made OMC a better place to work and I
Will miss all of you. I made alot of friends at OMC Andrews N.C. I especially want
to say thanks to department 41, we had fun and am proud to called each of my friend.
Margaret ------ White devil,
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000
From: Brian
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Lowe Boats, Lebanon Mo.
To everyone in the OMC family....I'd like to wish you all a Merry
Christmas and a Better New Year....I worked in the Lowe Boat plant for
14 years. I've had the priviledge to meet many OMC associates (set-up
crews) working the boat shows around the country. These guys were some
of the hardest and dedicated workers that OMC had....I have no doubt
that these men and women including my associates that worked in my dept.
here at Lowe, will be an assest to any company that employs them. I will
miss them and always remember their dedication and hard work. Here is
our newpaper article on the Lowe Boat shut down in the Lebanon Daily Record.
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000
From: Gary
To: Jeff
Subject: RE: What's Next for OMC? feature article
> Gary,
> Can't seem to get into the site today (Friday, 11:50 AM, est). Have the OMC
> attorneys shut you down? :
RBBI Response
No, we were taking EXTREMELY HEAVY traffic and can only transfer
200 meg in each 24 hour period per our provider. They walk the
cumulative total each hour (When you hit the wall you get more
time when the next hour starts equal the them time you used
in that hour 24 hours ago - if that makes any sense).
I was frantically trying to offload the graphics and some of the
individual pages to some other servers we use. Finally got
it calmed down and balanced a little in the early afternoon.
We smoked the traffic counter. And things did not totally
settle down here till about 1 am this morning.
Gary & Mr. Wizard
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000
From: Tim
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: fitch
First of all I feel bad for the OMC employees but as far as the co. is concerned
I am having a hard time feeling too bad. I feel fitch really drained alot of money
and good reputation from the co . DI is very complex and OMC already had a
license with Orbital for their low pressure DI system. That system was tested
for YEARS and YEARS(and is working great for Mercury). Rather than paying
a little bit for royalties they tried to go it alone which they still couldn't do without
patent suit problems which OMC lost. What really irritates me, was that as soon
as fitch equiped motors came out and I mean as SOON as they came out there
were OVERWHELMING problems. What that tells me is that there was very little
durability testing of this system. Actually I think it was tested... on the initial
consumers. I think that was a cheap lowly trick, I dont know how they didn't
know that there were widespread problems with that system any amount of
testing would have shown it. OMC's reputation went downhill fast afer that. If
you follow the message boards you know that there were lots of unhappy consumers.
So I guess OMC got what it deserved, unfortunately the facory workers pay the
price for OMC poor business practices. As a side note I am not a unhappy OMC
customer I just follow DI technology and saw this coming along time ago.
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000
From: CAJAYHAWKERS@aol.com
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject:
I represent a large northern california dealership. I am interested in good
caliber people to staff our parts, warranty, and service departments.
We are a 9 store chain, and one of the oldest dealerships in the country.
We offer very competitive wages, a great work environment, and relocation
assistance.
If anyone is interested in a postion, e-mail me at cajayhawkers@aol.com.
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000
From: XXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Demise
Please keep me anonymous.
I have read a lot of about comments about the demise of OMC on many
internet sites. Several have commented about how great they thought
David Jones was and Bob Gowens was. Well not in my view, now being an
unemployed OMC person.Those two guys didn't get fired for nothing and it
certainly was not because of technology (FICHT- spell it right). They made
bad decisions. It was these two guys who made the ultimate decisions that
led to bankruptcy. They alone managed to lose more money in one year that
any other of their predecessors. Against recommendations they decided
to outsource critical components that the company had been successfully
manufacturing for decades. Against recommendations they decided to
outsource parts whose new manufacturing processes were not thoroughly
validated. Those companies then couldn't meet production and quality needs.
(By the way those companies are/were now making good parts) So if we
have to find blame for the company's demise then look at them and
Greenway for not listening to and trusting their advisors and employees.
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000
From: S
To: polsong@virtualpet.com
Subject:
Friends from Chicago land reported that they saw David Jones depositing a
bonus check for fiscal 2000 from Brunswick! Can this be true?
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 200)
From: Roger
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC closing
As an EX-OMC employee, I am largely disturbed about the abrupt closing
with no noitice. Are you aware of any law or regulation that requires a company
to give notice before a company closes or greatly reduces the number of employees
(ie. Warren Act). My father-in-law worked in a factory in Wisconsin and that
company was required to file its intention with the state 60 days prior to any such
actions. Perhaps Illinois is different?
Thanks!
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000
From: R & B
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Health Insurance
Have you heard anymore concerning pension & continued health insurance
coverage for retirees? Could you contact us with any future information
concerning retirees? Thanks
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000 15:19:07 -0500
From: R & B
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Your reporting
Your reporting is absolutely wonderful, sad as this whole mess is!!! I believe
the employees are still in a state of shock.
I know as retirees 1989, we are in a state of shock, we are accessing our
options. We are elderly, with no insurance & possibly no income. Where are
we supposed to earn the income just for our health insurance and for my
husbands prescriptions.
This is devastating to the 1,000's of loyal and true past & present of OMC.
Please continue to keep us informed, Thank You
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000 14:47:46 -0600
From: n
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Re OMC
We as OMC dealers across the nation should get together and pray. Instead of
all trying to point the finger lets come together and two or three agree and pray
on this situation for the best outcome. We all need the best to happen not point
fingers or call names. Lets pray for the future and for each and every family out
there involved in this situation. The Bible tells us if we will gather two or three in
His presence we will answer our prayers. So all you thousands out there with this
being the Season and Jesus the reason lets all get down on our knees and pray
for the best outcome for us all. God Bless You All and A Merry Christmas and lets
all intercede and pray for the best year of the boating industry yet come.
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000
From: Doug
To: Gary Polson
Subject: Re: To All OMC Employees
Thanks for the encouragement / support during this challenging time for
a lot of people.
By the way, my name is Douglas Becker, I am / was a V-engine Program
Manger for OMC at the Waukegan PDC Facility. I still hope OMC has a
chance, and am hopeful that management everywhere will learn something
from this unfortunate circumstance....
You may print....
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000
From: g
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
I worked at OMC Milwaukee for 31 years, and seen a lot of screw ups. The
one that broke the its back was closing Milwaukee the way they did. They
did not no if the venders they got, could even make the parts they wanted,
or if they could make them good in many cases they lost on both ends. I am
not sure how many million dollars it took to move the broken down equipment
we had but it was a lot. Then to top it off they asked us to go along with this
equipment and train the people to run it. In most cases we also ended up
running production because they could not run enough parts. The people
who were doing this were averaging well over $3,000.00 a week. As of the
time they closed this was still a problem. I could go on for pages about what
went wrong but back in the 80's OMC went south we had 70% of the market
Mercury went north and look were they are now. Good luck to all OMC people
we pay for there mistakes there lifestyle will not change one bit. But the lives
of more than 7000 people who gave ther all will change forever, rember there
is life after OMC
Date: Sun, 24 Dec 2000
From: michael
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC - ONLY IN AMERICA!
Here we have a country (USA) with its chest thrust forward, telling the
world how to run their affairs etc.
Meanwhile OMC executives (revolving door) were using the big stick (45 gun)
with any of their talented employees to do the impossible in double quick
time or your replaced! Anyone who speaks out - gets fired, no matter how
close to the truth their comments were or proved to be, or how valuable they
were to OMC.
I am a great believer in tradition, I didn't want to give up my carby
Johnson 175HP for 'anything'. But its taken over 3 years for me to see what
the FICHT technology can do for 2 stroke outboards (and diesel etc). I run
both an inboard chevy for a ski boat, and a 175 JO outboard for
fishing/diving etc. As an employee of OMC for a 'lifetime' I watched the
birth and problems with FICHT technology, with great interest. The
philosophy of FICHT is brilliant, the implementation/testing was not. This
current FICHT RUDE RAM (what a name) is the future in 2 stroke technology.
Whoever gets it now is on a winner, its a shame to see the OMC name may not
be behind it anymore, it must make Ollie Evinrude shudder in his grave.
Internationally the OMC divisions are doing well - local management not
using fear tactics, to achieve targets etc. A profitable business indeed.
Its hard to put your finger on any single problem with OMC, lots of
decisions made by so called 'executives' or 'consultants' brought in from
outside at great expense, normally for a short period until the expense
budgets melted or their incompetance finally shone through. All the while
local people who understood the marine business were overlooked in favour of
the new wave in business management.
My guess for the future - separate the motors from the boats!
The boatcompanies are useful - use the funding to fire up a leaner motor
manufacturing/assembly function concentrating on FICHT technology to replace
carbs asap. OMC cannot make enough motors to satisfy demand, huge
backorders. Yes, there were supply problems from vendors, but we chose the
vendors.
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000
From: Kim Valery
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Hello and thanks
I am a former OMC employee from Beloit P & A, distribution/warehouse in
Beloit, WI. Is it possible to let me know about any jobs in the Southern, KY
or Northern, TN area. I worked at the Parts and accessories Warehouse for
23 years Plus! the last 4 years, I also did the returns goods function. any
more questions e mail me at kmvalry@aol.com Thanks for any help you can give!
Mr. Kim J. Valery
Sunday Dec 24
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000
From: M
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Future
As a now 'unemployed' OMC employee, I could care less about the future of
OMC/execs/management that put us in this position. My only hope is that the
engine and boat companies be sold (individually would be fine by me!) so we
can all go back to work. Not only would we have our jobs back, but the OMC
execs and management that made decisions in haste without researching the
consequences would know what it is like to be unemployed. I do, however,
feel for the retirees...may their future hold positive and this mess be put
behind them.
Date: Sun, 24 Dec 2000
From: Joel
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Loyal dealers are devastated
We have been an exclusive OMC dealership for most of our business life. Now, we
see little hope. We sell Boats and Engines made by one company. I have not a clue
of what to do next. It seems to me that we have product without warranty both in our
stores and in the customers driveway. What is next. Do we call our floorplan company
and tell them that we have spent $1,000,000.00 on product that will not sell for what
we paid for it?
Anyone with ideas , please post them
Thanks
Date: Sun, 24 Dec 2000
From: XXXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: PLEASE DONT USE MY EMAIL
PLEASE do not post my name or email, but I saw your message board had
listings for employment recruiters.
This is a warning about a penalty using job recruiters:
A bit of advice -- please have OMC people send resume's ON THEIR OWN FIRST!!
My husband applied for a job at a Boat Manufacturing plant this past summer
using Marine Recruiers. This was for a 'dream job".
He was most qualified of ALL applicants, but the HIGH fees the recruiter
charged PLACED HIM OUT OF CONTENTION! He didn't get the job. The job went
to an individual who was on his own. The manufacturer TOLD him that if he
didn't use this recruiter, the job would have gone to him.
Just beware -- using a recruiter is a BAD idea sometimes! Use only as a
LAST resort.
Date: Sun, 24 Dec 2000 12:02:22 -0500
From: c
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
My sister poured 29 years of her heart and soul into this company in several
cutting edge Sales, Marketing and Customer Service positions. She was the "go to girl"
when things were FUBAR, to get employees to do their best inspite of their instinctual
sense to flee the ailing giant. She was counted on to carry Management's message
to those that interacted with customers and dealers on a daily basis to be productive,
proactive and cost efficient....for "The Team", no matter who the current incompetents
where, no matter the condition of the industry. For 29 years of dedicated, loyal service
to "The Team", she was called to a meeting, along with several others, to be told
they were all going to be terminated because of the troubles and bankruptcy.
Everyone, regardless of tenure, was awarded 1 day severance for their loyalty and
dedication. This insult was not to be the final insult, though. Later on it became
apparent that not everyone at the meeting got axed. Those pople knew they were going
to make this cut but were compelled to attend.........(management) safety in numbers.
I guess the adage "Misery loves company" can now be twisted into an obscene sneak
attack at the last vestige of an individuals dignity. I don't know the names of the
shameless snakes that orchestrated this final indignity, but who could blame my sister
and her fellow OMC "go to people" for finding these scum bags and fileting them in
public? As much as the "old timers" who got sacrificed last week took another one
for "The Team", these current management horrors should be compelled to take one
for their present part, and the parts precedent who now own marinas, for the abject
failure of an investor group and management succession that allowed several of the
finest names in Boating go down in this manner. OMC and her people deserved better.
Not to mention the market. A pox on you and your conferderates, now and forever!
To my sister, and the OMC'ers, prayers and best wishes. You'll never completely know
the example your loyalty and dedication set for many other workers across this country.
Thanks.
Date: Sun, 24 Dec 2000
From: XXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Insurance and benefits??
Wizard,
I am in a query about our pension and health insurance. PLEASE do
not use my name or address. I have been a faithful employee for 17 years and
have discovered a chronic liver problem this past year. I can't even get
burial insurance, much less the life & health insurance. Where do we,
ex-employees stand as far as the insurance programs go from OMC Burnsville,
NC????
Date: Sun, 24 Dec 2000
From: W
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Andrews
Andrews X'S,
I thank each and everyone of the people that help to train me at this plant
if it wasn't for all of your "Patience and Understanding" I wouldn't have made
it for the 8 month I did... Unfortunately this is the second time in one year I
have been employed at a plant that has "Closed its Doors" and let it employees
go at the worst time of the year...except my other employer was much more
understanding to its employees...
"Bit of Wisdom": GLOOM, Boredom, and Unhappiness make no headway
against Enthusiasm. Yes, I am aggravated too about how OMC did this...
I have always been TOLD...by my father now brother who has been in the
Marine Business since 1958... Get a JOHNSON or EVINRUDE and these were
the only engines we have ever owned on our boats... Is this the end of some
great engines / employees or maybe a new beginning...for all...? Wendy
Tues Dec 26
Date: 26 Dec 00
From: XXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Burnsville
First of all, don't use my name or my email address.I was employed by OMC
Burnsville for 5 years. While I was there, I hurt my hands. The management
shunned me for this and was bumped off my job and was sent to another
department in hopes I would quit. I had to get a lawyer to help me fight this.
The department I was sent to work had a hostile enviroment and when a few of
us went to the plant manager to discuss this, we ended up in the personnel
manager's office and was issued a warning slip. Frankly, if you ask me, I'm
tickled to death to see this place close. I'm sorry for all the assembly
people losing their jobs,but for the management, well what goes around comes
around, and you finally got yours.
Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2000
From: P
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Stratos Boats
I think a lot of your comments are probably pretty close to the mark, But you
have not mentioned possible buyers for the individual boat companies. My gut
tells me Earl Bentz is going to try and buy the Stratos-Javelin group because
he was quoted as saying he would someday own Stratos again. Stratos was his
baby and it would be a boost for him to have it back.
As far as all the OMC employees I feel for them, for this to come out at this
time of year is devastating, But I think a lot of them may get there jobs
back working for new employers in the same plants. The OMC name is far to big
to just go away, there is definitely sales of these groups that are going to
happen, I only pray it is fast and painless. All of us in the industry had
high hopes for Greenway when they bought OMC , But know it seems they were
just another giant looking for write offs.
Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2000
From: Joel
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: any news about sale of OMC?
Mr. Wizard,
I am suffering with this. Is there any news about the sale of all or part of OMC?
Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2000
From: M
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Thanks for service to the good former employees of OMC
This is a very tough time for all of us former OMC employees. We can all
learn a lesson about this modern economy and the folly of placing our faith
corporate America. Fortunately, at this time of the year, we are reminded of
the words spoken by angel many years ago, "Do not be afraid, I bring you good
news of a great joy. A savior is born for you this day, Christ the Lord."
Our faith in Him will not go unrewarded.
I only invested 16 months at OMC. I saw some very positive things at OMC
that could make it a good investment for buyer with competent, stable
leadership. Great products, great people (if any could be enticed to come
back), a good manufacturing system, a great heritage. It can be made into a
1st class operation.
Mr. Wizard, thank-you for your information, and your willingness to help us.
May God bless you.
Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2000
From: Nancy
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject:
Hi,
Just wanted you to know that when I clicked on Mercury Job
Openings,,,,,,,guess what it said? It said "Ha.........." and at the
bottom, "TOUGH LUCK". Whoever did this is a heartless, inhuman sorry
excuse for a "person". Apparently they didn't realize how much we,
former OMC employees, are suffering right now, emotionally, and
moneywise. It is very hard for alot of us to even sleep at night. Thank
God my kids are grown, alot of my friends at OMC Andrews have little
children, and what kind of Christmas did they have? Over 300 GOOD
employees lost their jobs at Andrews, we were the #1 plant as far as
quality, getting our parts to our customers on time, etc. For years, we
held this position. It just amazes and saddens me that some people in
other boat motor facilities are taking great pleasure in this great
loss. Of course they are (or were) our number 1 competitor, but we are
people with families just like them. If anyone from OMC Andrews reads
this, I want to say thanks for being my friends, and try to stay in
touch. Nancy
RBBI Response
We checked the link last night, this morning and again just now
(4:30 PM Central Dec 26) and it is fine. Is possible someone did something
rude, but it appears to be corrected now.
Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2000
From: XXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
Please don' t use my name. As an OMC employee laid off four days before
Christmas, I feel for all of my fellow employees. Never have I had the pleasure
to work with a more competent bunch, and I only refer to the group that
includes plant workers, technicians, engineers, designers, SOME (but not all)
of the managers, clerical staff, boat testers, etc. The sad lesson is that until
we realize that these overstuffed IDIOTS that we call CEOs, CFOs, VPs, etc.
are only on an ego trip, and are not worth half the salary that they get paid,
then we will continue to be non-competitive and get kicked around by foreign
industry (primarily the Japanese). I do not say this as a slur to the Japanese.
At least their CEOs are not paid the exorbitant salaries that ours are! Take
David Jones, this fool came from our ARCH RIVAL! Did anyone honestly believe
that he really gave a hoot about OMC, this was just an ego trip for him. What
did he really have at stake, for all his blundering, he had his golden parachute!
Why should he care about the people who depended on OMC for their livelihood,
who sacrificed everything in hopes of making a difference, who believed (as I
still do) that we had the best outboard engines in the world, and that with
some hard work and dedication, could make the Johnson and Evinrude names
stand proud once again. Another sad bunch are the people he put in place,
who could not make a decision to save their own lives. Why was it that we
were told in May 2000 that some future projects would be shelved so that we
could concentrate on our core competencies (outboards) and yet none of the
talent from these projects actually came to work on outboards until OCTOBER,
when it was sadly too late! Until we make it so that the people in these positions
actually have something to lose, then I suppose they will continue to act recklessly
when it comes to the lives of others.
Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2000
From: Pglenginer@aol.com
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Possible Job Openings for Ex. OMC Employees
Power Great Lakes, a manufacturer of gasoline and diesel power units for the
Industrial Market, has positions open in their Engineering Department for
people with engine experience for design engineers, draftsmen, test
technicians and technical publications. Resumes can be emailed to
pglenginer@AOL.com to the attention of the Engineering Manager.
Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2000 16:43:56 -0800
From: H
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Spruce Pine
I worked for OMC for 4 years. In July of 1997, I had a door jam on my hand. It
took 6 months for the company Doctor to do my surgery for trama caused corpal
tunnel, the Doctor wouldn't give me anything for the pain because I was on workers
comp. I worked 8 months in 3 years, I am 34 years old and "retired into my disability"
as of January of this year. I also had to get a lawyer to get my workers comp
started and for them to pay my medical bills. I finally received my settlement in February
of this year, but all of our bills were so far behind from waiting sometimes 6 weeks
to get my OMC short term disability check, there wasn't any left. I was placed on
cobra insurance in January, it's just $180.00 a month for me and a extra $200.00
for anyone else I had added to it. All the nerve damage, muscle, tendons and bone
disease I ended up with from the accident, I couldn't get any other insurance.
There is usually a week or two between months for the cobra insurance to activate
your card, so you have to pay full cost until they reactivate it. My medicine is
$30.00 a day, when I have to pay for it. I was told from employees that I had been
done the worst than anyone employeed there since it opened. I have not had a
life since July of 1997. I just want to thank Harold Smith for all he did for my family.
Harold was our plant manager a year after I got hurt, he made sure I was done fair.
Wed Dec 27
Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2000
From: Rick
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: INFO
Dear Mr. Wizard, I think Transamerica Finance may be canidate to buy out OMC,
They have a lot of the inventory financed.
Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2000
From: Richard
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: omc Waukegan
Did another company buy out omc in Wakegan? One of my family members heard
that on the tv news or the radio is it true? What is going on can you send
me more info. about it i want to know please.
Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2000 21:46:03 -0800
From: B
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC BURNSVILLE SHUT DOWN
To whom it may concern I have been emplyed by OMC Burnsville for 15 years. I think
the way that they handle the lay offall employed was a shame because they way we
learn of the sut down was 13news and fellow employees We thought that they should
have enough ball to tell us what was going on and all employees and familys feel the
same way They sure know how to throw the ball at you for Christmas
Mad in Burnsville
Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2000
From: Kim
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Out of aJob
I'm was an employee of OMC Burnsville,NC.Just want to say to my fellow co-workers
that I'll miss you and may God bless us all this coming year with great things. Maybe
we will cross each others path again. I hate it but God is in control and he will never
forsake or leave his own.IT HAS BEEN GREAT working with everyone at Burnsville
the past 15 yrs.
PS You all are in my prayers
Kim
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000 08:59:23 -0500
From: S
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: George Soros
We are all curious as to what George Soros cmment is about omc closings and that 7000
people are out of a job because of poor mangement.
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000
From: Chris
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Who will buy OMC?
Dear Mr. Wizard,
I am an independent boat rep and grew up in the business all my life.
My father was also an independent boat rep before and after all the buyouts in the
late 80's. He wrote a letter then predicting this would happen when the engine companies
bought the independent boatbuilder saying that they would not be profitable and would
eventually sale off. Brunswick has already spun it's aluminum divisions (Starcraft,Fisher,
Monarch,and Spectrum) and bass boat divisions (Procraft and Astro) and locked them
into 10 year contracts for engines and the end result for Brunswick was good. Now with
OMC in there desperate situation I think there boat companies will be spun off and
locked into engine deals for the outboards and Chris-Craft and Four-Winns could possibly
start offering mercruiser power optional. I think that Bombardier will end up with the engine
side of the business if not them then Suzuki as a second choice. On the bass boat side
(Stratos and Javelin) I believe if the price is right then Jack White previous owner of
Procraft/Astro will end up with it, due to his ego and a good deal. Lowe Aluminum could
very easily end up back with the Lowe Family. Princecraft would end up possibly with
a Canadian outfit or with the success of Genmar in the Aluminum Boat Industry, Erwin
could end up with both Lowe and Princecraft. Hydrasport is an excellent Saltwater name
and I think will sale very quickly and quite possibly to some of the old Hydrasport crew.
Chris-Craft I think will end up with Erwin Jacobs at Genmar since he was outbidded in
the late 80's and also to the proxiamety next to Wellcraft/Aquasport. He could build
all three labels at VEC facility down in Florida and also it makes since for Genmar due
to there runabout line up they do not have an up scale line of boats to compete with
Cobalt , Sea-Ray or Chaparrel. Sea Swirl could end up with a builder on the west
coast or consolidated with Hydrasport as an entry level boat built in the same factory
as Hydrasport. Of course all this information is all speculative but I think some of it is
dead on. Again for all those OMC employees who were let go my thoughts and prayers
go out to you and I wish you and your family well.
Sincerely,
Boatrep
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000
From: John
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: New Boat
I ordered a new Hydra-Sport this past October and was told it would not be in
till April. Last week I get a call that my boat is in well ahead of schedule. I was told
it was early because they were building that boat at the time.
Well, now with all the OMC problems and the fact that I had to put up several
thousand dollars to order the boat any idea what my options are?
John
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000
From: XXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
Thank you all OMC employees for your hard work & dedication. Especially the boat
division. From a dealers point of view it is hard to swallow the hard hit we have
been thrown. We have been solely OMC since day one (12yrs). What to do with
over 1.8mil in stock?????? Thanks to the big guys for pressuring big orders offering
large rebates !!!!!!!!! Should have known it sounded to good to be true.
Don't list my name or e-mail
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000
From: XXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC executive stay packages
A little known fact that few know about the staying CEO and President of OMC,
Roger Fix. Few people know or realize that Roger Fix is being paid $5 million
to close OMC for good. This is to supplament his $500,000 annual salary
during these "hard times." Not bad for guiding a 80-year legend in the marine
industry into financial ruin within 6 short months of tenure. Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year Mr. Fix, you should be proud.
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000
From: Margaret
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: omc retirees
My husband is retired from OMC and I was laid off on Dec. 1st from the
Andrews facility. We were sent the paperwork to enroll in retiree
insurance but have not heard if this is going to happen on Jan. 1st 2001
when it is supposed to be in effect. I have repeatedly tried to call the
OMC corp. service center and Jim XXXX, whose name was on the so sorry
you have no chance of getting a job back were closed letter. I would
like to know if there is anything we can do to get information about
retirement insurance. We have been treated so badly it is hard to trust
anything these bozos tell you. The people I worked with as operators,
office personnel, engineers, etc. were super. However, the top
management is the worst and will continue to be as long as greed is all
that is operating at the top. I worked at OMC for 15 + years and enjoyed
my job very much. But I never had much confidence in the top management
people at corp. offices. Please continue to update us on any information
you have. We are receiving nothing but silence from the people we worked
so hard for so many year. M
RBBI COMMENT: We are covering retirement and other employee questions
on our OMC Employee FAQ Page
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000 13:39:22 EST
From:
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Leads for OMC people
Rampage Sport Fishing Yachts, a Division of KCS International just built a
300,000 sq. FT. plus building in Wilmington NC. They are looking for all
positions from management to line jobs. If your interested call our
headquarters @ KCS International 920-834-2211 and ask for Penny. She can
direct you to the HR person for the North Carolina Plant.
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000 14:52:16 -0500
From: XXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Closing
Please do not use this e-mail address or name!
It just makes me wonder that at the OMC Burnsville plant we have several top
management from Mercury. Does this mean they get a big bonus from both OMC
and Mercury and then go back to their cushy jobs at Mercury?
The plant manager at OMC Spruce Pine handed out checks and talked to
everyone that came by their facility, what happened to Randy XXXXXXXX?
Every day he personally gives a list to the security guard on who can come
thru the gate. Is he having a conscious problem? Why start now Randy?
You have never given a damn about us dumb mountain people!
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000 18:30:47 -0600
From: P
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Envision Boats Inc.
Envision Boats Inc. is interested in the following disciplines:
* Engineering: Prototype and mold construction.
* Lamination: Experience in hand lay-up and quality assurance.
* Finishing: Post bonding and construction.
For further information concerning a future in the construction, growth and quality
of a premier boat brand within the 26' - 36' sport boat category contact Mr. Vic Metigan
(Vice President) or Thomas Prince (President)at 1.800.979.9323. Please respond
only if you are interested in construction of quality family sport boats and have a desire
to be a part of a successful team.
Please contact:
Vic Metigan
Envision Boats Inc.
P.O. Box 706
Monmouth, IL 61462
Email: envision@maplecity.com
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000
From: b
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC closing
I worked for OMC at the four winns plant in Cadillac Michigan for the past six and a half
years and I am saddened to see my job go away. If the plant here in cadillac closes
permanently, it will be a devastating blow to this small community that is starting to feel
the full effects of a slowing economy. This shut down comes at very bad time for many
of us and it would have been nice if we would have seen this coming a month or so ago.
The dead of winter is a rotten time to become suddenly unemployed. I feel that OMC has
played dirty with us (the non-management employees) in the past and I hope that this
corporation is broken up and sold off so that If four winns and all the other companies
owned by OMC find new owners, they will treat us more fairly than OMC did.
Thank you for your time and God bless,
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000
From: D
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Don't use my name
I've been a Four Winns employee since 1989,and since the Winns family got out
of the ball game, it seems as though everything started going down hill from that
point on with the Four Winns plant in Cadillac Mi. I had to tell my 8 year old daughter
that there isn't a Santa Claus ,,and that the Christmas thing is going to have to
wait untill we have some kind of income.That's pretty sad.I hope that if Four Winns
is going to be re opened,that the owners will care enough to make sure that in
case of a problem with the company,that people are informed in advance to give
employees time to prepare for such a devastating blow. Us pee on's are the ones
that made them Mr. Fix's all there money. John Winn CARED about the important
ones. I hope that if we get a new owner that it would be someone who cares about
the ones who makes them there money.Untill then what do we do? Wait till
unemployment is just about ready to run out,then go searching and leaving a trade
that you can't find unless you relocate.
Thurs Dec 28
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000
From: Dawn
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
This is to comment from the e-mail you received on Dec. 26th from the OMC
Burnsville worker who says '...I think its a good thing closing down...what
comes around, goes around...' I think this person really spoke out in anger
for a personal 'wrong' that was maybe or maybe not done to them. OMC shutting
down will affect alot of people, not only the plant worker (but I suppose
plant/union workers generally are only able to think of themselves). It will
also affect alot of consumers, buying product with 'no warranty, no parts to fix,
etc., alot of people cannot afford to have bought a new boat, new motor, etc.,
making payments, and then are left to fend for themselves if something goes
wrong with the product. Also, the dealers, who have bought and sold, and
bought, and bought more inventory, gearing up for the boat show season,
and for this next year, who have not anticipated something like this happening,
and who will be making interest payments and interest payments to a bank
and/or banks for product that they will never sell...alot of these dealers being
'mom and pop', hard-working businesses, who will have to declare bankruptcy
themselves because of OMC's 'shutting down'. It will also affect alot of sales
representatives of OMC and alot of OMC's service people who have dedicated
themselves, their lives, and their families' lives to the income generated by OMC's
paychecks each week. They will be unemployed, their family set-back until they
regain themselves until months job-searching, paying back money borrowed,
and spending their savings to get them through. ALOT OF THINGS WILL
DOMINO AND ALOT OF PEOPLE WILL BE AFFECTED BY OMC !!
I think this person should re-think their statement and this time try not to be so
self-centered and selfish...think about the thousands and thousands of people
this will affect ! Sorry, if I hurt anyone's feelings, but there will be alot more
than feelings hurt if OMC just shuts its doors and walks away !
Thanks for your time.
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000
From: XXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Four Winns
Please leave my name and E-Mail out of it.
I worked at 4 winns for almost 12 years. I as well as most of the other workers
tried to put out quality boats to make money for OMC and 4-Winns. I was also
a line leader at one point and pushed my crew to put out the best boats possible,
along with this I tolerated attitudes, and attendance problems from persons in
my crew. Often I filled in 2 to 3 position at a time to make sure that the job got
done, and never once put out a bad boat. I did this for the company. I would just
like to thank OMC for honoring this hard work and determination with the loss of
my job, and putting a strain on my family, and would really like to thank OMC for
my kids going without Christmas this year. You people are inhumane, and I find it
sad that the almighty dollar is foremost on your mind, and not the people that made
it possible for you to get that dollar. Thanks for nothing.
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000
From: John
To: Gary Polson
Subject: Re: OMC
Thank you Gary and Mr. Wizard for your informative web site; you do all of
us a great service. Please include me on any information you have regarding
employment within this industry. This was not just a job for me, and I'd
like to stay within the industry if possible. Thank you again, Regards, John
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000
From: Clint
To: wizard@virtualpet.com, clintonsue@msn.com
Subject: OMC
Please remove my email address
I feel for all the employees at OMC. The only good thing about what has happened
is we as an industry can not keep comming up with the deal of the day. We must
make a profit and not chase each other into bankruptsy. OMC execs did just that.
Soon, under profitted boats will be off of the market and hopefully low margin dealers
will not get signed back up with competitive brands. Lets all take a wakeup pill and
get this industry where it needs to be. Quality Products, Profitable Dealers, Happy
Customers...
Just a Boat Rep
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000
From: Jim
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Which OMC employees are still working
Dear Mr. Wizard,
My company is a supplier to the boating industry. We are curious as to
which OMC facilities still have employees, and what # of employees are
still working at them. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks in
advance.
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000
From: Sonny
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Banruptcy??
Hi, I just stumbled on your page doing a search for information on OMC
and Hydrasports. I feel bad for all the employees who lost their job. I
was a victim of a large corp. a few years back and I know what these
people are going through.
On the other side of the coin, this explains why I have had no response
from the warrantee dept. of Hydrasports. I recently purchased one of
their 2596 CC "super boats" and in 40 years of boating, the worst boat I
have ever owned. At a nominal speed and moderate sea conditions, you get
beat to death and have all to do to keep it in the water. I have
complained about this the second day of ownership back in August 2000
and had a response from the company in October 2000. That was the last I
have heard from them despite many attempts by email and snail mail plus
phone calls. Looks like the consumer is going to suffer along with the
employees. Once again I express my sympathy to all those workers. Sonny
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000
From: Alf
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: (no subject)
I am a retiree from milwaukee. The money that they have spent in closing the
milwaukee plant probably did them in. They couldn't get the machining done
in ohio like they thought they could. Machinist from milwaukee were sent to
ohio to see if they could teach people how to run machines that were
outdated. The money spent in ohio could of been used to buy new machines
and trained new people in milwaukee. instead they looked for cheap labor.
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000
From: D
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
Mr. Wizard:
Heard anything lately on OMC? I didn't see any changes in your reports this
morning....I am anxiously waiting. I have been 100% OMC for the past 12 years,
and am totally dependent on them (which I hate and will not let this happen to
me again). Please reply.
D in Texas
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000
From: DAN
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Spruce Pine
Mr. Wizard,
I worked at the Spruce Pine N.C plant. We were told we were the best in the world
at lost foam casting. If this is so, who do you think would be intersted in buying such
a advanced operation?
Fri Dec 29
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000
From: G
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: feed back from omc shut down
it wouldnt have been so bad if they would have just told the truth but
to find out im laid off and the company is backrupt on the evening news
is cowardly aint that a shame? tsk tsk for shame
thanks for yer support
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000
From: Rob
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Will Survive
Hello Oh Great Wizard,
My affiliation here is as an exclusive OMC Dealer, all my eggs are in their
basket. I have not made the decision at this point to jump ship and take up
with a competitive brand and I fully believe I will not have to.
The way I see it, I could do a couple of things right now, cry in my beer and
talk about all the bad things OMC's internal problems have created for my
dealership, or I can look to move on.
This is one of those times when we need to look at the positives we still
have at hand. As a Dealer I have a very viable profit center in my service
department. During times of poor sales it has always carried us through. As a
displaced employee use your strong motivation to succeed, along with good
work ethic, and you will always find a way to prosper. Your talents havent
left you.
What has happened has not been intentional. I don't think anyone went out of
their way to purposely disrupt all our lives. Each morning I take a look
across my well stocked showroom (of OMC product mind you) and notice most
pointedly that "The sun did come up one more time!" This may sound sarcastic,
it's not intended to, my point is that life will go on. (Trying to make a
feeble attempt at humor also helps to keep me from crying!)
The only direction we will go from here is up. My tie with Princecraft Boats
is strong today and it will continue to be with the new ownership. As they
will most assuredly resume construction in the near future, we will continue
to represent them, proudly! (At whatever margin I choose to, "Clinton the
Boat Rep")
It is my hopes that a Gentleman the likes of a Roger Penske or Irwin Jacobs
is able to purchase the remains of this company. Not just an investor or
another big faceless corporation but a person interested in putting their
name on the product. Put the good (although presently laid off) people who
have dedicated themselves to building a line of first class marine products
back to work doing just that. I have long felt OMC has produced the #1
Outboard Motor on the market. As production one day is soon to resume, so
will sales. Under proper new ownership we will all move on to better days.
Santa, I know I am a little late with this request, but this is what I want
for Christmas! You know I believe in you. You also know I believe in God and
have as well taken my case to his high power. (I figured a 2nd although
belated request to the red guy of the north couldn't hurt!)
This is not a comfortable time for any of us who are deeply involved. Missed
paychecks don't feed your families. "Unlikely to be sold today" engines do
nothing to feed my children either. But better times are ahead. Some of us
will move on to different maybe better things. Some dealers will close up
shop, some may not ever get rid of their resentment for the circumstances.
But some will set their goals on surviving to fight another day with OMC. I
myself am signing up with this last group.
Keep your heads up, it a little dark right now, but the sun will return
tomorrow.
Rob
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000
From: P
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Shutdown
Please do not use my name or e-mail address. Sign me as "P"
I was an employee at the Calhoun facility for 6 1/2 years, and had worked at
another facility that OMC shut down back in 1990. I have read all of the
reader feedback and agree that OMC has suffered from poor decision making and
aloof management. Our finished goods inventory had been growing for some
months, yet we ran our lines, maxed out, 60 hours a week up until October.
Seeing that our schedule was based on a marketing forecast, we should have
seen it coming months ago. In the past, when slow times were seen coming, we
would shut down for a given amount of time. For us, as a company, to have
been so far in debt, we could have taken down time, shortened hours, or other
means necessary to save money and keep afloat. To run the business into the
ground is like draining the oil from your engine and then taking off on a
trip......you just run it until it quits. I am not a finanicial whiz an! ! d
know nothing about wheeling and dealing at the level that Greenway does, but
either they missed the boat (pardon the pun) or this was the plan and it
worked perfectly. We probably will never know....it's just a game of
monopoly at the Soros level. Big business is a cold business. They owe
nothing to us former employees, and nothing is what we got. They had no
sense of the history, the glamour, the uniqness that is the Marine Industry.
And certainly Greenway had no thoughts of the 6000 employees that have been
affected at this particular time of year. Including my time working for
dealers, I have been arouund the business over 25 years, exclusively with OMC
products.....I loved every minute of it! I read the feedback letters that
speak of their loyalty to their jobs and to OMC products. I know from
experience that that kind of loyalty is very hard to give a second time when
you have been thrown out with todays trash.
To my fellow OMC workers at all of the facilities, especially workers from
the Calhoun facility: You were the greatest....all of the hours, all of the
frustration, and you prevailed. Though the company has failed, it was thru
no part of yours. Good luck to all of you! It was my pleasure to have been
your co-worker.
Do not use my name or e-mail address. Sign me only as "P"
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000
From: W
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC problems, an offer to save a sinking ship
Fourty years ago I worked for this company. The culture was excellent, and
the product without question reflected the integrity and pride of the people
who made it. I left a good marketing position as I was young and the
structure didn't offer me advancement. I later utilized my vision of this
fine Midwestern company and its pride to help restructure another Midwestern
great Harley Davidson. Harley had been banged up by outside financing and
people who had no respect for their culture. Needless to say Americans
Believe in supporting these type of companies and still love their
heritage's. I hated to see what was happening at OMC, but now feel that
someone who can respect the true value of this heritage should do all that is
possible to rescue the company and its fine employees. Can this effort be
successful? I am positive it can if the rescue team will step back from
computer terminals, spreadsheets, and legal jibwash and focus on a single
goal. This goal should be to truthfully discuss with all employees, dealers
and related professionals what must be done to facilitate an orderly rebirth
of this great American company.
In closing let me say that after all these years have passed I carry in my
heart part of the OMC culture. I still think of ten of Ralph Evinrude,Bill
Scott, Finn Irgens, Tom Kalfus,Jim Webb, Howard Larson and many others of my
contemporaries. What would they do at a time like this? I am sure of one
thing, they all believed as I do that the rescue must be made post haste, and
plan presented to the judge must carry with it an endorsement by all the
outstanding employees who alone can guaranty the successful rebirth of this
great American institution. I offer my services to any rescue team on a
gratis basis, to help the faithful employees errace from their minds this
unpleasant chapter in their lives, and to move on to positive and fruitful
new horizons for OMC. I am sure that the largest asset on many corporate
balance sheets never appears in print. I am referring to loyalty, and
dedication of the employees which is the corporate culture I refer to. Lets
figure out how to salvage this together. I will give my part in this as a
former employee to help in any way.
Sincerely, W.
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000 23:08:58 -0800
From: Tommy
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: beloit wi/plant
as i am not a employee of omc,im just curious,why is there not any info on the
beloit w,i. plant,in your colum or in any other print?
to those that dont know the beloit wi.plant was iddled in dec.
with no time for preperations, they just closed the doors.now people are struggling
with the company to get there pensions out to roll over to other means.
greast company i see,no wonder i dont work for them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000
From: an
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: omc of Syracuse Indiana
We are out of work also.I see stuff about Ill,Mich.But what's going on as
a whole that will effect us.We were told on Dec 15 2000 we would receive two
weeks pay also two days vacation pay plus a bonus check on the 21 of Dec. We
only got one weeks pay.We were told there would be no more checks given
out.What are we to do in the week or two.They should gave us some warning!!!
OMC put the screws to lot of people not only in Ill,Mich, Ind, but all over.
A Syracuse Indiana Employee
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000 07:34:50 -0500
From: XXXX
To: "'wizard@virtualpet.com'"
Subject: Greed is the root cause
** Please remove my name and e-mail address should you choose to post this.
Thanks! **
Dear Mr. Wizard,
I have been following the sad tale of OMC's demise, primarily via your web
site. Thank you for the breath and depth of information that have provided.
I have found it difficult to locate other sources of information on the
subject. Please keep up the good work!
Clearly the former OMC employees are those whom will be impacted most
immediately and deeply, there will also be legions of others significantly
harmed by the failure of this company's management to do it's job. As is
usually the case in these situations, those responsible for the failure will
be the least impacted and most able to recover from any potential harm.
My role in all of this is as a consumer of OMC products, specifically a pair
of brand spanking new Evinrude 225 Ficht Ram drives (standard and
counter-rotating) that I purchased in October of this year and a 1999 8hp
Evinrude purchased new about a year ago. At the time of the transactions, I
fully believed that OMC was producing high quality drives and would be
around to support them over their useful lifetimes. Now, while I still feel
that my very expensive new drives are possibly the best thing going from a
technology standpoint, I'm going to off-load them to the first fool I can
find! With a little over 10 running hours on the 225s, they are barely
broken in and now I must take a financial bath in disposing of them (not to
mention purchasing a replacement set of Yamahas or Mercs). Regardless of
the final disposition of the drive portion of OMC, I for one will never own
another OMC product, no matter what manufacture may decide to acquire them!
Purchasing the 225s was a real financial stretch and selling them now, if
that is even possible, will be even worse. To add insult to injury, the
225s are certainly the best performing drives I have ever owned, and I have
had several. I cannot express how angry I am over the complete incompetence
demonstrated by OMC's management. Unfortunately, such behavior is endemic
in American business, especially during this "so called" economic boon. It
won't be long before anything worth purchasing is produced overseas.
Nothing matters in America except how much coin the top executives can cram
into their already over-stuffed suits.
May Soros, Greenway and company all burn in hell. Never, never buy anything
produced by a privately held company. At least publicly traded companies
have more stockholders to answer to.
Anybody interested in a very lightly used pair of 225s? Buying them used,
you get the same warranty and service I have, WHICH IS NONE, but will save
big coin... until you need parts that is.
Regards,
XXXXX
Date: 29 Dec 00 07:35:51 EST
From: XXXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Burnsville..
Again, do not use my email or name..
I am fully aware of the impact the closing of OMC will have on the economy,
considering this is the second plant closing in this area. If OMC had been
better managed, none of this would have ever happened. I worked not only in
assembly but I was a machinist for over a year. You could not begin to count
how many times I was told to run blocks that were warped, the calibrations
were off, the cylinder walls were bored out to much..I could go on and on but
what is the point. Employees and consumers alike should thank managers like
Dave Rusche for such poor quality and should thank Frank Wheeler and Harold
Smith for screwing over the employees. Also, many other workers and I were
told to use Loctite on blocks to hold them together until they could be
shipped to Calhoun. As long as the product made it out the door, what did it
matter. Seems to me, if one of these motors made it to the consumer, not only
would they have a defective product, someone could get killed if it blew up in
the water. Is that the kind of company you would like to buy a product from? I
do not think so. How many times have you had to breathe paint fumes because no
one would come and fix the problems with the ventilation systems, or how many
times you were told you were going to get your head blown off by an irate
painter? How many times have you had to dodge someone throwing cylinder heads
because they were told they had to pull another Saturday? OMC employees have
no one to blame but the managers themselves.
By the way, in case you did not know, the managers told the Burnsville
employees long ago if a union was voted in, they would shut and bolt the
doors, so I guess that made me non-union.
I do not need to rethink my statement. It stands. OMC has ruined many lives,
the health of many employees, and if that is not enough, think of all the sea
gulls they have killed. Does the quality of the employees health mean
nothing? It is quite obvious you never worked at the Burnsville plant.
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000 07:07:42 -0600
From: Joel
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Time is running out
My Guess is that I am not the only Dealer contemplating what to do next. I
have precious little time to prepare for the season. I am an OMC dealer
and have heard nothing from them. Is there no person who is aware of
the predicament that dealers are in. We are sitting on product that for
all practicle purposes has no company backing them. We will be in boat
show season next week.. If we do not hear something positive about a
buyout by early next week. Most of us will have no choice but to hire
lawyers and hope for the best.
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000 09:51:07 EST
From: P
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Lowe and Princraft
I have heard that the old owners of Lowe Boats and Princecraft are in the
process of buying there Boat companies back. If this is true which I am 90%
sure it is, this is a very good sign. This could mean that there is
definitely deals going on behind closed doors on all the plants and it could
be just a matter of time before the news starts to leak out. everyone pray
this is true.
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000
From: C
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: help for NC OMC workers
North Carolina has a one-stop career center system known throughout the
state as JobLink. These offices offer a coordinated approach to helping job
seekers and include representatives from the local community college,
Employment Security Commission, Workforce Investment Act, Department of
Social Services and others. Each of the NC counties with an OMC plant also
has a JobLink Career Center. This is the first place an OMC worker should visit!
The range of services varies from center to center, but all basic job readiness
and job search services should be available at all. The web site for NC's system
provides more information including address and phone number for each center.
http://www.joblink.state.nc.us
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000 23:55:54 -0300
From: Ruben
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Pregunta sobre todo lo que está en la informacion
¿ Sería bueno que nos pasaran esta información en Español?
Deseo enterarme de lo que pasa en el exterior, pero no hablo Inglés.
Con el debido respeto, no me lo podrían pasar al Españól.
A la espera de vuestra respuesta, agradesco profundamente. Ruben
RBBI Comment: Altavista machine tranlsation rerturned English below:
It would be good that they passed this information to us in Spanish? Desire to
find out to me which it happens in the outside, but I do not speak English.
With the had respect, me they could not happen to the Espa6nól. To the delay
of your answer, agradesco deeply.
Ruben
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000
From: Ruben
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Pregunta sobre toda la informacion
Mister Wizard:
De mi mayor consideracion:
Abusando de su tiempo, sería mucha molestia pedirle si toda esta
informacion pudiese venir en Español. Me gustaría enterarme de lo que
pasa en el mundo, como usted lo relata. Pero el problema es que no
domino el Ingés. Sé positivamente que para usted traducir esto es muy facil.
Perdón por el atrevimiento, y muchas gracias.
Ruben
Argentina.
RBBI Comment: Altavista machine tranlsation rerturned English below:
Mister Wizard: Of my greater consideration: Abusing his time, it would be
much annoyance to request to him if all this information could come in Spanish.
I would like to find out to me of which she happens in the world, as you relate it.
But the problem is that I do not dominate the Ingés. I know positively that
for you to translate this you are very facil. Pardon by the audacity, and thank
you very much.
Ruben
Argentina.
RBBI Additional Comments: we furnished the AltaVista babel translator link
to this gentleman which allows free instant machine translation of this site.
http://world.altavista.com
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000
From: XXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: unemployed in NC
Mr. Wizard,
Please omit my name and email address.
I was employed at the Spruce Pine OMC facility for two years, my husband for
three. We are still somewhat in shock at the sudden closure of our plant, but
more than that we were appalled at the way we got notification of it. We worked
on Dec. 11, and were told that the Christmas shut-down had been extended and
we wouldn't be working any more until Jan. 15. We were wished happy holidays
by our supervisors, who knew nothing either, and we went on our merry way. On
Dec. 21 we got news, on Channel 13 no less, that we no longer had jobs. We have
to date received no letters, no notification of any kind, pertaining to the shutdown,
401K, or anything else. We did get checks for outstanding vacation pay, for which
we are thankful, and we are looking for other employment. I will miss the folks I
worked with, and I am sure the local businesses will miss the money we spent
there. Although I have no idea what went wrong with OMC as a whole, we at the
foundry saw first hand some of the mistakes that over the long term brought it to
its knees. I can only hope that if it somehow comes back as another company it's
handled better the second time around. My prayers are with all of you who were
laid off, and I know faith in God, and a hopefully recovering economy, will see
us all back on our feet soon.
Thinking of you in NC
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000
From: s
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Job information posting
Arctic Cat Inc., based in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, designs, engineers ,
manufactures and markets snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) under
theArctic Cat brand name, as well as related parts, garments and accessories.
The Company markets its products through a network of independent dealers
located throughout the contiguous United States and Canada, and through
distributors representing dealers in Alaska, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and
otherinternational markets.
We are currently seeking candidates for many openings in our Snowmobile and
ATV Engineering Departments. Current and future opportunities include:
mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, NVH (noise, vibration and
harshness) engineers, two stroke engineers and four stroke engineers.
Please contact Terry Blount, Vice President of Human Resources at:
tblount@arcticcatinc.com or by telephone at (800) 279-0179 for more
information or email your resume to: jobs@arcticcatinc.com.
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000
From: MIKE
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
To the guy with the 25 hydrasport,your problem with your boat is the set
up.Needs 4 blade props and toe in must be changed to toe out.Also drop the
motors all the way down.Hydrasport will take care of this if they come back
with the good people they have had.Your dealer should helpe with this.Lets
get over this mess and this will just look like a small problem.I am a
dealer who cares, 100% omc the past ten years.All we can do is sit and
pray.YES some dealers care...........mike
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000
From: Judy
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: chris craft shut down
I have not seen any articles about the problems facing the florida workers
Is there any speculation on who will buy chris craft
Promises of Accrued vacation was made then revoked. No one in management
even showed up to let the workers know of this
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000
From: M
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: First Impressions
I am really saddened by the layoff. I am fortunate that I don't have children
depending on me like some. I can only imagine how hard it is on them. I wish
everyone affected by this the best of luck. I will really miss all the people
I worked with.
The thing that really gets me to the core is the Rat XXXX Chapter 11 Mansion
Dwelling Investment group. You would think that as a human being with any
semblance of a conscious that 6000 people's welfare would come before dollar
signs. I mean 2 weeks, 1 weeks notice .. even waited until after Christmas.
No notice is just ludicrous and morally wrong!
Is money so important that it comes before sparing families heartache, panic,
and misery? Tell me this didn't cross their mind at least once! I personally
would go destitute before I would hang thousands of people out to dry.
People with their kind of wealth and power have a responsibility to society.
They could have chosen a better way to handle the situation, but evidently
chose to turn a bad situation into a disaster. All I can say is that I hope to
never again be involved with a company who's driving force (and this refers
to NO ONE I worked with at my plant including management!) treats their
workforce so poorly! This was my first job outta school.... what an
experience man!
Go to XXXX Sorros!
Sat. Dec 30
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2000
From: Joel
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Curse
Mr. Wiz,
I am cursed by eternal optimism. I believe that , if the major components
of OMC are sold immediately, we can still have a good year. Employees
and dealers can have their lives back. However; immediate is the key word
here. Once the season begins without Evinrude and Johnson et.al. there will
be no chance to fully recover. I am in a market where most of the good
brands are taken. Next week is telling for us. My heart goes out to all who
have lost here, we do still have a chance to salvage this situation.
Let us pray.
I am looking for some good news on Tuesday. Wow !!! What an optimist.
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2000
From: XXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Seagulls were decently treated !
pls don't use my real name or email address.
just wanted to defend OMC on their treatment of the "Seagull
Situation". have you ever seen 2500 seagulls? have you ever seen
what twenty five hundred seagulls can deliver in one season?
well i have! good god it was just awful.
thousands of baby chicks, running around, getting hit by traffic,
Dying of Thirst Because They Couldn"t Get to the Lake Because of
Fences All Over the Place ....bird guano Everywhere ! so much
of it it was like snow had come in july.... and the smell when the
rain came, like a slaughter house. that was the year of the
carnage. the next year OMC hired guys to fire off harmless
cannons to scare off the roosting pairs. they also would played
screeching howls over load speakers to try and scare off the
would be nestors. it worked....all 2500+ landed at the gypsum
plant....what a sight... anyway, OMC treated the animals very
decently. there really was a sanitary need to move the animals
somewhere else. it took two years to move the flock away.
i am a just laid off employee....but you all need to know, OMC
management did what was right where the birds were concerned.
I just wonder how much money they spent on this issue?
just a fyi,
ex-employee
typically screwed over by OMC as far as my lay off was concerned
...another whole topic!
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2000 11:36:00 EST
From: M
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: no pay for unused vacation
You ex-OMC-ers may have been surprised as I was to find your final paycheck
not the amount you expected. I received a copy of letter from Mr. Rusk that
said the court approved payment of final wages, but not unused vacation (i.e.
not used before Dec. 21st). Maybe the court will change their mind later.
Any guesses?
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2000 14:19:37 EST
From: H
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: good assessment....and a few thoughts
Hi wizard....
I believe I am witnessing a first in this industry. Been in it going on 30
years...but to see a website focused on a industry giant whose very future
may greatly reshape this industry....well, I am just glad I learned something
about this computer over the last few years to see this!
Your assessment (and thoughts of many others) are very interesting....but
what at the moment is going to be interesting to watch is how this website
may have a lot of bearing on exposing how this all happen in the first place.
Got my thoughts...but more interested in seeing how this shakes out.
Yep....I do think this website and what happens to OMC over the next 90 days
is going to make a lot of people in their ivory towers think and act a bit
more responsible in the future...not only at the future OMC...but even at the
other motor giants that for so long have controlled the course of this
industry. No names have to be mentioned for many of us to know where the
buck's been passed around....
OMC will be back...leaner and meaner....and maybe at long last focused on
making profit and building motors! These people that are hurting right
now...(dealers and OMC employees) may see these dark days as finally bringing
about changes that have been long overdue.
Boat people should build boats and motor people should build motors! Then
they both can be profitable. the "wheeling-dealing" of OMC's past upper
management over the last 15 years....has been grossly irresponsible to its
employees...loyal dealers and this industry in general. Stockholders should
have called management a long time ago for some it's deals made to "buy
transoms at any cost!" Some of those deals are much better left to letting
the compitition have em.....
wish there was a way to reassure those employees that most of them will be
back to work in the near future. This event will past.....I just hope that
each division winds up in good hands and the upper management that put them
here over the last 15 years with some really dumb egotistical mistakes has
nothing to do with it's future.
will follow your site with great interest. I think your assessments are
close....but your choices of future owners is going to envolve many different
names....not one. Its only my thoughts.....but I do hope OMC motors stays
american owned! I think that is still very possible. But a seperation of the
motors from the boat divisions is very likly.
best wishes and thoughts for the employees of OMC....keep the faith. Those
of you that really care about the company will once again be a part of its
future. Smart managers know that a caring employee is one of a companies
major assets. Things just get wacko though when upper managment's morals are
a bit lacking or closes its mind and ears within an ivory tower. Bout the
worse thing that could ever happen is calling in the so-called experts to
figure out whats wrong. If managment can't figure that out on its
own.....its too far from whats going on in the field.
Been part of three turnarounds in this industry from positions worse than
this...though not as big. OMC is too big a force in this industry for it not
to turnaround even at this late stage. The key rest in who winds up in
control and that person's management style and experience. Chapter 11 is not
the end of the road....but just means things can't go on like it is! Thats
what the law was designed for....a bit of serious re-organization!
Ithe sun will rise again on Johnson and Evinrude. The boat divisions might
rightfully wind up once again controlled by boat people...which is as it
should be. Alliances make a lot better sense than ownership when it comes to
outboards.
Once again to the employees at OMC....my thoughts and prayers goe with you
that you wind up owned by the right people.....but it will be back. Keep the
faith.
And Mr. Wizard....love your site.
H.
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2000 14:33:12 -0500
From: c
To: polsong@virtualpet.com
Subject: omc shut down in burnsville
i am a husband of a omc employee and have never heard of a company
doing its employees this way. my wife only worked at the burnsville plant
for three years but we depended on that money. the least omc could
have done is let everyone know what was going to happen.and dont tell
me they did not know. and now im hearing that they think they cannot
get sued because they filed for chapter 11. well they have another
thing coming.the employees should sue for violation of the warn act.which
is a federal law and iv also heard they are trying to steal the 401k money i
hope they try so they can spend some time in a federal prison!!!!!!!!!!!
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2000
From: Rob
To: polsong@virtualpet.com
Subject: Re: OMC Will Survive
Hello Gary & Mr. Wizard;
I would like to thank you for taking the time to personally respond to my
letter. You are to be commended for the service you have provided each of us
who have been effected by this unfortunate action.
As for my prior comments, "When its raining lemons"..... you know the story.
One way or another my company will find it's way through. I know we are going
to take a big hit, this won't be fun.
In a Homily I witnessed a couple of weeks ago our Priest was speaking about
experiencing a great loss in your life. He mentioned that it was at that time
you needed your faith most. He is right. My optimism comes from my faith. I
know materially I am on the escalator going down. But as far as the things
that matter most, I'm right on the level.
Once again, thank you for your service.
Rob
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2000
From: L
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC the second death watch.
I'm from Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. The original home of Evinrude,
Johnson, Pioneer Chainsaws, Lawnboy, Snowcruiser and a host of other
once great Canadian outdoor leisure products. I grew up with all the products,
worked on them, owned them, cursed at them and enjoyed the many years of
service. I however hated the company and what they did to Peterborough
and the mess of pollution and economic carnage they left behind when
they left our great little town. I vowed never to own another. A great dealer
brought me back this summer to purchase a Lowe pontoon and Evinrude 4
stroke for family fun. I found out today of the news and my heart goes out
to the families of those companies. My first instint is good ridence and
goodbye, as it took from the turn of the century to build up a great economic
base here to the 80's and only 20 odd years to destroy a proud family of
products. Up to this summer I watched year after year the failures of OMC
technologies and arrogance to admit their drives were the worst, hence not
wanting ever to purchase a new one. I know my 4 stroke is a Suzuki and
will stand the test of time along with the Yamaha that is now 13 years old
and still ahead in techology than a new OMC 2 stroke. The Lowe Pontoon,
has a few warranty issues and my dealer is already in contact with us to address
those issues. I hope all those thousands of employee's find work again world wide.
I have seen this before and what it does to product image and customer faith.
Bury the name this time, don't give it a third strike. Good riddence and
goodbye to an old friend whose time has come.
We miss the old days and the waterways it opened up in Canada.
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2000
From:B
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: So Sad
I work for a company that supplies OMC. We are in the dark also. No one from
OMC contacted us either. We heard it through the grapevine too! I just want
to let the people whom dedicated their lives to OMC to know that they are in
our hearts and Prayers during this time of hardships.
Mon Jan 1
Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000
From: Joel
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Optiimist feels faint
Mr. Wizard,
I am certain that the buyers and the sellers of OMC components are aware of the
time factor. I know that if we do not get an assurance of warranty by next week,
this situation will crumble. The catch is that Once OMC boats and motors are seen
as having no warranty and no company its over. We have no product. Instead we
have millions of dollars tied up in merchandise that is worth fifty cents on a dollar.
Also, you will see a mass exodus, as dealers will replace product with viable
alternatives which have marketability. Seller, you ain't getting top dollar. Buyer,
if you do not close the deal now, you are not going to have a dealer net work. Finito
Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000
From: Eye
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Who's to blame?
Dear Mr. Wizard and all who are concerned,
Just felt a need to put in my (anonymous please) two-cents worth. A special
thank you goes out to Mr. Wizard for his diligent coverage of the events
surrounding OMC's recent release.
Being an OMC dependant employee for near nine years and a student of life,
in general, for more than 36 years, I have some rather mixed feelings about
the turn of events that have evolved from the demise of OMC.
I would first like to note that the OMC company I worked for was run by an
outstanding group of people. From the floor to the office, every employee I
knew shared a special devotion to the products we crafted. Our hearts went
into our work and spirits were with those of us who were in dire need. We
were there for the community and the community was there for us. It is tough
to get ahead in this old world, but the opportunity was certainly available
to those who were willing to reach out and grab it.
It's so easy for us to all point the finger when things get rough. Sure, OMC
could have probably given us a little more warning, but as a company who was
trying to pull themselves out of a bad situation, that probably wouldn't
have been their best recourse. Such an announcement would most likely
assured their demise, because it is most likely that most of the employees
would have left soon after. Leaving OMC with no hope of recovery. For anyone
who was paying attention, the writing has been on the wall for several
months. I was not the least bit surprised by the news.
Perhaps we should also be looking at ourselves. Have we made the best use of
the resources we had at our disposal? Could we have put a few dollars away
for a rainy day? Should we have invested in some credit insurance? Did we
put all of our eggs into one basket?
Don't get me wrong, I surely can't defend every action that has been taken
by OMC. I don't think it was fair that some people were paid their final
vacation period... some people were promised that pay then disappointed at
the last minute... and still others were left completely in the dark.
To sum things up, I guess what it all boils down to is that life is a tough
game to play. Anyone who expected it would all be peaches-n-cream is a fool.
Many of us still have plenty of time to recoup from this incident and build
a sound future for ourselves. Some of us may have procrastinated too long or
not really put anything into our futures at all. Maybe this will help us all
to see the bigger picture just a little more clearly. Life is no rose garden
and to get something out of it, you have to put something into it.
On a final note, lets not forget that things that seem bad can often turn
out to be the best things that have ever happened to us. Don't walk around
with your eyes closed... your opportunity may be just sitting there waiting
for you to grab it. Look for it! Look for tomorrow and be ready when it
arrives.
Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000
From: Drew
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC is not the God I serve
What a shock we felt when we saw the CNN ticker announcing the Chapter 11 filing
Christmas morning. To say it has dampened our spirits is an understatement. We have
been OMC dealers for over 20 years and we know for a fact that these are the
finest products around. We will be reopening on Tuesday to face a lot of questions
we cannot answer. We will be in our boat show in about two weeks and we do need
answers. But the thought came to us a few days ago after sleepless nights and
nervous days, no one but the Lord Jesus directs our paths as believers our prayers
are for answers but we realize not matter what happens, God will continue to be
our God, not OMC or anyone else. Dealers, employees pray for one another and
be thankful with grateful hearts. "Be still and know I am God" saith the Lord. We
believe OMC will be bought out and stronger than ever, but it may take time.
It is hard to wait .....
Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000
From: L
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Andrews Quality
I have been employed by the Andrews facility for more than 14 years. I
have seen extreme measures taken to prevent bad quality from going out
our door. I am proud of the way Andrews did business and am very saddened
by the way the Soros group has done. When they bought us out three
years ago, we were told then that this company is well known for buying
out companies, chopping them up and selling them off. Well, they have
not let us down in that respect! We had three years to see this downfall
coming. As for the additional monies that have been made available, that
is only for all the V.P.'s that remain to keep getting their salary. As for us,
we don't even get the vacation pay that we earned, and were counting
on. I hope the Soros group looses its shirt.
As for OMC the company, we are a good company and I hope whomever
ends up with us will treat us with the respect that we deserve!
When God closes a door, he always opens up a window
Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000
From: XXXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Just wondering!
A bunch of us who have been keeping up to date on your website are from
the Delavan OMC plant. How come we never hear what is happening with
our plant, just all the other plants. In total there were about 300 people who
had a very shocking x-mas present here in Delavan and we never hear what's
happening with us. You say some parts of the business is going to be sold to
different people. Does it look like we might have a chance here in Delavan
to possible get our job back and work for someone else. Please fill us in
more on what you know about our plant. It would be much appreciated.
Thank You! Please don't use my name or address on the website.
Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000
From: D
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: "L" from Canada's response to OMC
To "L",
Why should you curse the 'name' and hope that it dies....what is in a name?
Alot of old, bad, and good memories for you? What if the 'name' is your business
and your income, and the GOOD reputation that it has in your community...if it dies
you have to start all over? Do people like you just like to arouse people like me...and
do people like you even think about other and the affect others will have on
something you evidently hate so. In our community Evinrude and Johnson and OMC
is a great product, and is suported by good dealers with a heart and with a genuine
desire to stand behind it. Yes, they are going through another hard-time that is, yes,
their own fault through bad management, and we must feel their reep...but if
someother person/people bought it and managed it correctly, they will definetly turn
it around WITHOUT letting the name just 'die'. If the right people bought it (namely
Harley-Davidson?) then maybe the dealers would finally stop fighting each other
and start standing with each other like a family (like OMC should be)...Mr. K (used to
be with H-D and now an engineer with OMC) once told me that OMC should learn from
H-D and be a family and learn to work with each other...they would also learn how
to make money and learn to work in the 'black' all the time rather than learning to
survive in the 'red'.
Anyway, I'm only hoping that the 'name' doesn't 'die'. There are alot of good
qualities to the name and I don't believe they are outweighed by the bad.
I'm praying for the employees and all the people this has affected...I'm also praying
for the people who need to overlook selfishness and self-centeredness in this
situation. There's alot more to the situation than that which is in your own backyard!
D
Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000
From: Mike
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Mr. Wizard Why would Jenmar offer warrenty if they were not going to buy OMC
Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2001
From: G
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC 401K
As a recent victim of the closing of OMC Calhoun, I was wondering if anyone
has tried to contact Benefits Express regarding their 401K? I placed a call
early last week and left my name and number and have yet to receive a return call.
Does anyone know if the money we contributed to our 401K will ever be available
to us or have we just poured money out the window?
I otherwise feel that OMC had to do what they had to do, it is very unfortunate for
everyone involved including myself. We need to just pick up the pieces, move on,
and forget about OMC.
If anyone has any info on the 401K situation please email me.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the former and future former employees of OMC.
Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2001
From: john
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: The Truth as I see It.
I worked at Omc Calhoun from Feb. of 94 - June of 98. It was a great group of
dedicated and hardworking employees. The people at Andrews and In Juarez were
also some of the best I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
I left in June of 98 because of the arrogance and poor decision making of the
Waukegan management. David Jones seemed to have the attidute that everyone
who came before him was a part of the problem, not a part of the solution. I feel
more than anyone else, his personal management style is the reason this company
failed, It was profitable when he got it and in three short years he brought it to its
knees by ignoring the knowlage, hardwork and dedication of everyone from the
loading dock to the few V.P.'s who knew how to fix the problem. The revolving
door of Manufacturing V.P.'s in the engine division was just one sign of the lack
of stability and vision senior management offered to run the business properly.
At one point in time they couldn't get out enough motors from a plant who knew
how to produce good quality motors only months before.
You never really leave OMC, even if you don't work there anymore. The people
on the shop floor in Calhoun were some of the finest people I have ever been
associated with. My prayers and heart go out to you and your families. The only
advice I can give you is that there is now only one job you can not have. Get on
with life quickly and don't "wait for someone to buy it out and bring it back". It
will never be brought back, it will re-open, and it might even be called OMC, but
it will not be the same.You are good at what you do, and will be once more in
wherever you find yourself in the next few weeks and months.
George Soros and Gary Duberstien have lost hundreds of millions of dollars.
So what they have hundreds of millions to go. Who ever buys what is left of
OMC will have a long way to go to repair the damage they have done to a once
great institution.
John
Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2001
From: B.
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Sick Stomach !!!!!!!
Yes, there's alot of hurting,hard working,& dedicated people that
now are ex-employees in Burnsville N.C. Alot of our workforce was
married couples just trying to make a fair living for thier families. As a
15 year employee at OMC I've saw people treated good & bad, but this
is definately the worst. My prayers & thoughts go out to each one of
you & to the other OMC people involved. Lets all try to be optomistic
about these trying times. I'm trusting that God has something better in
store for each of us. His plans are always perfect, "unlike mine".
If anyone has any information about how we might collect our
unused vacation please let others know .I had 120 hrs. left to take,
which amounts to over $1500.oo. You can pass the info. through the
"wizards" site or through the Boating Industry .com site. Any help from
Mr. Wizard would be appreciated also.
Thank You
Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2001
From: Kim
To: polsong@virtualpet.com
Subject: Re: Genmar appalled note
.... do remember that I am a FORMER
OMC employee from Beloit, WI? I dont hear much about our facility at all, we were
the main parts and accessories warehouse/distribution center. I have been
told that the people that were called back will be there to just empty it all
out?? I am the guy that was looking for a job in KY or TN. Thanks again for
all the info so far! Happy New Year in the "OMC afterlife" it will GREAT!
Kim
Tues Jan 2
Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2001
From: XXXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: 401k
I do not want my name or e- mail listed, but for the person asking if anyone
has got through to benefits express I have without any problem.
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001
From: T.
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Four Winns is ready to rock on!
Hey Wiz, I never cease to be blown away by the emotional thoughts of your
readers, yet can understand what it feels like to treated like a mushroom
(left in the dark and crapped on.) As a veteran WORKER of Four Winns
Boat Company I have co-workers still working without seeing paychecks.
The fact is when these big money guru types come in, take over, and stir
the pot, we all get forced to deal with the soup. I, having dealt with the
OMC people and products, know that there is considerable quality in both.
Some of the management decisions have not done everyone any great
favors, but we need to take care in our comments to not run our great
companies down. The public reads some of the things that get written in
emotional times and likley feel that some of us are buffoons. Greenway,
Soros, or anyone else can come in and fail to do what they set out to achieve,
but that need not mean that our companies are bad. At Four Winns our
people are truley our greatest asset and we will rise up from the ashes
and show the world why we are a great boat manufacturer! I trust the
good people of OMC can do the same. I've trained our dealer network
for years and they always say "Tommy, you guys build some of the greatest
boats in the world." They make the same sort of statements about the products
of OMC. We need to let the consuming public know that the family that has
given them that great quality in the past is going to do the same in the future.
It's easy for the public to misjudge where the true fault lies when thing
like this happen, so we should strive to be a part of the solution rather
than the problem. Best wishes to you all. My hopes are that we will all
come out of this as better people. Embrace the change. Things always
must change in order to get better. As for my family; We are going to
build great boats again! May it be real soon. Our prayers are with you. T.
Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2001
From: G
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Is there life after OMC
Dear Mr. Wizard,
I find your comments very insightful. I could easily see Yamaha getting
the best part of OMC at fire sale prices, re labeling their engines as
Evinrude and Johnson, and making a fortune. Expect anyone hired back to
have a hefty pay cut. Happy New Year.
My Dad was hired by Ole Evinrude to work at Elto. It was quickly merged
with Lockwood and Ole's old company, Evinrude. I was born across the
street (27th) from the "new" Evinrude plant in 1932. I still have a 1932
Elto that runs like the day it left the plant. Those were very rough times
and many great companies perished. Mr. Evinrude knew every one in the plant
on a first name basis and often slipped a struggling worker some money out
of his own pocket. For 5 years during the depth of the depression, he
never took a dime out of the company.
It was his money (and that of Steve Briggs) that bought the controlling
interest in Johnson when THEY went bankrupt in 1935. He and his wife, Bess
put in 12 hour days to keep the company afloat. They were an inspiration
to all who knew them, but this pace lead to there untimely demise. There
son Ralph ran the company with the same devotion. My Dad turned down vice
president of sales to retire in 1960. It was held, and offered, by his long
time friend, Jim Webb. One of Dad's sales trainees took the job.
Dad lamented at the time that all the good outboard men were being
replaced by Madison Avenue types who couldn't see beyond the next profit
and loss statement. After reading the post about what happened after Mr.
Jones took over, I could see it is even more true today. If there is an
earthquake this year in St. Louis, I'll know it is just Dad, turning over
in his grave.
My sincere condolences to the hard working ex employees of OMC
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001
From: Al
To: polsong@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Shutdown
I was wondering if you heard anymore about OMC and
its boat groups. I was a former employee of Seaswirl
boats, owned by OMC. I understand that there are several
companies, or possibly individuals, looking to purchase
Seaswirl. I am hoping to hear that someone will purchase
us so we can get back to work. What's the latest?
Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2001
From: Klamath Boat Company
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: x-omc employees
We are looking for qualified weldors, sales and marketing, fab supervisors.
Contact Klamath Boat Co., Inc. @ www.klamathboats.com
Wed Jan 3
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001
From: Rob
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Genmar Warranties
Mr Wizard, Thanks for all the updates. What good will these newly
offered warranties be if there is no support or parts to back up the
product? I can't see any additional security in them at the present
time. Thanks
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001
From: xxxx
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
I can't thank you enough Mr. Wizard for all your support these past few
weeks. You have been a tremendous comfort to many of us. I have read
every post and article on your website and would like to add some of my
own thoughts if anyone will listen.
First, I would like to let people know a little about David Jones that they
might not know from what I have been reading. While David was at OMC
he lived, ate and breathed OMC, yes this is true. In 1997 when OMC brought
him in, the company was losing money all around. Engines, and almost all
of the boat plants were losing money. Yes, OMC was almost as bad then, if
maybe not worse financially (and this is true). David came in with a mission
and a passion(and some of his own money which he has lost along with
everyone else thanks to the Soros group) to turn OMC around. And in three
short years the boat plants are almost all profitable and engines were on
their way. I tell you all this because I have seen the man and his passion
for OMC. He would not have allowed Soros and the bunch to do to what
they did to OMC and the OMC employees. The company has been hard
for money for months but the investors kept putting in money. Now with
Soros losing it big with Priceline.com, his troubles with insider trading in
France, and the downsliding economy, and his major losses on the NYSE,
Soros brings in the man to sell off OMC, Roger Fix. They knew David Jones
would not go along with it. Fix was their henchman who would do the dirty
work. When David Jones was gone we knew it would not be long. Roger
Fix has no ties to the marine industry or it's people, and his past work history
is one of company sell offs. So they try and sell, and when that fails,
they lay everyone off and declare bankruptcy in the most horrible of
a way possible. Keeping everyone in the dark. The sad part is that
Mr. Fix and the Soros group will claim that they did not know they
would have to declare bancruptcy because they were trying to sell the
company. And thus they would be exempt from the WARN act.
How sad, and to kill the dealers at the last minute with promised
rebates that they never intended to pay. I believe this was all
calculated. But that is my own opinion and can be taken for what it
is worth.
My heart goes out to every employee, vendor, dealer, and customer.
And as many have said, maybe all the plants will be better off
independantly owned. But damn Soros, if they had only given us
more time and not brought in Mr. Fix and his cronies.
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001
From: B
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Boat company needs workers
Hi there --
I live near Elkhart IN (just 4 hours from Waukegan and Cadillac)
and just wanted you to know that our paper has a big Help Wanted
ad for Marine craftswomen/men at Godfrey Marine here in Elkhart.
http://www.godfreymarine.com/cf/empindex.cfm
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001 21:38:41 -0000
From: XXXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Re: OMC
Please do not post my email address or name.
I worked in Waukegan and was one of the many given the nice
"Christmas Bonus". I worked in Engineering and never in my life
worked with a better group of people. The environment was fun,
people were nice but overall carried a great sense of pride for the
Evinrude/Johnson name. We lacked a lot of direction, but it was
the people that cared about OMC. Never a day went by that I wasn't
looking forward to going to work with people who felt like friends
and partners.
It's unfortunate that XXXX-poor management and their stupid decisions
have only caused grief for those of us who worked so hard through all
of the adversities. I heard Roger Fix got to walk away with his 5 million.
Would've been nice if those a**$#!@s gave us a severance! Matter
of fact...most all of engineering I've spoken to (and myself) only got
paid for one week of work. They owed us for a 2 week payperiod.
They still seem to have money to keep people in maintenance, service
department (even though this dept. says they're not honoring warranties),
accounts receivable, h.r. and several other places remaining. The
WARN act must not apply to us. We all received a FedEx letter the
day after the layoff
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001 20:48:00 -0600
From: Jeff
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: omc
Ok. I think I have read most articles omc's problems, and their seems to
be just a lot of speculation as to what will happen.
I haven't seen one article as to what might happen to loyal consumers
such as myself who just so happened to have paid 24,000.00 dollars last
sept. for a new stratos boat with a 200 evinrude fight motor. The motor
was sold with a top to bottom guarantee of 24 mo and ten years on the
boat other than gauges etc.
How do you think I feel about this as I have owned omc products for the
last fifteen years? Are they going to honor my warr. work if I need it.
They meaning omc, their dealers, or who ever might buy them out. I feel
sorry for anybody that might or might not lose their jobs because of this,
but that is just a small tip of the iceberg as far as I see.
Sorry I didn't buy something else, in Tennessee
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001
From: Joel
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Ten days after the fact, we get a fax stating nothing. We still wait.
Dealerships remain in limbo. Boatshows are beginning and we here that
dealers are removing OMC motors and replacing them with viable engines
of other brands. Just the beginning.
We dealers need good news now. ASAP.
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001
From: XXXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
I was glad to see that someone else beside me noted that Mr Fix will walk away
with 5 million dollars for such a short period of service. The way this entire thing
has been handled sucks. Employees, dealers, customers and loyal fans of OMC
products are all left out in the cold. Mr. Evinrude would certainly turn over in his
grave if he knew they state of a company where in times past employees and
customers were number one.
Congratulations Mr. Fix on a cold and calus job done with no care for anyone other
than yourself. Hope you had a merry christmas with your cool undeserved 5 mil.
Hungry and Broke in Tennessee
Please don't use my name of E-Mail address the marine world is a small place.
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001
From: Tom
To: wizzard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
Well, as an OMC dealer, and STRICTLY OMC, it is sad the present state of affairs........
but, it was on the horizon. We are devistated as to what to do next, but there are
far worse things in life we all have to face. Yes I am not pleased by the $200,000.00
in product sitting in my yard, with no warranty, parts, or people to back the products
up. Yet, my customers will not go without, as long as I can sustain things. I feel just
as bad for all of the workers displaced by all of this. I sell Seaswirl, and know many
people at the factory VERY well. We've dined together, played golf, fished, boated,
and enjoyed each others company. They are all good people, left out in the cold as
we were. Many of the reps my wife and I became close with, not because of what they
did, but because of who they were............now what! We never felt we were just a
dealer, when we delt with the people in Oregon. We feel for them. They worked hard
to build a good product, and treat their dealers right. They were and still are the BEST
OMC had to offer. I was proud to sell the worlds best, Evinrude, Johnson, and Seaswirl.
It's to bad the Big Guys didn't think the same way everyone from the line workers to we
as dealers felt. OMC will still be the #1 Marine Recreational Product Producer in the
World.
I am not a religous person, but fully believe, good people will win out in the final outcome,
it just may take time to see it. God has a plan, he just does not often let everyone know
at the same time. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.........until things all wash out, keep the
faith, say a prayer, and know that while this may seem like a major set back now, it is
minor in the scope of the real problems of the world. "This too shall pass", but the
real people suffering with AIDS, CANCER, ALS, and other afflictions, where hope has
all been lost, will not pass. Keep your chins up, and don't jump ship to the Jap Crap just yet!
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001
From: T
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Genmars and FIrst Protection(s) repulsive warranty alternative
Mr. Wizard,
I am a member of one the largest OMC product stores in the country, and as
we began checking into the warranty alternative that Mr. Jacobs and First Protection
has taken so many Kudo's for arranging, it has become apparent that the devil,
truely is in the details.
It turns out that indeed there are warranties available for purchase. The part
that I find incredulous is the stipulations of this purchase.
1. Purchased prior to sale.
2. Purchased with the stipulation that buy what you think you will sell, it is
a one shot deal.
3. Regardless of the end result of OMC no refunds will be allowed.
I realize that within every bowl of lemons lies a pitcher of lemonade, but to
take the position that having arranged this Mr. Jacobs is to be commended is
abhorent. What is Mr. Jabobs cut of this pie? How can First Protection warranty
these engines without parts? I think this is nothing short of wholesale looting.
A blatant attempt to cash in on the fears and panics of a once loyal dealer network.
Mr Jacobs and First Protection should be admonished! As a large First Protection
dealer, we will find more scrupulous company in which to do business.
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001
From: D in Australia
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Same all over?
Greetings from down under.
Yes, the corporate pygmies have done it to us, too. OMC Oz is in
the control of administrators Ferrier Hodgson and the fire sales have
commenced.
Right at the peak of one of the busiest summer seasons for a long
time, the collapse has placed a number of franchisees in perilous
positions. Stock in premises is now worth less than 50% of its purchase
price and support is now zero - no warranty, no service backup, nothing!
Interesting, and disappointing, that OMC's management has completely
dismissed the huge investment of interest, time, effort and capital put
into its products by adherents to the marque. In Australia, a feeling is
returning that big corporations (especially multinationals) have an even
greater reponsibility to trade ethically and honestly.
Get it together as quickly as you can, you lot!
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001 12:16:45 +1300
From: Julie Salthouse
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Employment Opportunities
Greetings from New Zealand
Salthouse Marine Group Limited is one of New Zealand's premier boatbuilding
companies designing and building some of the finest quality boats for which
New Zealand has become renowned. The Salthouse team of specialist designers,
craftsmen, upholsterers and boatbuilders create strong yet lightweight high
performance vessels for leisure, commercial and charter use. Building 50' to
80' luxury motor yachts our vessels are semi-production custom built for the high
end of the market. More information on our Company and its products is available
on our website www.salthousemarine.com
We are interested in hearing from people seeking a career in laminating, assembly,
cabinetmaking or boatbuilding. We are a family business with strong commitment
and values and offer a great opportunity for people to grow and develop in an
environment of mutual trust, courtesy and respect, and provide secure long-term
employment. New Zealand is home of the America's Cup and is a small nation with some of
the best recreational waters and countryside offering endless opportunity for leisure
and recreational activities.
If you are interested in applying for a position please
e-mail julie.salthouse@clear.net.nz
Thurs Jan 4
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001
From: P
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: job openings
We have expansion plans for three existing dealerships in the Tampa Bay
Florida area. We will need Sales, Parts and service personell to fill our
expansion plans.
Good pay and benifits.
Please send resumes to:
LeonardM
36851 us 19 N
Palm Harbor, Fl. 34684
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001
From:
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: post to Mr. Wizard
First of all please feel free to use my email and my real name as I, unlike OMC
and some of the other people that post to this section, have no fear as to who
knows what I say or that I said it. Our dealership is a family owned entity. We
have OMC service reviews dating to 1946. Recently, we took on Yamaha as
our boat manufacturers all exclusively tied to Yamaha (seems they were smarter
than some)began offering some models with Yamaha power only. At the time it
almost seemed sacriligous to have anything on the showroom floor that was not
American made(several of our customers told us so). But, at least now we
are able to sell product that has warranty(maybe not as good as OMC), parts,
Customer and dealer support(someone will answer the phone). Everyone seems
to think everything is going to be all right, that somebody will buy OMC and life
will continue as normal, parts,warranty,personel support will continue as it has
in the past. My fear is that someone will buy Johnson, Evinrude and FICHT but
only as tradenames with no thought given to the customers that have bought
OMC product in the past, or dealers holding OMC product in inventory now. If
this happens then how do I explain to my customer(who through the sales process
has more times than not become a friend) that the engine we sold him several
months ago has no warranty and there is nothing we can do but charge him
for the repairs(we can rob the parts off of the new motors we have in inventory
because at this time they are unsalable). How, do we tell our customer that
the boat/motor/trailer package that we sold him just a scant two years ago is
really only a boat/trailer package now because there is no support for the engine
(even though it was the neatest thing since sliced bread two years ago) and that
you would prefer not to trade for it. But He is welcome to leave it on your lot
and you will consignment sell it for him after he purchases his new rig(also the
latest,greatest product of all time). I've got a big picture of that happening.
Are we the only OMC dealer in this nation with these concerns(fears). My heart
and prayers go out to all that have lost their jobs at the worst time of the year,
but, at the chance of sounding cold and heartless, at least you know what you
have to do. We don't.
Jim
Full line Johnson/Evinrude
Yamaha package dealer
RBBI Comment: The value of OMC has been so destroyed, if they tried
to sell it as one unite, it might trade hands purely for tradename value.
As Mr. Wizard said earlier, the entire thing could trade for less than a $100 mil
if sold as one unit, which could be in the range of tradename value with some
good management, especially when the buyer could pickup a good piece of that
by liquidating what is left and selling the land off. A tradename buyer could use
some of the names on marine and outdoor products and auction the others
off to the highest bidder.
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001
From: XX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Commentary on "Why doesn't OMC provide job placement assistance"
Dear Mr. Wizard,
First off, I'd like to thank you for being so supportive of OMC casualties and
for providing a forum for communication. I was at OMC Research when they
told us that Research would be closing. In the room with me were probably
some of the best and the brightest people I've ever had the honor to work
with-certainly people to be considered by OMC as critically important for future
development. Instead, what we got was a very abrupt speech and a short summary
of options. It wasn't so much the message- we all understood the economics
of the situation, unpleasant as it was. But the way it was delivered was something
that amazes me to this day. I won't try to describe it any further- you just had to
be there. The fundamental truth of OMC's Management(?) and Human Resources
"philosophy" is this: They don't care. If they did, it's likely I'd still be at OMCR
and OMC in general would be doing a lot better than it is now. Keep up the good
work.
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001
From: XXXXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: No job placement for OMC workers
Mr. Wizard,
Please don't use my name or E-Mail address.
As an X-employee, I appreciate your site. In regard to the placement services
available, your predictions may be right however, no assistance has been
provided at all eg: benefit term dates, 401K, profit sharing distribution or
rollover information, unpaid vacation time due to employees not paid, 3 holidays
worked for all year, EAP assistance, HIPPA forms etc. There is no one left at
several locations who knows what is going on or can explain to former employees
which direction they need to go for assistance.
If OMC is thinking as you predict they are, why is there no help with even the
most basic severance issues. I feel we are dealing with leadership that has simply
no care or concern for employees or their families. I hope Mr. Fix, Ms Meurlot and
Mr. Rusk sleep well at night. I hear from good sources they have negotiated
golden parachutes. ( 26wks. minimum severance) and as mentioned in your
earlier responses from readers 5 million dollars in the case of Mr. Fix.
Mr Wizard Comment: If what I suggested is true, why would they want
to assist anybody with basic severance issues?? Any assistance would allow
ex-employees to move on to another job sooner. They longer they can delay
ex-employees from moving on, the more money they can put in their pockets at
the time of sale (per the premise suggested in the discussion).
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001
From: Dawn
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Christmas Present
Dear Mr. Wizard,
Have you heard anything about the Court hearing from today? I heard from a dealer in
the Houston Boat Show that the Court hearing which was scheduled for Thursday, was
heard today (Wednesday). The dealers did receive a fax today (January 3), which was
dated December 22nd, (wow, and we thought the mail was slow)...but it was only
repeating things we already read on your site. Nothing new! Besides, they didn't
address the warranty and parts issues. It did say that parts were available for order
now, but orders would be shipped C.O.D. (so I suppose we can't at least use our
credit we have!) The letter also said they were open with a skeleton crew. I called
and called and couldn't get anyone at the 1-800 #, so I also called the consumer
number 847 #, but all I got was a recording that said to call back in 15 minutes,
every time I called! I did fax a letter to them (which I'm supposing everyone has
done), but I didn't get a fax.....yet...maybe it will be on my desk tomorrow morning.
(Don't blame me, I still have hope for them!) I did receive a telephone call from
one of the service managers, which I had called, but I was at lunch when he returned
my call. Dummy me, see if I go to lunch anymore!
Still waiting, impatiently, but in high hopes,
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001
From: Dawn
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: DE
Mr. Wizard,
I want to commend the letter written on behalf of Mr. David Jones and his efforts with
OMC. I agree with him, and I personally met, as so alot of dealers, Mr. Jones at the
OMC Dealer meeting a few years back. I talked to Mr. Jones about the way OMC was
treating its 'mom and pop' dealers. I commented about the way a few of the dealers
were treated 'special' and did not have to conform by OMC's rules and programs each
year. They were given their 'special' program guidelines for buying motors and
rebates. He and I talked in length about when I went to the factory in Calhoun
and was told that 1000 motors were built and boxed each day, etc...I tried to get my
point across: If one dealer bought 3000 motors in one year (for their seven to ten
stores, but did not have the service facilities to service each and every one of those
motors) that 3000 took 3 days to build by the factory. Wow! What about the other
est. 350 days a year they are open? Mom and pop operations buying and selling
150 to 250 motors a year and who services their motors, PLUS many of the
3000-Motor Dealer's customers. What would OMC do if there were no mom and
pop's...who would take care of the customer for OMC, who would listen and
communicate with OMC to help solve problems. I asked him if OMC really cared, or
should we maybe get in another line of work. (My husband and I BOTH work at our
business as an OMC dealer.) Anyway, it was then when he told me there would be
alot of changes, for the smaller to middle dealers and there would be no under-table
deals anymore. He said he vowed to take care alot of the problems that got OMC in
the rut they were in and he truly believed he could turn OMC around, and OMC would
once again be a caring, family-oriented business.
I honestly believed him, and at the meeting he declared it publicly to every dealer
present. I later heard that one of the biggest OMC dealers didn't sign at the show,
because they didn't get the deal they came to the show for. I heard later that that
dealer never got their 'deal' and soon afterwards heard they picked up Mercury.
What a shame! I am a big fan of David Jones, and maybe I don't know all the stuff
he did, and am sorry if I don't have the full picture, but what I have seen...I liked!
DE
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001
From: Linda
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: employees
Mr. wizard.
I think your page is great, don't stop keeping us informed on what's happening
in the O.M.C.. nightmare to any boat dealer, I would not wish this,situation.
I have a small marine dealership in a small, town in Tennessee, I am a Yamaha dealer,
before I started my own business, I worked for and managed and O.M.C. dealership
I got to know a lot of the people associated with O.M.C.
The heart of a business is those employees,the faces of those employees. O.M.C.,
have been Sean in Boat shows marine dealerships,marinas, fishing tournaments,
teaching everyone they met to love O.M.C. through their smiling faces, some for more
years than I want too think about .
I know from, my small business the value of good employee.I hope that the
purchaser of O.M.C. will think of the people and look behond money, and see the
value, of these business, assets,they could be the key too the future,of any good
business.
My thoughts and prayers I send too you, great employees, keep the faith,
sometimes God makes changes we don't understand, but after we get through the
waves, there is smooth water ahead.
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001
From: F
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC engineers
My heart bleeds peanut butter for the OMC engineers who blame management for all the
woes. Who designed the high ring lands of 1977-78, VRO, the loopers with sticky rings
and everybodys favorite - Ficht? Look in a mirror and don't put OMC on your resume.
Think about it.
RBBI Comment: Lets try to keep things on a positive note in here if we can.
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001
From: Philaboat@aol.com
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: jobs
i am not a giant employer but i can use 2 to 3 mechanics 2 office personal i
am Philadelphia boat supply CO in phila pa 19136 7401 state road
215-332-5117 fax 215-332-9810 email apw@philaboat.com www.philaboat.com i
know it not much but i will do what i can sincerely
Albert p waskiewicz dir
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001
From: Bill
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Penske spelling
Please take alook at how you fols are spelling Penske. (Pensky)
Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2001
From: Robert
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: No Help from OMC
Hi Mr. Wizard,
Your article on keeping OMC employees around to increase the value of
the company units to be sold is a "glass half full" point of view. I'm
affraid that OMC is not thinking this way. If they really cared about
their employees, OMC would have kept them informed as to the disposition
of their jobs and their company. OMC just cut the employees off at the
knees and right before the holidays no less. Not a way to treat anyone
for any reason.
Mr. Wizard Comment: I never said they really cared about their employees.
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001
From:
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
Mr. Wizard,
Let me say this first and foremost, I and not a disgruntled employee. I am
fortunate as I have something to fall back on. However, I am very disappointed
employee. As you will see by reading on. I should also add I was a Sunbird
employee way before Hydra-Sports moved into our facilities.
I too am one of the many employees of OMC that has been left holding an
empty bag. I was employed at Hydra-Sports in Columbia, SC.
I have seen so much money wasted at our operation that it made me sick
and still makes me ill. I have seen people placed in jobs that they were not
qualified for, while qualified personnel was pasted over. Many of us called
it the "Kiss XXX Qualification."
When asked why we had to purchase airline tickets through OMC'S Travel
agency, we were told that they could get less expensive tickets.Wrong answer!
The same ticket could be purchased on line for hundreds less! At the same
time there was no planning on purchasing tickets, why plain, call the day
before you needed them! We would be told weeks and sometimes months before we
would be "making the trip" but our tickets be purchased just days in advance.
Accommodation had to be always top drawer. When I am on vacation I do not
stay at the top drawer Hotels where my room is $175 or more per night. But
when traveling with other Hydra-Sports personnel you were expected to.
There was never a limit on expenditures of food. What ever you felt like
eating or whenever just get it!
I should add that I traveled for my other company, where restrictions on
expenses were enforced from travel to accommodations to food. This Company is
still a major manufacture and supplier.
And the dealer meetings. Why do they have to be so extravagant? I was
with another major manufacturing company that also had International meetings
and our dealer meetings never as extravagant as OMC's!
I have been a life long believer in OMC as a whole, from boats to
engines. And I never ever thought I would see the day they would file chapter
11!
However after working for OMC before and after the David Jones take over.
I can see why Chapter 11 was our only way out. Jones may have been the answer
for other companies, but he was in my view point the demise of ours.
My best goes out to other OMC employees that are trying to recover from
their lost.
I am not signing with my name and I request you do not post my e-mail
address.
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001
From: Lee
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: This Criminal
We can some up what OMC has done to it's employee's, suppliers, and dealers in
one word Criminal and anyone who thinks differently has their head up their you
know what. I think we should all ban together and get a piece of the Soros and
Fix fortune or at least make it as difficult as possible for them to enjoy it. These
type belong in prison not running American industry. Sadly for the American worker
this is becoming the norm as we continue to widen the gap between the have's and
have not's. Most if not all CEO'S in America are grossly overpaid along with the
select few cronies or staffers, I know I've been their. I could write a book on the
injustice to the American worker and sadly it's not going to get better in the near
future as greed is over taking morality in most American companies. What we should
be sending overseas is not the work but the greedy CEO'S. They say we have to do
this to stay competitive and what they mean is they want their exorbitant salaries.
Who will have the money to by the foriegn produced products? I can tell you it
won't be the Americans.
Enough said for now.
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001
From: XXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC employment assistance
Mr. Wizard,
As an "ex" OMC employee of many years I agree with your assesment of the
proportional value of OMC with and without many of the people who held that
outfit together over the past 10 years, despite considerable adversity.
The question that begs asking though is what value is actually left even now
based on how badly the current owners have played their latest hand.
Many former OMC customers are scrambling as I write to find alternative lines
because of the negative way this mess has been handled. If OMC was purchased
even today would the former customer base have any trust at all in the people
who are there that aren't returning calls or disbursing information? Any new
owner needs to act now & bring back as many people as they can that the
customer base trusts, assure warranty coverage and product availability and
bring a strong message to the boat shows that we are here, we're strong and
we will support you and your customers.
Please keep this anonymous.
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001 11:50:51 -0500
From: Becky
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Shutdown
Could you give me a list of companies affected by the OMC shutdown?
Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2001
From: XXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: It is all over
Please don't use my name and e-mail address.
OMC Hong Kong and OMC Australia is preparing for liquidation. Most
likely it will happen at next monday.
Right now we are still employed by OMC. However the management at
Wakegan don't want to take up their responsibility and laid-off us
immediately. If they do, they need to pay the laid-off compensation.
After the liquidation, they don't have to pay any to their employees or
suppliers.
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001
From: XXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Detroit Diesel
Sir;
As an old time ex-OMC employee at the Calhoun assembly plant, inside sources
tell me that Roger Penske will be or just has, taken a tour of the site. Can
someone give us confirmation of that? Please shield my address. Thank you.
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001 13:41:15 -0600
From: Rick
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Info
OMC's phone is now working 4662
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001
From: D
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: The court hearing today
Hi Mr. Wizard,
Do you know what actions will be taking place today at the court hearings?
Is it just filing of paperwork, or will some concrete actions or information be
made public? Also, what happens when you mix vinegar and baking soda?
....oops, wrong Mr. Wizard. But seriously, the forum you have created has
gone a long way toward providing ex-employees and the former OMC dealer
network with much needed information. As opposed to some sites which are
only reporting the problems this Chapter 11 has caused, your site is certainly
the only one DOING something ,through its jobs postings, about helping out
the now unemployed ranks of OMC.
Regards
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001 16:10:11 -0500
From: Capt.
To: polsong@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
Gary get off your laurels (XXX) and cover this OMC fiasco. Your falling
behind the times.- Tom
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001 16:55:12 -0600
From: Rick
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Info
Mr. Wizard
Can anyone tell me if there is a warranty fund which is supposed to be set
aside for all motors manufacturerd. Somone mentioned this to me in other
industries. This money is for instances such as this to protect the consumer
and dealers. Any thoughts, Rick
RBBI Comment: Most manufacturers accrue warranty costs the
year is which the units are sold (they estimate the future warranty costs
and take it as a tax deduction the year in which they were sold). This does
NOT mean the money is sitting somewhere. It just means they have
already wrote it off as a tax deduction.
OMC's current 10K filing in March of 2000 for year ending Dec 31,
1999 shows them taking a $40.6 million write off for anticipated
future warranty expenses. It also discusses how they spent several
million dollars more in 1999 than they anticipated in fixing the
Ficht engines (taking even more money as deduction).
I did not check, but suspect their first quarter 2000 filing may say
something about it as well.
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001
From: H
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: (no subject)
Dear Wizard:
I have been following your articles and can only hope that someone will
come in and buy the divisions to salvage the company. How do you think
they will go about hiring back -if they do- the employees that they let go
before Christmas? My husband is trying to wait this thing out to see if
someone will come in and need his expertise again. What are your
feelings on this?
Gratefully,
An OMC Wife of 20 years (robin)
Fri Jan 5
Dat: Thu, 4 Jan 2001
From: P
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Positions Available
Bassett Boat Co. Inc., New England's first SeaRay Master Dealer in business for
over 58 years, and with SeaRay for over 32 years ... is always looking for marine
talent for their continued growth in sales, service and management. Locations
are in Springfield, Mass.; Westbrook CT; and Wakefield, RI
Call and send resumes to:
Basset Boat Co., Inc.
121 West St.
Springfield MA 01104
(413) 739-4745 X219
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001
From: P
To: polsong@virtualpet.com
Subject: Re: job openings
KENYON POWER BOATS
OF FLORIDA
my name is Leonard Maraist (operations manager). We have openings posted on
our web sight WWW.KENYONPOWERBOATS.COM for existing positions but will be
opening up a new dealership within the next two months and expanding the
existing two dealerships within the next 90 days. I can accept e-mails @
LeonardM@KenyonPowerBoats.com. If someone wants to write make it to
LeonardM
kenyon Powerboats
36851 US 19 N
Palm Harbor, FL. 34684
Our dealership has been in buisness for 18 years and are the largest Mercury
outboard dealer in the country. We have full parts and service at every
location. We offer good pay and benifits including 401k matching.
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001
From: XXXXXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC's Ralph Evinrude Test Center
Mr. Wizard - Please do not use my name or address but it is ok to print the
following item.
There is a group of people that many people do not know about which have
given their lives to OMC. These are the men and women at the Ralph Evinrude
Test Center in Stuart, Florida. These people had their heart in the product
and also gave tremendously to the community. Many had 20 - 30 years with the
company performing advance endurance, hydrodynamic, high speed, safety
and dyno/emissions testing. There is nothing they would not do to make sure
the product was right. After an intense YR2000 test schedule the product was
finally right, magazines are advertising, people are buying and then OMC
closes it's doors. There is nothing we can say to convey how we feel but we
hope everyone knows we did our best to make it work for you and we hope
that in the end this all works out.
It is so hard to see our friends leave and even harder to see the look of
disappointment in our children's eyes. These are really great people who
deserve more respect than what they received. It is hard not to cry knowing
how hard we all worked as a team for all these years to get just a little
piece of the pie for our families even though we knew we would never have
what the executives made in one year. We knew we would not get rich with
money but the friendships and pride we have in ourselves, our product and
customers outweighed everything. OMC engines were a passion for us and
not just a job.
We all gave to the community. Several employees received heroism awards
for saving lives on the water while on duty and put their own lives at stake.
Some taught at local schools providing direction for the youth in the
community. We had leaders in the scouts, churches, environmental groups,
and yes even on the board of the manatee club.
We supported the fire departments, sheriff, drug enforcement agency, coast
guard, police departments, marine patrol , etc. We donated boats and
equipment to the environmental studies centers and even equipped it with
wheelchair accessability. We provided river tours as part of the river
cleanup projects and everyone who needed help was welcomed to our facility
and we did our best to make things right.
Anyone who saw us on the water or in a store knew that we were a genuinly
kind group of people who only had good hearts and wanted to help when ever
we could. We all wore our OMC shirts with pride.
I think it is fair to say this description applies to all the men and women
of OMC around the world and even though I have not met you I can say we
truely know how you feel. I think when everything clears later in the month
when new owners are identified we will somehow all regroup and move forward
once again with making OMC a world leader not only in engines but in the
character of it's people. Hopefully this time the new owners will be boaters
who really have the passion for the product, our communities and children
like we do.
For all my friends at the test center, most of us were required to read a
book called Gung Ho. I would say we followed the way of the squirrel, beaver
and goose. We had acheived Gung Ho and now we can walk with our heads
are held high knowing we did our best. I hope we get a chance to do it all
again.
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001
From: R
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC lives up to dreadful reputation
I too was an employee at the Columbia plant formally known as Sunbird,
and most recently known as Hydra-Sports. I worked for this company for
12 years.
Omc was the owner for 95% of that time. I decided to leave in 1997
and search for other employment. At the time, I wondered "How long can
a company continue to make such poor decisions and still be profitable"?
The financial troubles for OMC began that far back for sure and yet they
are able to skirt the Warren act and say that is was a unforseen business
decision. OMC is looking out for themselves, lining their pockets with
as much money as possible, money that was made on the backs of these
same employees that lost their jobs at Christmas, who did not receive
their vacation pay, and were led to believe that they were coming back
to work on Jan. 15. People are not hanging around to see who is going
to ! ! buy OMC here in Cola.SC. They are out looking for jobs. In the
boating industry, there was always "rumors" of Sunbird closing, but I
have to give it to the original owner. He ran a good business and sold
it when it was profitable, he had built a good place to work. In the years
that followed, the same cannot be said of OMC. I really do feel so
sickened by the loss of employment of so many talented people, its just
too bad that once again, they will suffer because OMC is going to take
care of "business" at the expense of the people who made that
"business". OMC squandered money like there was no tomorrow. We
saw it many times over at every facility. I had opportunities to travel to
most of the sister sites(Chris Craft, Four Winns, Etc.) these groups were
also very wasteful. People say managers, if they are managers, don't
need to know the business in order to manage it. That would be true
if they are surrounded by people who do know the business. OMC did
not do this. People were placed in positions that they were not capable
of turning around. The "Good ole boy" approach was used many times
here, and each of those times, the quality of the product was at risk.
There were many mistakes made by OMC, none by themselves caused
this nightmare, but collectively sealed the fate of the once strong
company I was introduced to in the early 1980's. Good luck to all that
are effected.
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001 21:18:24 -0800
From: XXXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: No Name or E-Mail address please
Mr. Wizard,
There are some very real reasons for providing basic serverance assistance
for X-Employees.
1. Understanding insurance term dates and COBRA benefits has nothing to
do with seeking other employment.
2. Accessing 401K and Profit Sharing will only enable the employees to wait
longer before seeking other employment in hopes of a buyout.
3. Many are entitled to state funded health insurance programs because this
was a plant closing.
These are basic severance issues and only show that in spite of the demise
of the company there are those left in positions of leadership who still care.
If I were considering returning to OMC I'd base my decision partially on the
way this has been handled by those in charge due to the fact they will most
likely have a place in the new organization. I can only hope those purchasing
the various parts of this wonderful company take this terrible situation into
consideration. When considering executives please remember at least these
three cohorts in crime. (FIX obviously too wealthy to stay after collecting his
cool 5 mil. XXXXXX too dumb to find other employment and XXXX absolutely
not trustworthy).
Mr. Wizard Comment: If you are still hanging around hoping and
trying to sort out your COBRA, 401, Profit Sharing and Health Insurance
they have accomplished the premise I suggested, delaying you in finding
new employment and thus increasing the value of the pending sale of the
pieces of OMC because more ex-employees are still around for possible
re-employment! I continue to see no reason why if their absolute goal was
to maximize income from sale of the company why they should talk to you
at all. I totally agree it is against all that is good and right, but it fits the
premise.
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001
From: XXXX
To: Gary Polson
Subject: Re: No Help from OMC
Hi Gary,
Yep your correct. Greed or should I say, "cutting their losses" is their
numero uno priority from, I'd say the last time they kicked in another $45
million back in the late Summer of '00. I believe from that point on
Greenway wanted out and planned their exit to cut their losses as much as
possible. Nothing else mattered. OMC dealers are starting to contact me
wanting to take on Honda outboards. Times they are a changing...
Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001
From: Jack
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC
If dealers are not paid rebates owed to them, very few of the OMC sales
force will be willing to go to work for the new owners. Basicly, only those
desperate for a job and unable to find employment elsewhere would consider
facing their dealers again representing OMC.
Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001
From: Lee
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: What will the courts do for the OMC employees?? If anything
Hi Wizard,
Questions
1.What do you think the courts will or could do for the employee's of
OMC?
2. Do you think a class action suit is an option and how would someone go
about starting one? Is it worth pursuing or a waste of time?
3. What is the best method for all of us to send a strong message to Soros
and Fix that we are not going to roll over so easily?
4. Should our elected officials be contacted?
RBBI Comment: These questions are all a little out of our league.
Suggest you visit with other local ex-employees and some legal professionals.
The union may bring some information forward.
In terms of class action, I suspect some lawyers are already lurking in
the shadows with that in mind. This has been national news too long
to avoid their attention. But, there may be no money to be had (have
to fight the others for Bankruptcy settlements and may already be too
late to get in that list). Again, you need professional advice, not us
on this one.
I hope your elected officials have already been following the situation
in areas with large numbers of employees, but it never hurts to contact
your legislators and let them know what is on your mind and especially
what is impacting you economically. This would be especially important
if you are at a smaller facility with less media exposure.
Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001
From: "Carolina Skiff, Inc."
To: polsong@virtualpet.com
Subject: Carolina Skiff, Inc. Jobs
Carolina Skiff, Inc. a southeast Georgia based company
and a national leader in the fiberglass outboard saltwater
market, are looking to expand their Sea Chaser Line and are
now taking resumes of experience persons for the following
positions:
Supervisors , Lead Person , Laborers , with experience in the
following catergories: Molds, Tooling, Boat Lamination,
Assembly, Final Finish, Quality Assurance
and Maintenance.
Fax resumes to: Carolina Skiff, Inc. 1-912-287-0533
E-mail: carolinaskiff@accessatc.net
Call: 1-800-422-7543
Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2001
From: Roland Cortes
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC Employess
Dear Mr Wizard
We are a Marina in Panama City Beach, Florida. We have been in business
since 1974. We are dealers for Sea Ray, Boston Whaler and Scout Boats.
We are also service dealers for Mercury, MerCruiser, Yamaha and
Caterpillar, along with being a full service Marina. We are always in
search of quality people as our business continues to grow. If any
qualified personel in the OMC group would be interested in joining us,
please feel free to contact me via E Mail at
rolandcortes@treasureislandmarina.net. Thanks and good luck.
Sat Jan 6
Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001
From: Joel
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Limbo(week one)
Boat Purgatory week one has resulted in the promise of new owners in about a
month. That is good. But how do dealers and customers survive without warranty?
Selling product without warranty requires a new level of skill. When customers
with new boats come in and have problems normally covered by warranty find
out that we are in limbo, they frown. Our image as a first rate dealership is
coming unraveled and we are desperate for the courts to allocate funds for
warranty. This alone would solve many problems. We know that in one month
that someone will buy all or part of OMC, but the interim is miserable.
Send Good news,
Sincerely dealers
Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001
From: Greg
To: Gary
Subject: Re: Commentary on "Why doesn't OMC provide job
placement assistance" (OMC ripple effect)
Thanks for the kind thoughts. I left OMC a little more than a year ago for
my current position. OMC provided about 20% of our customer base and the
loss of this business made for 17 layoffs at one of our facilities today. I
feel like someone on a bicycle trying to outrun the shockwave from an atomic
blast.
Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001
From: a
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Dealer Representation
We have been referred to Mr. Paul Harris who is an attorney with Gadsby &
Hannah LLP in Boston. We were sent this direction by Boating Trades
Association of Texas after they contacted XX XX XX, president of the
XXXXX. According to Mr. Harris the more dealers that are involved the
more say so they will have in the court proceedings. Mr. Harris says
they are working out the deatails and should have an information packet
available early next week. Mr. Harris can be contacted at 617-345-7042.
I feel to sit this situation out pie eyed thinking
everything is going to be OK is absurd.
Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001
From: Greg
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: OMC ENGINEERS
This is a reply to the fellow who's heart is bleeding peanut-butter. You
obviously don't understand the relationship between engineering, research
and management at OMC. By the way, don't feel sorry for OMC's engineers.
They won't be unemployed for long. I'ts still difficult to find engineers with
the kind of talent and dedication that this group displayed in the face of a
management group that displayed little common sense in their decision-making.
Politics, outsourcing trends, and focus on short-term gains weakened solid
designs and eventually brought OMC down.
Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001
From: S
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Note from an OMC Customer
Mr. Wizard:
I would like to convey what I find to be an under represented message in
all the postings and press releases I have found on the net relative to the
current OMC situation. Existing OMC customers are being forgotten.
Clearly, those OMC employees who have suddenly found themselves
unemployed are in a scary situation. I also understand that the current
situation is almost as scary for OMC dealers - especially those who
depended singularly on OMC products. However, as a customer who
recently spent a lot of hard earned and long saved money on a new boat
and power plant manufactured by OMC I find that the OMC customer is
being entirely forgotten. At least some dealers instantly turned their backs
on existing customers - by simply and coldly telling them that all of their
warranties are currently void. Some of these dealers are the same people
who reassured customers that OMC had survived past problems such
as those associated with the premature introduction of the FICHT
technology a few years back. Sales efforts included promoting the value
of watercraft and engines backed by OMC. Certainly these dealers owe
it to their customers to make sure that some solution is found for OMC
warranties sold in the past few years. One of the solutions proposed will
take care of engines sold back to Oct 1 of 2000. What about all of the
other customers with OMC warranties? Is the only important concern that
dealers be able to make future sales of OMC products? Are existing
customers less than future customers? I think not. Looking for a new job
is tough no doubt, but what of customers who have $20 - $120K wrapped
up in a dream that is now unwarranteed and for which obtaining parts
may soon become a nightmare?
Dealers may claim to have been surprized by the Dec 22 developments
but they were certainly more knowledgeable about OMC's struggles than
most of their customers were. If there is to be hope for preserving the
OMC line of products and the reputations of all involved in the sales
and service of OMC products then someone better start thinking more
about taking care of existing customers and products already in the field.
If the current customer base sours, the future of OMC products is in
jeopardy regardless of what the outcome of the OMC situation turns out
to be. Take care of existing customers and new ones will follow.
Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2001
From: XXXX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: More Information About OMC Hong Kong
Wizard,
Definitely, OMC Hong Kong will be winding-up at next monday
(1/8/2001); after the creditor's meeting. All employees will be laid-off
by the appointed liquidator. No severance wages will be paid and they
will have to leave the company without a penny for compensation if
endup in that situation.
Although many workers can get back their pension, it is about
two/three months later. Some workers are very depressed and don't
know what to do at the following few weeks. Especially the Chinese
New Year is coming; it is just like Christmas at America, they need some
extra money for the New Year.
The employees only hope is to get help from their government. They
request Hong Kong government to provide some emergency fund for
their living at the following weeks.
Please remove my name & e-mail address
Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2001
From: XX
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Roger Fix and the Warn act
Sir;
I was quite amazed by Roger Fix's recent statement of the "signifigant"
slowdown in sales in late September and Oct (confidentially, I am one of
only four people in the Resident Engieering group in the Calhoun assembly
plant). At the time he's referring to, we couldn't figure out why, with sales
flat, and with a heavy compliment of temporary workiers, we were running
both shifts, ten hours a day, literally packing the warehouse to the rafters
with 30 million dollars in inventory until Halloween. Now why do you suppose
they would do that? Also, shortly after the David Jones departure, OMC
engineering, I believe it was in early October, was required to slash 3
million from it's budget from then to the end of the year. Bottom line, when
Roger Fix was brought in, the decision to ax the company had been made
by the Soros' group. All litigants against the Soros group should be aware
these people are cunning and ruthless, and plan accordingly.
Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2001
From: S
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: Four Winns Customer
Mr. Wizard,
I am a customer of Four Winns and in 1999 I purchased a 258 Vista Cruiser
and as luck would have it there is a problem that has taken my boat back
to Four Winns a second time.
Things like this happen, however, I was contacted by their warranty manager
on Jan 2 to reassure me that thing will be taken care of once the new owner
purchase the company at the end of the month. He was honest with me by
telling me that normally when things like this happen the warranties are
honored by the people who purchase a company to ensure the integrity of the
company is preserved. That Four Winns will come out of this stronger than
before because they have been profitable for years. I was surprised that he
called me in the first place because I have read so many articles that no one
was contacting any one. He took the time to take care of a "warranty"
customer while his fellow employees are enduring hardships and not sure of
their future. That is a company that I want to buy another boat from.
I am confident that the attitude presented by Bill K at Four Winns and the
other people at Four Winns I have dealt with "will bring them back stronger
than before"
John Anderson President of Four Winns has been the only executive to give
hope to the OMC employees at Four Winns. His statements in the press when
no other OMC exec prove that Four Winns is a reputable company that will
do very well after they are acquired by a company that appreciates them.
I am not an employees of Four Winns nor associated with anyone employed
by Four Winns. I am a member of the Four Winns family by owning one of
their great products.
My prayers go out to the families of OMC but particularly to the Four Winns
people who have built me a great boat that my family and I enjoy.
Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2001
From: j
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Subject: other engine companies take on OMC
I have worked for both OMC and Mercury engineering. Another former Merc
employee asked me this week "What is Mercury's take on the OMC situation?"
I am not sure who would be responsible for the "official take" much less what
that may be. I would guess that some employees are enjoying the situation
and a sense of superiority. Some Merc guys are former OMC employees and
probably have compassion for the OMC people.
I know that in the early Eighties when Harley was down to 20,000 bikes per
year, the Japanese motorcycle companies were very anxious about HD going
out of business. There were offers of assistance which were turned down. The
Japanese were concerned about not having a domestic manufacturer to represent
the industry. (I also worked there)
There may be a similar concern at some level at Mercury, and Honda and Yamaha.
Mercury has faced the Monopoly accusations in the stern drive business, they
surely do not want that moniker in outboards.
Then there is the concern of Mercury over being the only two stroke outboard
manufacturer. The format looses it's legitimacy. Who will benefit most from the
distribution of the OMC 30% market share? Maybe this will force customers into
Japanese four strokes.
Then what happens if a very competent owner takes over? Will they eventually
steal market from Mercury? I am sure that if Brunswick stock was in better shape
Mr. Buckley would welcome the challenge. As it is the OMC bankruptcy is not
making the image of the marine industry any more attractive for potential Brunswick
investors. I would guess that Merc wishes that this had not happened, and OMC
would have stayed at 25 to 30% market.
Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2001
From: Ryan
To: wizard@virtualpet.com
Indiana Marine Products, Inc., Angola, Indiana, formed in 1985, is a manufacturer
of Instrument Panels and Electrical Systems primarily for boat manufacturers. We
are actively recruiting an individual for our Engineering Staff with extensive
experience in the design and manufacture of Cruiser class electrical systems to
promote our growth in this area of our business. This individual must have a thorough
knowledge of all applicable NMMA and ABYC codes as well as experience in both
Marine AC and DC. Anyone wishing to submit a resume may do so by email to:
ryan@indianamarine.com or Fax 219-665-8771.
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