More 'Signs Of The Times'

The economic malaise continues... During a recent chat with TCM's Rhett Ross, ANN has learned that Teledyne Continental Motors 'will close its factory for one week in response to reduced demand from new aircraft manufacturers for engines and related parts. The closure will start this Monday, 05 October 2009. The plant will reopen for normal business on Monday, 12 October 2009.'

TCM Statement:

Throughout 2009, Continental Motors has focused on a number of marketing and factory improvement initiatives to drive sales and cost control during the current economic downturn. These initiatives have worked resulting in more stable aftermarket engine and parts sales, improved delivery from the factory and lower costs. However, the combination of lower OEM orders and improved performance means the factory has outstripped demand. The closure will allow order backlog to grow to a level that supports efficient factory operations.

In addition to the closure, the following additional cost savings measures will take effect upon the company's return to normal business on 12 October.

• One week shutdown 04 Jan to 09 Jan 2010 all staff
  • Salaried Staff
  • 4 day work weeks beginning the week of 12 October
• No work Thanksgiving or Christmas week
• The production facility will run a normal work schedule of 5 days per week except as noted above.

Rhett Ross

The company's goal is to protect as much of our employee base as possible while continuing to navigate this difficult economy. During the closures and short work weeks, the company will maintain the following services.

• Limited Customer Service Staffing to Support Emergency Calls
• Shipping and Receiving will be kept open to allow delivery of vendor supplied parts and ship AOG orders
• Sales Department will be open to support engine and parts inquiries.
• Full access to the company's web site and distributor services will be maintained.

All other services will be closed.

The company will work closely with the State of Alabama and the City of Mobile to help our employees through this difficult time.

FMI: www.genuinecontinental.aero