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Ford executives visit plant to thank workers

Posted at 9:12 AM, May 30, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-30 09:46:19-04

Three weeks after a massive fire that shut down part of the production at Meridian Magnesium Plant in Eaton Rapids. The company felt the love from one of its customers.

Ford Motor Company visited workers Tuesday morning to thank workers for their efforts to get things back up and running.

FOX 47's Alani Letang was there for the show of support.

"We actually wanted to personally say thank you. You guys are the best," said one of the Ford executive to a group of Meridian employees.

There were cheers and praise Tuesday morning during the presentation.

"The demonstration of what you all did is immeasurable and incredible," said another executive.

That is what brought three Ford executives to Meridian, weeks after a massive fire partially shut down production. The fire caused a pause in parts for the popular Ford F-150.  Those parts are back in production thanks to efforts that didn't go unnoticed.

"But to have someone on the outside of the management team tell us what a great job we're doing, means the world," said Colin Chapman.  Chapman has been with Meridian since it opened 31-years ago, and was there during the fire.

He said the company will look to its roots as it moves forward.

"Going back to that clean slate, to get things back to where we used to have them years ago to figure out how do we make improvements, how do we make this company better," Chapman told Letang.

According to Chapman, a thank you was only possible because of the teamwork at this plant's ongoing recovery.

"I personally didn't think we would get it done this quick, that just goes to show the team spirit has been used to bring all this together," said Chapman.

Together and supportive, all the way up the corporate ladder

Meridian Magnesium also makes parts for General Motors, Mercedes, and Fiat Chrysler. The cause of the fire has been ruled "undetermined" and the investigation is over.