Gift of Chrysler Corporation/University of Delaware, 2010.
The collection is open for research.
Use of materials from this collection beyond the
exceptions provided for in the Fair Use and Educational Use clauses of the U.S.
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MSS 650, Chrysler Corporation Newark Assembly Plant collection, Special Collections, University of Delaware Library, Newark, Delaware.
Series I. processed by Taylor Dietz and Patrick Lynch, May 2012. Encoded by E. Evan Echols, July 2012.
For more than a half century, the Newark Chrysler Assembly Plant provided employment for generations of local residents and was an important economic asset and social presence in the city of Newark, Delaware. After the plant closed in late 2008, the 272-acre property was purchased by the University of Delaware with plans to use the site for future campus expansion.
Chrysler’s 3.4 million square foot plant in Newark, Delaware, was built in 1951 to produce tanks for the U.S. Army. The plant was converted to Plymouth and Dodge production in April 1957, starting a run of nearly 7 million cars, including the LH series (Intrepid and Concorde), the AA bodies (EEKs) (Acclaim, Spirit, LeBaron), and the legendary A-body Valiant and Dart before starting Dodge Durango production. In 1969 alone, the Newark plant produced 186,177 Plymouth Furys, Dodge Polaras, and C-body Chryslers.
In 1997, Chrysler put $623 million into the Newark plant to ready it for production of the Dodge Durango. The plant was closed in December 2008 due to falling sales of the Durango / Aspen. It had just started producing hybrid-electric versions of both vehicles, and had 1,100 employees, down from 2,115 in 2005.
This collection contains audiovisual material, publications, photographs, and other material from the Chrysler Corporation Newark Assembly Plant publicity office, donated after the closure of the plant in December 2008. Much of the material documents the working life of Chrysler employees in the Newark plant, human resources and employee training, and the processes required to build automobiles at the plant. The collection also documents many of the programs instituted by the United Auto Workers.
Series I. contains audiovisual material in a variety of formats (VHS, MiniDV tape, DVD) from the Newark Assembly Plant publicity office. The material is split into four subseries and organized by subject: SUV, Cars, etc., people, plant history, and management/hr/training. In the contents list of this finding aid, a brief description is provided for each item. Included are assembly videos for various products made by the Newark plant and other Chrysler plant, training sessions given to and by management, videos of employee activities inside the plant, speeches given by individuals associated with the plant, political rallies, and United Auto Workers (UAW) activities and programs. Much of the material also addresses various aspects of the Product Quality Improvement (P.I.), a joint UAW-Chrysler initiative aimed at improving the quality of the products and services produced at Chrysler facilities.
Series II-IV are current in process. For further information, please contact the Manuscripts and Archives Department.
MSS 643, Chrysler Corporation, Newark Assembly Plant oral history collection.
Contains audiovisual material in a variety of formats (VHS, MiniDV tape, DVD) from the Newark Assembly Plant publicity office.
Cover Label: "Roll Off (Sonny)." Unveiling of the Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim for the media.
The plant is being opened up to the press for the 1st Chrysler LeBaron Convertible. Employees are being interviewed.
A video showing a dealership that sells Jeep and Chrysler vehicles.
Car shows.
Launch of the Dodge Intrepid at the Newark Assembly. Senator Joe Biden is present.
Philadelphia International Car Show 1994. Many different car companies shown, not just Chrysler, Jeep, or Dodge.
Owner's guide for the Chrysler LeBaron convertible, including safety tips and how to operate the different features of the vehicle, with SPC footage in the beginning.
Video of Mustang assembly plant at Dearborn, Michigan.
"Operating Tips: 1995 Chrysler LeBaron convertible." Owner's guide for the Chrysler LeBaron convertible, including safety tips and how to operate the different features of the vehicle.
Press conference for the Chrysler Town & Country mini-van.
Cover label: "Hutton Presentation." Rich Kramer narrating a video about finding fit problems during the build process. A gauge was developed to monitor fit's.
"1997: Year of Transition." Cover label: "Newark's complete tear out to present day."
"1997: Year of Transition." Tape includes: Plant Construction (8:19), Paint Process (6:30), Durango Build (12:17).
Speeches given at the unveiling of the Durango. Cover label: "Crowd, Wolfes Speech, Henson Speech, Broadcast from Detroit, Unveiling, Carper Speech, Cordell, Usilton, People Looking at Durango."
"B Roll / no audio." Plant employees celebrating unveiling of Durango in the Simulation Building.
Cover label: "Unveils Copperhead & Durango Cobo Hall. Pic of some of Launch Team." Press event in Detroit with promotional material and Jeep Wrangler unveiling.
Chrysler News reporting on other companies current status' and other topics related to cars.
Complete build process of the Durango at Newark Assembly. Interview of employees regarding the fact that Newark Assembly is the only plant that produces the Dodge Durango.
Video set to music featuring the machines that produce the cars in the plant.
Press/Preview week highlights, including: concept cars reveal, 1999 Grand Cherokee reveal, Intrepid ESX2 reveal, Big Red Truck concept & Dakota R/T reveal, 300M & LHS reveal.
Bob Eaton, Chairman and CEO of Chrysler, discussing new products that are emerging. History of Jeep automobiles. Goes through all of the specifications of the new 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. (Audio cuts out then returns)
Engineers reviewing problems in the "Pilot Audit Center."
Promotional video produced by Maurice Liang, Viper Club of America, Northern California Region.
No audio. Preparing and placing engines in the new vehicles.
"Jeep The Legend Continues." Tribute to Jeep Grand in Virginia. History of the creation of the Jeep Grand and its contribution to the American Military.
"Eastern Michigan University" made by Automotive Industry Action Group. Instructional video on how to load and unload trailers safely without damaging them with forklifts.
Narration of the complete production of the Dodge Durango at Newark Assembly.
Cover label: "Narrated report on production and assembly of the Durango at Newark Assembly Plant."
Narrated report on production, assembly and testing of the Durango at Newark Assembly Plant.
A video welcoming the Dodge Durango owner club members. Durangos are lined up outside the Chrysler plant in Newark, DE.
Video of the build process of the Dodge Durango at the Newark Assembly.
Video of employees building a car component and trying to simulate an accident that could happen in the assembly plant.
Installation of car doors on the Dodge Durango in the factory.
Video showing the construction of car frames in an assembly plant.
Video of employees assembling a hybrid engine.
An employee speaking about the engine building department of the plant, and the ways in which they build engines.
Cover label: "HEV Build simulation overview chassis." Discussing the schedule, reducing it to 2 trucks maximum per hour in order to carefully construct each one since it is a new project. Also discussing where the different parts are going on the cars.
No audio. The build process is shown, specifically the engine assembly and other parts under the hood.
Discussing the new SOA pilots and their launch, discussing preparations for the new hybrid project, the testing procedures, and the different difficulties that they have faced along the way.
Video of the interior of cars being built.
Explanation of the electrical engine and safety precautions of the 2009 Dodge Durango.
Video showing the installation of interior parts into the Dodge Durango.
Video of a car inspection in a garage setting.
Video of employees assembling engines.
Video showing employees installing door panels for cars and installing doors onto car bodies.
Employees working in the factory constructing car parts.
Video showing the construction of Army tanks during the World Wars.
Video showing the production of steel used in the production of Chrysler cars.
Cover label: "L.A.P. South Fri, Sat, Sun." Tests done throughout the build process of a Chrysler car.
Durango building video.
Clip from an episode of the Simpsons advertising the "Canyon Arrow", a parody of the Durango.
Presentation of AA Body employees about PQI.
Instructional video on how to install car doors and windows.
"Viper footage of custom paint." Footage about the specialty paint job, showcasing a viper car.
Supervisor discussing his role in his department.
Video showing old cars that were displayed on the front lawn of the Newark Assembly plant.
No Audio. Assembly of engines.
Cars being tested at the track at the Newark Assembly plant.
People promoting Hands Across America by joining hands on the side of the road and singing and celebrating with one another.
Cover title: "Joan Patterson Building Dedication" Film of a outdoor dedication ceremony set to music.
Chrysler Communicator's Conference at the new education Center at Auburn Hills. Discussing Advantage Chrysler's advertising campaign. Also discussing ways to compete against Japanese car companies. New organization of the company into product focus teams. Examples of advertising where the importance of airbags are shown. Chrysler is the only manufacturer that puts airbags in every one of their cars.
Local 1183 UAW march down South College Ave. Newark, DE in support of buying American made cars.
Chrysler corporation's highest award given to Bob Eaton. Speeches given honoring him.
PQI News raw footage of them taping a segment.
Untitled corporate film of Mercedes-Benz assembly plant in Sindlefingen, Germany. References to industrial robots, safety, laser cutting.
Announcement of the change in UAW Blue Cross Blue Shield Benefits program.
"Rich Pullon: The Viper Man" Footage of 3rd Viper Invitational at Indy 500. Transitions to news segment about Chrysler's presence in the Asian market. Analysis of Chrysler car performance.
Rally for the Democratic candidates at the UAW local 435 hall, supported by the unions of Delaware.
Rally for the Democratic candidates at the UAW local 435 hall, supported by the unions of Delaware.
Continuation of the Labor of Love Ralley. Ralley for the Democratic candidates at the UAW local 435 hall, supported by the unions of Delaware.
Autoshow in Detroit to unveil Durango. Investing in new equipment in Newark Assembly in order to make the new Durango model.
Russ Milam, Quality Information Systems Manager, speaking about the rate of improvement of Chrysler cars.
Video showing employees working out.
Video of a motorcycle drive and convention that starts out at the Newark Assembly Plant.
Jurgen Schrempp congratulating the employees on PQI and the new partnership. He is encouraging further success at Chrysler.
Profile of Elijah McCoy, a black automotive engineer for Chrysler.
Presentation about safety and teamwork. DAMAGED.
Employee talking about machinery and ways to oversee equipment to see if machinery is in proper shape, or are in need of repairs and to make sure the cars are built without defects.
Video of a Mexican themed party for employees, celebrating all the hard work that the employees of the plant have been doing.
Video of Frank and Bryan talking about consolidating and standardizing employee work space.
"Teamwork makes the dream work" is the motto to the town hall meeting. The executive vice president of manufacturing for Chrysler is addressing the group. He is talking about the future of Chrysler and how to keep up with her competitors.
Interviews of employees talking about the Smart Line, and their experience rotating through other jobs, as well as having someone on call for assistance while they're working.
Jim Fish addressing members of the UAW 1183 saying that he has been appointed to the International Union, and he will have the opportunity to address the problems of the local UAW at the highest level.
Joe is talking about the demolition of the plant and separation packages. He is also offering retirement packages with incentive money as well. If employees choose for the separation package then they will also receive incentive money as well and a future pension.
Video talking about the importance of diversity in the workforce.
No visual. New products and launches at the Newark Assembly plant are being discussed.
Slideshow of employees working in the factory.
Joe Ozdowy summarizes the 2007 model year. He continues that the objective of the plant should be safety. He also compliments the employees on their moral, especially during this time when they have begun rotating jobs.
The UAW President made a video to encourage fundraising for premature children, through the March of Dimes Foundation.
Video discussing the possibility of the plant closing in 2009. Joe and Mac are wishing their employees a merry christmas and a happy new year. They are encouraging their employees to remain optimistic about the possibility of the plant closing. Newark Assembly is doing a great job according to Joe and Mac and they believe that corporate can see this too.
People giving speeches about the march of dimes march for babies, discussing children with disabilities.
Joe Ozdowy talking about working in the Newark Assembly Plant, how many employees are leaving and they're bringing in supplemental workers
Plant announcement with the Plant Manager, Executive Vice President of United Way Delaware Chapter, and President UAW Local 1183.
Showing workers going to an Eagles game and bringing back Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders to the Newark Assembly Plant.
The construction of the Daimler-Chrysler Plant in Newark, DE.
Region 8 Training Center block party.
UAW Vice President Jack Laskowski speaking about the Newark Assembly Plant during his visit.
Retirement tribute.
Video of employees working in a factory and interacting with each other.
Interview with employees about the 5 S's: sift, sort, sweep, sanitize, and sustain.
John Nash interviews employees about the new Chrysler COS system.
Video on the history of Lincoln Car Company.
Employees wishing people a happy holidays.
Video showing how Local 1183 Women's committee used they money they raised for charity to spend a day with orphans. A Christmas celebration was made for young orphans. The video promoted donating to charity.
Ron Huff discussing the damage that can happen during the build process to cars and how to prevent that damage.
"Keeping You Informed." Management informing the employees that there will be a "down week" due to slumping sales.
Continuous improvement workshop led by Jim Kirsch to improve quality, work-in process, productivity, technician's work station, floor space utilization.
Showing Patton 48 tank as first presented to the US Army by the Chrysler Corporation at the Delaware Tank Plant. History of the tank plant in Newark, one of the leading producers of tanks for the WWII effort.
A description of the power & logic module system.
Career day celebrations, employees with their families.
"MOA conference, St. Petersburg, Florida Window time coded tape 8."
A video about the United Mine Workers going on strike against the Pittston Coal Company in 1989. Division 1A of the UAW joins in on a car convoy to show solidarity of United Mine Workers in order for them to receive better benefits.
Youth Conference at Glasgow Highschool in Glasgow, Delaware. Video discussing issues that teenagers deal with, examples: weight gain, date rape, suicide, etc.
The video begins with a Chrysler Advantage commercial, followed by a video about the Newark Assembly Plant and its role in producing the Spirit and Acclaim (cars) that exceed customer expectation. The third video is of the 1991 product year launch at the Newark plant.
Video showing employees at work in the paint area of the plant.
Local 1183 UAW initiating their Executive Officers for the 1993-1994 term.
Video showing employees working in the plant and sitting in on meetings.
Interview of employees about SPC, none of the employees are familiar with it.
Cover label:"Newark High School." Video showing students and Chrysler employees interacting with one another at the Newark Library.
Video stating the concerns of car quality and how they can compare cars against one another and companies against one another. Statistics on J.D. Power surveys. They assess the number of problems per 100 cars built.
Cover title: "Chrysler history I, Chrysler history II." Slides reviewing upcoming events on the Chrysler Employee Network. History of the Chrysler Corporation beginning with its foundation by Walter Chrysler.
UAW Local 624. Discussing Mexican employees and exporting jobs to Mexico. Low hourly pay compared to American workers is discussed. There are also nature scenes.
Chrysler Hybrid press conference at the North American International auto show in Detroit, Michigan. Done through a game show based upon questions about Chrysler manufacturing.
Conference discussing the benefits of the partnership between the United Auto Workers and Chrysler.
Newark Assembly open house. First segment (5 min.): Employees touring the plant with their families. Second Segment (5 min.): Same as first segment.
Celebrating the production of the 7th million car at the Newark Assembly Plant.
Cover label:"Celebrating our 50th Anniversary." Montage of employees at the Chrysler plant, set to music.
Troy, Michigan. Merger of Daimler-Benz and Chrysler. Explaining benefits of merger to employees of both companies. Speeches by the CEO of Chrysler (Robert Eaton) and the CEO of Daimler-Benz (Jurgen Schrempp).
Exaggerated sketches comparing life before PQI with life today. Video 1 of 3.
Exaggerated sketches comparing life before PQI with life today. Video 2 of 3.
Exaggerated sketches comparing life before PQI with life today. Video 3 of 3.
Employee meeting giving recognition to outstanding employees and congratulating them on their hard work.
Meeting discussing new management at the Newark Assembly Plant, also discussing plans for the year, improvements to the plant, making new products etc.
Employee meeting at the Newark Assembly Plant discussing new management and policies for the plant as well as having a question and answer session with employees.
Health care ralley made up of UAW members, giving speeches and chanting. Talking about the need for health care for all UAW members.
Video fo employees operating machinery and constructing bumpers and other car parts. Switches to a video of a man lecturing employees on how to save for their retirement funds, make investments etc.
Question and answer session with Joe Ozdowy to employees, he discussed his previous experience as a plant manager.
An employee meeting. Next the video moves to the plant floor where we see the Durango being built.
Newark Assembly plant black employees are presenting black history moments. Famous quotes by black Americans are being recited.
Slideshow of Chrysler employees who died while serving the armed forces.
Joe reads an official press release from the Chrysler corporation that informs the employees of the Newark Assembly plant that the plant is closing. Joe is answering questions from the employees after the announcement.
A history of the Chrysler Assembly plant in Newark, DE.
An explanation of the tools used during the build process. This ensures the safety of the product.
Celebrating the teams of the month in the Newark Assembly plant. Groups of employees walking around the factory, posing in front of the machinery and taking pictures.
Cover label:"Newark- Teleduction Building 'A' Future Lap of America." Capture the spirit of Chrysler through a cross country drive.
Recognition of workers and their maintenance of a successful weld average of 22 points. Also a repeat of the UAW caravan to support the United Mine Workers.
Cover Label:"1. Pedestrian Safety 2. A.G.V. Safety." Explanation of the New Automatic Guided Vehicle System at the Newark Assembly Plant.
"Part II" Video discussing the history of Chrysler cars, starting from the first ever Chrysler motor car at the Chicago World Expo. Highlights old features such as safety glass, and tires.
Presentation announcing new updates and modifications to the Newark Assembly plant. Also discussing employee payment.
Cover label: "NTC tape about Chrysler and UAW History"
A history of Chrysler cars produced from 1920 to 1980. Focus on Town & Country and the 300 series cars.
Video showing employees at work. Specifically finishing up the final construction phases of the vehicles.
Videotape of inside the room where cushions are made at the assembly plant. Video shows how seat cushions are constructed.
Cover label: "DE History, Newark Assy history Abody, etc Tearout New Paint Bldg." A video on the history of the state of Delaware and how the Newark Chrysler Assembly plant has played an important role in the state's history.
Slides from the Chrysler Employee Network, showing weather, financial reports, and Chrysler trivia.
Security process for entering the Newark Assembly plant as an employee.
Delaware's first Green Industries award presented to UAW and JJ Johnston. The joint initiative encourages recycling of materials.
Senator Biden comes to visit the Newark Assembly plant. He had personal meetings with every department. Senator Biden has been a supporter of the car industry for a long time.
Video showing the importance of the state of Delaware. Clips showing important areas of the state.
The annual National Training Conference Meeting at the UAW Chrysler National Training Center.
Modern Operating Agreement meeting with Hiller speaking.
Marc Stepp Vice President International Union, UAW and Director of Chrysler Department. Discusses the 8 year anniversary of the commitment to product quality and improvement.
Dedication of the Chrysler National Training Center. Celebration with Chrysler employees and their families. Different activities available to participate in during the opening of the National Training Center.
Video about customer satisfaction and how employees can achieve it. Also addresses how quality should be determined by customer satisfaction, as opposed to number of few things gone wrong. Discusses increased competition from foreign auto companies, specifically those from Japan.
Video about Chrysler focusing on improving their image, starting in elementary schools. Employees present video about the assembly plant to the students.
Questions asked and answered by employees during "Q-Time."
Cover label: "Joint UAW/Chrysler PQI Partnership Winter '94 General Conference PQI breakthrough planning-D.K. Pawley." Conference discussing things such as how to add value to the market without adding cost to the customer.
Cover label: "Joint UAW/Chrysler PQI Partnership Winter '94 General Conference PQI. Conference Highlights." Continuation of the PQI Winter 1994 Conference. The video is focusing on the improvements that Chrysler and PQI can made.
"Operating Tips: 1995 Chrysler LeBaron convertible." Interviewing employees at the Newark Assembly about the advantages of SPC (Specialty Product Company).
Dennis Pawley, Executive V.P. of manufacturing and Jack Laskowski, UAW President talking about the partnership of PQI and UAW. (Audio cuts out half way through)
Strike with CAT workers and the methods taken to restore workers back to their positions.
Video showing how to use the CLI Spectrum Saver and VCR.
Conference about the partnership of Chrysler and the UAW. Also discussing the history of PQI.
Modern operating agreement meeting reviewing the goals for the upcoming year.
PQI conference on Chrysler operating system (puppet conveying message).
"1996 PQI Orlando Conference." Conference on improving the quality of Chrysler products.
J.D. Power and Associate survey that ranks Chrysler as improving. The video said that the Newark Assembly plant improved by 21%. The Newark Assembly was the second best plant in the Chrysler company. The video says that the Newark Assembly still needs to improve however.
"1997 PQI National Conference Dennis Pawley COS Presentation." Conference on improving quality and efficiency.
Inside look at Chrysler manufacturing. Interview with Dennis Pawley, Executive Vice President of manufacturing. He discusses the Toledo, Ohio, plant, the oldest facility in the Chrysler family, and how the COS program works there.
Cover label: "UAW/Chrysler 1998 Annual Meeting Opening Ceremony Highlights."
Information given for an upcoming election in the UAW on positions such as chairman and delegates to convention. Information given about leasing/buying Chrysler cars as employees. The UAW and Chrysler are trying to achieve change through education. Highlights the competition from foreign companies.
UAW local 1183 conference discussing Social Security and the benefits of the program to workers. Encourages workers to keep track of their Social Security.
Video on how to properly clean up spills in the workplace.
MOA team of the month meeting celebrating employee achievements, discussing what employees need to keep doing to make the plant successful, keeping up their good work ethic.
Conference discussing the tough competition that Chrysler faces and the need to attract more customers. Discussing centering efforts around enhancing product and customer experience.
Senator Joe Biden speaking to the local 1183 UAW chapter about hard work and the efforts of the employees matter. The Vice President of the UAW spoke, along with other officials. They were encouraging their employees to continue their hard work.
Joe Ozdowy talking about his experience in Beijing, China and introducing himself to plant employees.
Joe Ozdowy discussing the problems that the plant has had in 2005, 2006, and now in 2007 the problems that it is going to face. It is interspersed with car commercials as well as videos of German Daimler Chrysler executives talking about the passion that Chrysler has for its products.
Joe Ozdowy addresses the employees on the future of the plant. He is encouraging employees to be excited about the future in Newark and about the plants future. It is an optimistic message offering hope to his employees. Also has commercials displaying the ingenuity of the Daimler-Chrysler company.
President Richard McDonaugh and Joe Ozdowy addressing layoffs and saying that budget cuts are necessary within the next two years. The plant will also be increasing their car production specifically the development of trucks.
Announcement from Joe Ozdowy encouraging an upbeat attitude from the employees about Chrysler being bought by General Motors and the closing of the plant in general. Retirement and separation packages will be given. Joe states that employees who lose their jobs will be placed into a job bank.
Joe addresses separation packages, plant leveling, rumors circulating and finally the plants future. Separation packages for hourly employees. He wants Newark to be taken seriously as a plant again and wants to scoop up any excess work from other plants.
Mr. Ozdowy talking about the future of the plant, talking about the importance of keeping up appearances and continuing building cars until its closure in order to keep attracting prospective buyers. Letting employees know that the Chrysler Corporation will soon be advertising the sale of the plant, and not to be upset about it.
The plant had not been producing cars for 8 weeks and this was the first day back producing cars. Joe is going over how safety is extremely important especially after being off the job for so long.
Local 1183 UAW meeting promoting the importance of unions.
UAW workers loading a Uhaul with food items. The workers take the food to be donated.
Stamping action team. Teams are chosen to discover problems within the different Chrysler plants and then fix these problems.
People narrate their personal experiences in regards to unions, specifically the UAW.
A video taken at a UAW union meeting.
Caterpillar and UAW attempting to make a contract that includes acceptable health care benefits and to avoid paycuts for the workers. Many workers have suffered from poor health insurance coverage and pay cuts.
Chrysler plant donating parts to the Hodson Technical School.
UAW Region 8 Chrysler Training Center commemorating people and their contribution to the Training Center.
Video helping employees address and deal with personal problems such as alcoholism.
Helping employees through the Work Life Benefits Program, assist in bridging the gap between work and life.
Jim Wolfe and Mr. Beckett are taping a video for Newark employees addressing the issues with absentees.
The story of Newark Assembly producing a new Sport Utility Vehicle. The production saved the plant from closing. A team was put together to achieve a flawless creation and launch of the Dodge Durango. Interview of the team about what they did.
A training video about the Huntsville tester. This tests that the proper installation of lighting, computers and electric system occurred. The video goes through how to use all of the machinery needed for this test.