HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1986-11-05, Page 87n-7IIC_pMPION_
lidin
for the
1980s
n 1978, the company built a
manufacturing plant in
Columbia, South Carolina. The
United States had become one of the
company's tartest growing market:,
and was logically first in
Champion's expansion plans.
While the Champion product line
has achieved notoriety at the
Chicago CONEXPO, in 1978 the
company was awarded a gold medal
for outstanding quality at the
International Industrial Fair held at
Zagreb, Yugoslavia.
With a successful product and a
new manufacturing facility in
Columbia, the company grew and
employed more than 1,000 people.
The expansion also included the
creation of Gearco in 1973, an
affiliated company that began
designing and manufacturing
transmissions in a factory built in
the industrial park. In 1978, the
GSS/Wednesday, Nov 5, 1986
THE 1970s
Champion was manufacturing many of Its own components in
when the 700 series grader was introduced. The company's machine
shop is second to none.
1976
former Textrol building was
purchased to accommodate the
growing Gearco company.
In 1977, a new modern parts
warehouse was built in the Industrial
Park to handle worldwide
distribution of parts. The building
also contains the international
marketing arm of the company.
With the demand for production
facilities increasing, Champion
again expanded by opening a
licenced manufacturing plant in
Johannesburg, South Africa.
The decade beginning with 1980
proved to be one of the most
challenging in the company's
history. Champion moved ahead of
the industry with its new cab design
and its 8400 transmission developed
in Goderich revolutionized the
industry.
But the company had grown
quickly and the recession of 1981-82
and a market that had shrunk by 60
per cent, left the company's
management with -some tough
decisions.
The corporate staff was trimmed,
and Champion took steps to become
lean an- mean competitor irr lire
international market. Rather than
retreat, Champion took bold new
initiatives to help it work smarter
and cheaper.
The new 8400 transmission, the
decision to use only Cummins
engines, the introduction of
manufacturing resource planning,
capital expenditures for new
machinery and technology, the
introduction of Computer Aided
Design and a renewed commitment
to employee involvement and
communication, all helped put the
company back in a winning position.
They were bold, risky ventures but
the company is coming out of the
1980s as a major player in the
international market.
15 Years of Fine Service
Jim Hayter Chev-Olds is proud to be a part of the Goderich
business community. Since July 1st 1971, we have been sell-
ing and servicing automobiles & trucks from our location on
Kingston Street. We have grown and expanded through the
years and now employ over 20 people at our modern
showroom and computerized service facility.
We too, like many segments of our community have grown.
because of Champion Road 'Machinery. We congratulate
them on their 100th anniversary and are pleased to continue
our association with them into their 2nd century.
1 . axT
'40 1,0035 L1u s
NORTOINISTEELJ
SINCE/ DEPUIS 1 91 3
TORONTO
52 Titan Road
'Toronto
Ontario M8Z 2J8
TELEPHONE
416 231-8500
TOLL FREE
IN THE FOLLOWING REGIONS
416 1 800 268-2400
519 1 800 268-2430
613 1 800 268-2430
705 1 800 268-2430
807 1 800 268-2723
FAX
1-416-231-8992
TELEX
06-984571
THE CENTENARY OF
CHAMPION.
WORLD CLASS ROAD
MACHINERY BUILDER
AND VALUED CUSTOMER
WARRANTS OUR SPECIAL
CONGRATULATIONS
100th ANNIVERSARY
•Bar -Iron & Steel *Tubing
•Special Products .Plate
Leaders in Service and Quality Since 1913
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