This letter was given May 3 to employees of Meridian Magnesium. This automotive manufacturing facility caught on fire the early hours of May 2. Employees evacuated the facility after a series of explosions.
This letter was given May 3 to employees of Meridian Magnesium. This automotive manufacturing facility caught on fire the early hours of May 2. Employees evacuated the facility after a series of explosions.
This letter was given May 3 to employees of Meridian Magnesium. This automotive manufacturing facility caught on fire the early hours of May 2. Employees evacuated the facility after a series of explosions.
see Employee Communication
‘On Wednesday morning at approximately 1:30 am, a fire started in Plant 3 of the Meridian Magnesium
Products of America plant in Eaton Rapids. In response, Meridian employees followed emergency
protocols and established a safe perimeter around the facility. All employees were evacuated. Two
employees suffered injuries. They were sent to hospital for treatment and were subsequently released
First, we thank each of the MPA employees, the Eaton Rapids Fire Department, and Emergency
Responders for a diligent job in containing the situation. Secondly, we are very grateful that the two
employees that were injured yesterday had injuries that, while serious, did not require hospitalization.
‘We also understand that each of you is likely concerned for your future employment and livelihood. With
regard to your pay, this week everyone will be paid for Wednesday and Thursday; you may use your
vacation or PPT for Friday. With regard to your future employment, the Fire Marshall permitted entry
into the main facility for us to do an assessment; we have not been granted occupancy to the building. As
oon as occupancy is authorized we will begin calling employees back to work to begin the cleanup; we
hope that begins as early as Friday. Itis our intention to return to normal operations as quickly as possible.
We are working to protect the relationship with our customer and have recalled employees to Plant 4.
Those employees are putting cast through paint, machining, and assembly operations. In the immediate
future, we are working with the customers to move dies to Strathroy and the UK facilities. Employees will
have an opportunity to sign-up to support our sister facilities.
‘To ensure two-way communication between you and Meridian, we have established a phone line at our
Plymouth office. This phone line will allow us to provide you with up-to-date information regarding plans
at the facility including call backs. in addition, you will be able to leave your questions for the HR Office.
We will update the line between 4:00 and 5:00 pm daily as needed. We will also provide the same
communication via email. Trying to manage communication to 430 people is a difficult task, therefore we
ask that you listen to the entire message each day. When leaving messages for the HR Office, please leave
‘your name, phone number and an email address. The phone number is (248) 663-8090.
Lastly, this has been a frightening and stressful event for each of us, you are reminded that an Employee
Assistance program is available to each of you at no cost. If you feel yourself overly burdened by this
situation, please contact the EAP at 800-316-2796.
Best Regard,
George Asher
Plant Manager
Magnesium Products of America, 2001 industrial Drive, Eaton Rapids, Michigan