Sutphen...union/non-union built???

[FIREMECH1]

I'm not sure how this is going to turn out, so stay with me.

Yesterday one of our FAE's asked what the difference is with the McLube and Prizm lubes for use on the ladder slides. I told him they are basically the same, a high load PTFE based lube, and he could use either one. (we use and supply the McLube)

When I asked why, he said that he read the maintenance brochure on the SP95 when it was new, and it required the "Prizm" lube for the ladder slides. Now that he changed stations, he is on the SP70 (which was built and delivered at the same time as the SP95 was), and read it's maintenance brochure, and found that it requires the McLube on the ladder slides. He wanted to know why the difference when both were built by Sutphen, and built at the same time. I kinda questioned it mentally, and told him I would find out.

I had to go to where the SP95 was, and figured I would check its book. Sure enough, it recommended something different (the Prizm). Luckily, the Capt. was there with me going over it, and was curious as to what I was looking for. I told him what and why, and couldn't figure out why 2 trucks built at the same time, requested/required 2 different lubes.

He gave me a kicker I wasn't expecting, and still having a hard time believing.

He told me that one truck was Union built, and the other wasn't. But wasn't sure which was which. (enter lengthy conversation here)

Before I left, I called the other station asking if they heard about one truck being Union built, and the other not. (just in case I was being HAD). The Capt said he had heard that, but wasn't sure if it was true or not.

So, does Sutphen build Union and Non-Union trucks???

If I've been "punk'd", I want to know about it.

FM1

sorry for the long post.

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

I would venture a SWAG ( scientific wild arsed guess) and state that you've been punked.

[Fyrtrks]

Sutphen does/did have union and non-union shops. I do believe that Towers is Union (SP70) and Corporate is non-union (SP95). I am not sure about the chassis plant nor the Sutphen East plant. This information may be old and incorrect.

If you want to know some personal observations of the operation PM me. I want to be a god upstanding union man and good salesman and not cast disparaging remarks about any manufacturer.

[sven73]

Corporate is union and Towers is non-union. The two stem from many years ago when the union was first voted in.

[LaFireEducator]

So what would the different shops being union and non-union have to do with the 2 differing lubricants????

[WoodbridgeFFII]

So what would the different shops being union and non-union have to do with the 2 differing lubricants????

Maybe the lubricant plants are union & non-union, with one product costing more than the other ?

[sven73]

At one time each branch maintained its own service department and own parts department which may explain the difference. Since then both service and parts departments have been combined to streamline the process and enhance customer service.

[FIREMECH1]

So what would the different shops being union and non-union have to do with the 2 differing lubricants????

Maybe the lubricant plants are union & non-union, with one product costing more than the other ?

Woodbridge pretty much said it. When the union built truck was built, the lube required was from a unionized company, and the other followed suit as to and being non-union.

@ sven73.... Is there a direct reason for the two branches or separation between the Union and Non-Union shops???

@ Fyrtrks... You have mail.

FM1

[sven73]

@ sven73.... Is there a direct reason for the two branches or separation between the Union and Non-Union shops???

There is but it has nothing to do with whether one shop is union and the other is not. It just sort of evolved that way.