Article Contributed by
Patricia Smith
The Busti Historical Society and the Busti Hamlet Development Group are hosting a presentation to tell the Cummins Story and why they elected to open an engine plant in the town of Busti. The presentation will be held at 7 pm on Wednesday July 13, 2016 at the Busti Federated Church , 875 Mill Road in Busti.
The evening will begin with a brief overview of the meeting and the mission and goals of the Historical Society by Robert Schultz, Chair of the Board; of the Hamlet Development Group by Tim Young; and of the Town of Busti by Supervisor Jesse Robbins.
Craig Colburn, former Plant manager, along with Dick Allison, the plant’s first manager served as a scout for the parent organization. Mr. Colburn, who still resides in the area, will discuss the myriad reasons Cummins selected the former Art Metal Plant location, ranging from the cooperation of multiple levels of government to their decision to adopt a team based system for the manufacturing process and the labor readiness of area residents. He will also share impressions of the area and other factors that went into the location decision.
Joseph Gerace, Chair of the Chautauqua County Legislature and Busti Town Supervisor at the time the Cummins move was decided will relate the involvement of the County of Chautauqua, Town of Busti, Village of Lakewood, City of Jamestown, as well as the State of New York, the Busti Fire District, Town of Harmony and the Panama Central School District.
In addition to the history, Mike Abbati, the current plant manager will describe today’s operations, and the goals and challenges of the plant. He will also show a video of how the plant currently operates.
The evening will end with suggestions for future presentations by businesses and industries in the Town of Busti. The event is free and open to the public. All those interested in local history, manufacturing, intergovernmental cooperation and workforce readiness will find it a very information evening.
The presentation was originally scheduled to take place on January 13th of this year, but due to inclement weather,it had to be rescheduled. For further details contact Joseph Gerace 763-6597.
