[Keith Seymore]

Sorry to be joining late; I'd like to make a few comments but should make an introduction before I do.

I am a second generation GM employee. My dad worked for GM for 32 years, in manufacturing (pressed metal) and advanced manufacturing engineering. He holds several patents including the invention of laminated steel and is the GM patentholder for the hydroform process. He also raced professionally for Pontiac Motor Division through Royal Pontiac in the mid 1960's.

I have been with GM for 36 years, in vehicle assembly and product engineering. I started at Chevrolet Flint Assembly as a GMI student, my first real job being an assembly line supervisor. I moved into engineering and have been there ever since, as a design release engineer and program level engineer, and have either been resident or launched product in about a dozen different GM plants (Flint, Pontiac, Ft Wayne, Oshawa, Janesville, St Louis, Arlington, Silao, Wentzville, Detroit-Hamtramck and Mishawaka). Because of the Pontiac influence I am also a student of historic assembly process and am quite familiar with the flow and techniques used in the mid 1960's Pontiac Michigan assembly plant.

I currently have design/release responsibility for the underbody structure on the K2XX pickups (as well as the whole pickup box) and the GMT610 vans.

Having said all that: you guys are generally on the right track. I'd like to go back and touch up some of the comments and then make myself available for any specific questions you might have.

K