The Right Stuff: Does U.S. Industry Have It?

Does U.S. industry have it? With teamwork and new ideas, GM's Saturn aims to show that American manufacturers can come roaring back

Is this an American auto plant, or a factory from another planet? The company president walks around in a polo shirt with a pocket logo right out of Star Trek, allows workers to call him "Skip" and describes his position as "team member." He and the union boss (who goes by "Dick") have a strange, collegial relationship. As for the rank and file, they don't punch a time clock and they get to handpick the people they work alongside. During off-hours they run around an outdoor obstacle course and engage in group hugging sessions. If they develop a bad attitude, they...

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