Socialist manufacturing in action

Dec. 17, 2009
There has been a lot of joking about General Motors since its financial bailout -- wags now call it Government Motors. But for a real glimpse at what manufacturing under a socialist style of government can be like, pick up the Nov. 28, 2009 issue of The ...

There has been a lot of joking about General Motors since its financial bailout -- wags now call it Government Motors. But for a real glimpse at what manufacturing under a socialist style of government can be like, pick up the Nov. 28, 2009 issue of The Economist, and note the description of Venezuelia's Venirauto's car factory.

According to the Economist, the plant has a production capacity of 25,000 vehicles a year but struggles to produce even 10,000. There are 30,000 customers on a waiting list for cars. And the socialist government refuses to negotiate a collective labor contract. Employees recently stopped work over poor pay and poor safety conditions.

You can find the Economist article here: http://www.economist.com/world/americas/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14969108

About the Author

Lee Teschler | Editor

Leland was Editor-in-Chief of Machine Design. He has 34 years of Service and holds a B.S. Engineering from the University of Michigan, a B.S. Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan;, and a MBA from Cleveland State University. Prior to joining Penton, Lee worked as a Communications design engineer for the U.S. Government.

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