Muncie auto industry figures worry about the repercussions of a bailout

By Keith Roysdon, Star Press

kroysdon@muncie.gannett.com

MUNCIE -- The fate of the auto industry might hinge on a bailout from Washington, but some in Delaware County involved in the industry said Friday that they're ambivalent about a bailout and blame automakers and unions for bringing the once-mighty industry to the brink of extinction.

While a local labor leader warns that the failure of Detroit automakers would "devastate" the country, officers of local companies that supply parts for the industry -- and whose business fortunes are linked to Detroit -- expressed frustration at the very idea of a bailout.

"The Big Three needs to change," said Jeff Johnson, plant manager for American Design and Engineering, a three-man south Muncie plant that makes shock absorber mounts for Ford, Chrysler and Jeep. "It was said very well by the Senate."