Detroit Empowerment Zone-Based Piston Automotive Receives $69,000 Federal Grant To Upgrade Worker Job Skills

Former Pistons Great Focuses on Employee Development

DETROIT, July 16 -- Detroit Empowerment Zone-based Piston Automotive today announced it received a $69,000 federal grant from the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) to train 50 employees for skilled jobs at the Michigan Avenue facility, according to Chairman and Chief Executive Vinnie Johnson.

"Through the ongoing support of our customers, our community and specifically the City of Detroit, Piston Automotive has been able to do what we were put here to do," said Johnson, a former Detroit Pistons great. "To create ongoing job opportunities in this area in order to improve the quality of life for local residents.

"The best investment any company can make is in its people," continued Johnson. "Now, in partnering with SEMCA, we can provide improved job opportunities for families in this community." Piston Automotive currently employs approximately 200 individuals at three Detroit locations on Michigan, Fullerton and Oakland Avenues.

Called the Incumbent Worker Program, the training grant is designed to improve the skill levels of workers at the Piston Automotive facility. Areas of training include leadership and management, problem solving, critical thinking and analysis as well as active employee involvement, quality and inventory management. The program is administered by Crystal Clear Concepts Inc., a metro Detroit-based management-consulting firm specializing in human resource and organizational development training.

Founded in 1995, Piston Automotive has become one of the fastest growing automotive suppliers in Detroit's Empowerment Zone. The company provides assembly, sequencing, light assembly and warehousing services to OEM and Tier 1 customers. Piston Automotive is QS-9000 and MMBDC certified.