---

UAW Local 3000 and AutoAlliance Open Learning Center

25 June 1998

UAW Local 3000 and AutoAlliance Celebrate Opening of New Learning Center

    FLAT ROCK, Mich., June 25 -- UAW Local 3000 and AutoAlliance
International, Inc. proudly celebrated the opening of their new Learning
Center at a Dedication and Education Fair Open House on Sunday, June 14, 1998.
    A ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by W. Wayne Booker, vice chairman,
Ford Motor Company and Steve Wyatt, international representative, UAW
Region 1A, opened the doors to this new facility featuring several
state-of-the-art educational technologies including a distance learning
facility, four classrooms with multimedia projection capabilities, two
computer labs, an audio-video studio, interactive computer library and a
100-person auditorium.  Shop classes are also available for hands-on technical
training.
    "We wanted to create a place where our employees can come to broaden their
education and expand their knowledge," commented Bruce Bowman, AutoAlliance
president.
    This new learning center is a jointly conceived project between
AutoAlliance, Ford National Training Center and the UAW Local 3000.  "This is
another example of the union and company working together for the benefit of
its employees," commented Chuck Browning, UAW plant chairman.
    Among the near 2000 employees and guests in attendance were Lauri Elbing,
representative for Congressman John Dingell; State Senator Christopher
Dingell; State Representative George Mans; Flat Rock Mayor, Richard Jones; and
Larry Gormezano, Michigan Jobs Commission.
    This 20,000-square foot facility will be utilized by the hourly and
salaried workforce providing them the opportunity to improve their education
as well as enhance their personal development.
    AutoAlliance is a joint venture between Mazda Motor Corporation and Ford
Motor Company and currently produces the Mazda 626 and Mercury
Cougar.