Latest news with #Ferndale
CBS News
a day ago
- Automotive
- CBS News
Detroit Axle to close Ferndale warehouse, lay off 102 employees
Detroit Axle has announced it will close its warehouse in Ferndale, Michigan, citing disruptions in its automotive parts supply chain that have resulted from recent changes in U.S. import tariff policy. A total of 102 employees will lose their jobs permanently as a result of the site closure on West Eight Mile Road, including shipping, box makers and drivers. The details of the layoffs were related in a WARN Act notice filed with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity for Axle of Detroit, doing business as Detroit Axle. The employee separations will occur on Aug. 25. None of the positions affected are union jobs, according to the notice. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, also known as the WARN Act, requires companies going through mass layoffs and/or site closures to issue advance public notice to the state's labor department, should that step meet certain requirements for the size of the company or the number of people involved. Detroit Axle, based in Michigan, is a family-run retailer and distributor of auto parts, selling both original-equipment-manufactured and aftermarket lines. The company had filed a complaint in June with the U.S. Court of International Trade, seeking immediate intervention and providing explanations on how changes in tariff policy had a direct impact on a specific line of its business operations. "Through thirty-five years of hard work and ingenuity, and with the help of longstanding U.S. laws and policies promoting free trade, the company has transformed from a local Rust Belt supplier to a national Internet-based dealer with hundreds of millions of dollars in annual sales," the complaint read. "But as a result of recent drastic and unlawful changes in trade policy, this American success story — and the jobs of its hundreds of U.S. employees in Michigan — could be wiped out in a matter of months." The company related that it had relied on contracts with manufacturers in China to provide certain parts that were not made by any such companies in the United States. "But Detroit Axle now faces an existential threat," the company said in June. This statement was filed after a number of actual and threatened changes in import tariff policies were issued. Those changes included new rules for goods valued less than $800. The company said many of its competitors were not as heavily impacted because they sourced small-dollar parts from other countries or, for various reasons, were dealing with lower tariff rates. It is expected that customers "will not bear the increased prices, and Detroit Axle cannot absorb them." The impact is that operations in Mexico have reached "a near standstill," and can not easily be shifted to Michigan for logistical reasons such as capital investments and long-term contracts. So as the inventory already in Michigan winds down, the company said in the complaint, it "will be forced to close the doors of its Michigan facilities and lay off hundreds of employees." "Even if the company could eventually find new suppliers outside of China and restart the business, it likely would never achieve its former level of success. Even a short period of dormancy likely would cost Detroit Axle its top-seller status on critical e-marketplaces like Amazon and eBay," the complaint said. The company started noticing changes in 2018 with tariffs in effect at that time, and decided to source some of its orders through a distribution facility in Mexico. This decision helped minimize the impact of tariffs aimed at Chinese imports, the company said. And after routing some of its supply chain through the facility in Mexico, Detroit Axle was able to expand its Michigan workforce and business operations.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Bezos-backed Slate EV pickup makes stop in Ferndale
The first question Lauren Gregory's 7-year-old son, James, had about the Slate pickup parked inside the MOTO gathering space in Ferndale Sunday, June 29, spoke volumes about what the electric truck is not. 'He said when he got in, 'Where's the TVs?'' Gregory said, standing beside the truck as intrigued guests filtered through the room. 'It's very simple on the inside.' The truck, the creation of a Jeff Bezos-backed electric vehicle startup with an office in Troy, is not a typical pickup. The version shown on Sunday was a prototype, so not ready for production, but the model potential customers hope to see next year won't include many of the accoutrements — infotainment systems being a notable absence — that modern-day car buyers have come to expect. Those additions, the folks at Slate noted, also help drive up the cost of new cars, a key gripe of many consumers and something that this vehicle is designed to address, with a price tag expected to be in the mid-$20,000s. Gregory, 41, of Beverly Hills, unlike some other folks who spoke to a Free Press reporter at the event, has not placed a $50 refundable reservation for the truck, but she indicated she's intrigued because it's billed as highly customizable. In fact, the vehicles would start as two-seater trucks but offer kits to transform them, with seating for five possible. The options include squareback or fastback SUV, open air or cargo. More: Michigan designer hopes 'Reboot Buggy' might be future Hot Wheels Gregory said her son 'loves the idea it's a Mr. Potato Head,' one of the best-known customizable children's toys. Some consumers, she noted, might find the hand-cranked windows to be 'non-negotiable,' but not Gregory. 'I feel like everything's done for us these days,' she said, noting that a hand-cranked window would be 'perfectly fine.' That was the assessment from a number of folks, remembering with some nostalgia the cars of past eras before electronics took over. One man sounded genuinely surprised that the crank actually worked on this model. Craig Woods, 65, of Allendale, near Grand Rapids, drove from western Michigan specifically to see and touch the two-seater truck. It reminded Woods of his old Ford Ranger, a smaller truck than the version on the roads today. 'I was always looking for a small pickup,' not 'beastly' like other available models, Woods said. 'Overall, the vehicle looks like it's going to be a good, solid, entry-level EV.' Woods, who put in his $50 reservation a couple of months ago, drives a Kia Soul with a trailer to handle his towing needs currently. If he's able to purchase a Slate, it would be his first EV, hitting a price point that makes going electric attractive. Woods said he wants to do his part for the environment, but even beyond that, he said he believes EVs represent the future direction of transportation. The rear-wheel-drive Slate will offer two battery options, of up to 150 miles or 240 miles of range. The vehicles will be built in Warsaw, Indiana, and Slate said it intends to sell directly to consumers. The truck is expected to have a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds, with a cargo bed that's 35.1 cubic feet and 5 feet long. The frunk (where the engine would normally sit in non electric vehicles) is 7 cubic feet, according to the company. The vehicles will come in a basic gray, with color customization through wraps. The company said it will have wrap kits starting at about $500. The model on display on Sunday had a blue wrap with orangish-yellow striping along the lower sides with a couple of palm tree silhouettes. More: Chrysler CEO discusses future of brand as it approaches 100th birthday Derek Ochodnicky, 38, of Berkley would probably be OK with the stock color (he loves gray). Michigan winters had him wondering about the longevity of a wrap. He'd brought his daughter, 2-year-old Dani, along to see the Slate. She loves cars, he noted. Ochodnicky, who likes to 'mod cars,' indicated he'd be looking at the SUV option, as a two-seater 'probably won't cut it' with Dani and an expected future sibling. If the price is in the $20,000-$25,000 range, that would appeal to him. Ochodnicky wasn't sold, however, on the exposed bolts on the sides of the vehicle, a possible invitation he thought for a passerby with nefarious plans. He said he'd be 'interested to see what the fit and finish is when it reaches production.' A Slate agent on site, Kylee Flake, indicated that the bolts would remain visible. Ochodnicky did note the conundrum that some buyers may face. 'Part of me' wants the back-to-basics vehicle, but Ochodnicky said he also likes his creature comforts. Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@ Become a subscriber. Submit a letter to the editor at The Slate pickup's next appearance in the Detroit area is planned for Eastern Market − 6 a.m.-3 p.m., July 5, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., July 6 at 2934 Russell Street. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jeff Bezos-backed Slate EV shown at Ferndale event Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Scoop
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Behind The Scenes: NZ On Screen Lifts The Curtain On Kiwi Film And TV
NZ On Screen is thrilled to announce the launch of the Behind the Scenes Collection — revealing the magic, misfires and mahi behind some of Aotearoa's most iconic screen productions. Spanning more than 50 titles, the collection features rare interviews, on-set footage and documentaries that go inside some of our biggest productions and smallest control rooms. It's a love letter to the makers: the carpenters, costume designers, DOPs, producers, foley artists — and everyone in between. As Toa Fraser says in his backgrounder for the collection, 'We are a motley bunch, it's true. We eat at weird times of the day and night. We wear funny clothes. We work hard, crazy hours, and to many people on the outside (civilians) it's perhaps difficult to understand why we do what we do. Maybe this collection will help.' Among the highlights are candid accounts from the early days of independent filmmaking in Aotearoa. Merata Mita confronts censorship and hostility in Patu!, Peter Jackson launches his DIY gore-fest Bad Taste with weekend warriors and homemade rigs, and Geoff Murphy choreographs land wars in Utu. There's also footage from the set of Vigil, Vincent Ward's gothic rural drama, and Sleeping Dogs, the political thriller that lit the fuse on modern New Zealand cinema. Elsewhere, filmmakers stretch the limits of style and technology. Peter Jackson's early puppet satire Meet the Feebles bursts into chaotic life in a behind-the-scenes look at its anarchic production, while The Making of Footrot Flats reveals the team effort behind New Zealand's first animated feature. From Len Lye to Gollum traces a long, inventive history of Kiwi animation, and The Edge – The Birth of Wētā captures a young Jackson and crew on the cusp of global success. Other titles pull back the curtain on films that made a powerful impact — through box office success, critical acclaim or festival recognition. There are reflections from the cast and crew of Once Were Warriors and Whale Rider, and interviews with Roger Donaldson and Anthony Hopkins on the set of The World's Fastest Indian. A behind-the-scenes look at The Price of Milk explores Harry Sinclair's improvisational approach to his award-winning rural romance starring Karl Urban and Danielle Cormack. And 50 Ways of Filming Fabulous offers a heartfelt look at making a queer coming-of-age story in rural Central Otago — complete with weather issues and the logistical hurdles of shooting sensitive scenes with child actors. Television fans aren't left out. S hortland Street: Inside an Icon looks back on 25 years of Ferndale drama, while Mataku: Hei Muri Te Mata explores the creation of Māori supernatural stories for the small screen. Vintage snapshots of the TV industry include a 1985 day-in-the-life at TVNZ (Network New Zealand) and a behind-the-scenes dive into Country GP from beloved kids' show Spot On. And for something more recent, the Wellington Paranormal Bloopers capture the fun — and chaos — behind the spooky laughs. The collection also reveals the more personal side of production — stories rooted in real lives and relationships. Gaylene Preston revisits her father's wartime experiences in Home by Christmas, and explores Sonja Davies' political legacy in Bread and Roses. A behind-the-scenes look at Perfect Strangers captures a stripped-back West Coast thriller anchored by its two leads, while Toa Fraser reflects on turning childhood memories into a lively, intergenerational celebration in No. 2. Two written backgrounders accompany the collection: director Toa Fraser pays tribute to the camaraderie and craft of life on set, while legendary production designer Rob Gillies charts the screen industry's evolution from garage-band ingenuity to large-scale professionalism. Also included is a gallery of behind the scenes photos from productions including Scarfies, Bad Taste, Meet The Feebles and more. Whether you're a film buff, a student of the craft, or just in it for the bloopers — The Behind the Scenes Collection is a celebration of the creativity (and chaos) that has defined New Zealand's screen culture.
Scoop
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Behind The Scenes: NZ On Screen Lifts The Curtain On Kiwi Film And TV
NZ On Screen is thrilled to announce the launch of the Behind the Scenes Collection — revealing the magic, misfires and mahi behind some of Aotearoa's most iconic screen productions. Spanning more than 50 titles, the collection features rare interviews, on-set footage and documentaries that go inside some of our biggest productions and smallest control rooms. It's a love letter to the makers: the carpenters, costume designers, DOPs, producers, foley artists — and everyone in between. As Toa Fraser says in his backgrounder for the collection, 'We are a motley bunch, it's true. We eat at weird times of the day and night. We wear funny clothes. We work hard, crazy hours, and to many people on the outside (civilians) it's perhaps difficult to understand why we do what we do. Maybe this collection will help.' Among the highlights are candid accounts from the early days of independent filmmaking in Aotearoa. Merata Mita confronts censorship and hostility in Patu!, Peter Jackson launches his DIY gore-fest Bad Taste with weekend warriors and homemade rigs, and Geoff Murphy choreographs land wars in Utu. There's also footage from the set of Vigil, Vincent Ward's gothic rural drama, and Sleeping Dogs, the political thriller that lit the fuse on modern New Zealand cinema. Elsewhere, filmmakers stretch the limits of style and technology. Peter Jackson's early puppet satire Meet the Feebles bursts into chaotic life in a behind-the-scenes look at its anarchic production, while The Making of Footrot Flats reveals the team effort behind New Zealand's first animated feature. From Len Lye to Gollum traces a long, inventive history of Kiwi animation, and The Edge – The Birth of Wētā captures a young Jackson and crew on the cusp of global success. Other titles pull back the curtain on films that made a powerful impact — through box office success, critical acclaim or festival recognition. There are reflections from the cast and crew of Once Were Warriors and Whale Rider, and interviews with Roger Donaldson and Anthony Hopkins on the set of The World's Fastest Indian. A behind-the-scenes look at The Price of Milk explores Harry Sinclair's improvisational approach to his award-winning rural romance starring Karl Urban and Danielle Cormack. And 50 Ways of Filming Fabulous offers a heartfelt look at making a queer coming-of-age story in rural Central Otago — complete with weather issues and the logistical hurdles of shooting sensitive scenes with child actors. Television fans aren't left out. S hortland Street: Inside an Icon looks back on 25 years of Ferndale drama, while Mataku: Hei Muri Te Mata explores the creation of Māori supernatural stories for the small screen. Vintage snapshots of the TV industry include a 1985 day-in-the-life at TVNZ (Network New Zealand) and a behind-the-scenes dive into Country GP from beloved kids' show Spot On. And for something more recent, the Wellington Paranormal Bloopers capture the fun — and chaos — behind the spooky laughs. The collection also reveals the more personal side of production — stories rooted in real lives and relationships. Gaylene Preston revisits her father's wartime experiences in Home by Christmas, and explores Sonja Davies' political legacy in Bread and Roses. A behind-the-scenes look at Perfect Strangers captures a stripped-back West Coast thriller anchored by its two leads, while Toa Fraser reflects on turning childhood memories into a lively, intergenerational celebration in No. 2. Two written backgrounders accompany the collection: director Toa Fraser pays tribute to the camaraderie and craft of life on set, while legendary production designer Rob Gillies charts the screen industry's evolution from garage-band ingenuity to large-scale professionalism. Also included is a gallery of behind the scenes photos from productions including Scarfies, Bad Taste, Meet The Feebles and more. Whether you're a film buff, a student of the craft, or just in it for the bloopers — The Behind the Scenes Collection is a celebration of the creativity (and chaos) that has defined New Zealand's screen culture.
CBS News
14-06-2025
- CBS News
Man hit by driver while standing on Interstate 94 after crash in Detroit, hospitalized
Woman accused of firing on repo man; Michigan man accused of threats to president; other top stories Woman accused of firing on repo man; Michigan man accused of threats to president; other top stories Woman accused of firing on repo man; Michigan man accused of threats to president; other top stories A 29-year-old man is in the hospital after he was struck by a motorist while standing on Interstate 94 in Detroit following a crash early Saturday, according to Michigan State Police. Officials received calls of the pedestrian crash on I-94 near East Grand Boulevard around 2:50 a.m. Investigators say the man, from Ferndale, Michigan, lost control of the Ford Mustang he was driving. The incident resulted in the vehicle blocking a lane. Police say the man then got out of his vehicle. He was standing near the trunk of the Mustang when he was hit by a 39-year-old woman driving a Ford Fusion. The impact caused the man to go over a median wall. He was taken to the hospital for treatment. The woman, also from Ferndale, was not injured, police say. Neither person involved in the incident had a driver's license, according to police. "Unfortunately, this was another example of a driver involved in a crash and then standing in traffic," MSP Lt. Mike Shaw said. "Remember, if you are involved in a crash, just stay inside your vehicle, keep your seatbelt on and call 911."
