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REGION

Tubetech, union reach three-year labor contract

EAST PALESTINE — Tubetech has reached a three-year labor contract with its unionized employees. The company said the contract provides wage increases that average 3 percent a year but also calls for increased employee contributions for health care. Further details were not released.

Tubetech produces welded steel tubing, primarily for cars and appliances. The contract, which covers 23 workers, was ratified April 4 by United Steelworkers of America Local 14765-01 but just announced Friday.

Cobalt SS Turbo production to begin

LORDSTOWN — The General Motors assembly plant here begins production Monday on the new Cobalt SS Turbo. The car has a turbocharged engine and replaces the Cobalt SS, which had a supercharged engine.

Management said in an employee publication that plans call for one of every 15 cars on the line to be a turbocharged model, which carry more horsepower than the regular Cobalt. About 35 turbocharged models will be built on each of the two daily shifts at the plant.

Also, the plant recently produced its 14 millionth vehicle. The Cobalt sedan was sent to Mertin Chevrolet Cadillac in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. The plant produced its first vehicle on April 28, 1966, a Chevrolet Impala.

From Vindicator staff reports