former Wolverine Tube (Detroit, Michigan)

USA / Michigan / River Rouge / Detroit, Michigan
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Schmied Coal & Lumber occupied the site from the early 1920s until 1926 when it was acquired by Wolverine Enameling, which later sold it to Parker Rust Proof in 1929. Subsequent thereto it became a part of Wolverine Tube which operated until 1976. After the closing of Wolverine Tube the property was transfered to Universal Oil Products and Heremes Automotive in turn.

The property is presently vacant and was last used as a storage yard for steel pallets.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   42°18'26"N   83°7'11"W

Comments

  • Wolverine Tube was owned by Universal Oil Products a conglomerate based in Chicago. UOP made the decision to close the Detroit plant in 1973 I was told because it turned a 5% profit, they got a natural gas deal from the state of Oklahoma to move the operations to Shawnee, Ok. and Detroit city and Michigan taxes were too expensive.
  • There were many good people who had as much as 47 years seniority with Wolverine Tube who lost their jobs and life as they knew it. The one thing they did not lose was their pensions. The UAW protected their rights. It was a sad time.
  • But, the pensions were reduced by UOP from a maximum of $550 per month to $110 per month. I worked there for 2 years, until the very last day, at which day we had a big party.
  • I agree, Dale.....my Dad, Frank Schigelone, was one of the last employees to go out when the place folded. Dad had 40 years there...his pension, when he finally got it, was around $110.00. He was about 60 yrs old. He found a job at McCord Gasket in Wyandotte, MI & was able to work until he was 70 in order to get another meager pension....
This article was last modified 11 years ago