By Kelley L. Simison - The Shelbyville News
(December 1999)
Employees at PK U.S.A. Inc. went back in time to prepare for the future Wednesday morning.
Fifteen employees celebrated 10 years at the Shelbyville automotive parts plant by helping bury a time capsule at 11 a.m. Enclosed in the metal cylinder are various items from 1989 and 1999: An original company handbook, a uniform, work gloves, employee badges, resin from the plastics shop, business records and pictures from company picnics and parties. Aerial photographs of the plant from 1989 and 1999 were also included in the capsule.
Chilling rain drizzled on employees unable to get under the tent fast enough, as Masayoshi Shimada, president of PK U.S.A., offered his thanks and congratulations.
"I think all of us need to recognize the part these associates have played in the company," he said.
Shimada also stressed continued teamwork and cooperation to accomplish company goals.
After the outdoor ceremony, participants were ushered inside the plant to receive gifts and attend a banquet.
PK U.S.A.'s Shelbyville facility began production in December 1989, after five years of planning and three years of construction. The plant is the result of a joint venture involving several Japanese companies and one U.S. company. PK U.S.A. manufactures bodies and chassis for Isuzu trucks.
Employees honored for 10 years of service Wednesday were Farro Bell, Mike Clapp, Patty Collins, Mark Hauk, Gary Hoop, Mike McAhren, Andy Nolte, Margie Pope, Bob Rogers, Steve Simons, Joyce Thomas, Candie Trent, Greg VanDuyn, Bud Nogle, Kenny Hedden, Dave Hicks and Donna Hamilton.
PK U.S.A. had 70 employees when it began operation in 1989; now, the company has more than 700.
The time capsule is scheduled to be unearthed in 2009.
