Tom Blomquist, Curtis Screw Co.
www.curtisscrew.com

A 65 percent decline in North American vehicle build in January 2009 has created an automotive depression. February looks to be down 40 to 50 percent from last year. These are the worst conditions I have seen in a lifetime of being an automotive supplier. Survival has meant managing cash flow tighter than ever, including eliminating our capital expenditures, cutting back on services we buy, freezing wages, cutting benefits and scheduling regular one week shutdowns.