Optics and Exposure

The Stamping Line

In 2008, General Motors closed down their stamping plant in West Mifflin, PA.  This plant was used to take sheets of steel from a nearby USS finishing mill, and stamp them into various shapes for assembly.  Check out these photos  of the now-defunct plant.

It’s no mistake that the American automotive industry has been struggling in recent years.  Economic downturns, a consumer push for more fuel efficient vehicles, and perceptions of higher quality in foreign cars all have contributed to Detroit’s troubles.  The ripples have spread far.  Following a UAW strike in 2007, GM began to seek a customer to purchase their metal stamping plant outside Pittsburgh.  In April of 2008, Allegheny Holdings LLL, the prospective buyer, had to back out of the deal when their financing was pulled. After the deal fell through, the plant was only around long enough for GM to remove the equipment that they wanted to salvage.

Below are a few photos from around the plant. A few from the offices on the second floor, and a handful from the factory line. It’s amazing how much machinery has been left behind by GM, absolutely MASSIVE stamping machines sit idle, along with plenty of robotic arms and support machinery. Be sure to check out the set of photos below. If you want to see larger versions, hop on over to my flickr page.

-aigulf