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Together, Local 80, SMACNA get a brand name

Date Posted: May 24 2002

In concert with its contractor association, Sheet Metal Workers Local 80 took the wraps off their new identification logo on May 5, and unveiled the local's new Southfield union hall, too.

"Together we do it better" is the new logo that can be used by Local 80 members in the form of hard hat and bumper stickers. And Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) Metro Detroit Chapter contractors will use the new slogan on their company trucks.

"The unveiling of our new identity today, 'Together we do it better,' means changes to the look of our vehicles and hard hats, but it also further solidifies what SMACNA and Local 80 have always stood for," said Local 80 Business Manager Tom Ingalls.

On company trucks, the "Together" slogan and "SMACNA" logos will appear in blue, the company name and phone number in black will allow individual firms to retain their own identity, and "Sheet Metal Workers Local 80" will appear in gray. With the logos appearing on more than 1,500 company trucks, the advertising people estimate the "rolling billboards" will generate some $5 million in advertising. Television and radio ads will follow.

Sheet Metal Workers International President Mike Sullivan told the assembly that the new slogan "is not only a statement of purpose, of brotherhood, of teamwork, but also a statement of pride. For owners and consumers, the value is in the piece of mind they receive when they see 'together we do it better' on a hard hat or truck. They know we stand behind our work and take pride in our craft."

This is the first such labor-management sheet metal identity program in the nation.

"SMACNA contractors and Local 80 members are focused and committed experts in the areas of architectural, heating and cooling, residential, commercial and industrial disciplines of sheet metal construction," said SMACNA Detroit Metropolitan Chapter President Ray Schemanske. "As we all know, there is strength in numbers, so when these two very committed professional organizations join forces, 'together we do it better.'"

The unveiling of the new logo took place during an open house at the new Local 80 union hall in Southfield. Several months ago, Local 80 moved a short distance from its old 4,000-square-foot union hall into a building a few miles away that's 20,000 square feet. Their new facility was built in 1976, but was completely renovated, and has room for tenants to help with the mortgage payment.

"We were so cramped in the old building," Ingalls said. "The new building gives us room to do our jobs a lot more effectively. We had a lot of input on the design of the hall from contractors and members, and it really shows. There's a lot of pride in this place."

"TOGETHER we do it better" is the slogan that will be placed on more than 1,500 service trucks, highlighting the association of Local 80 and its SMACNA contractors.