Titan, union seal new pact at Iowa plant

July 18, 2002

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union members have ratified a three-year contract at Titan International Inc.'s wheel manufacturing plant in Walcott, Iowa.

The agreement includes the elimination of 40 job classifications and other provisions.

Titan operates the plant under its Titan Wheel Corporation of Iowa subsidiary.

Last fall, Steelworkers at Titan's Des Moines, Iowa, tire factory ratified a contract that ended a bitter, three-year long strike there.

Not long afterwards, Steelworkers voted to stop picketing and return to work at the company's Natchez, Miss., plant.

"It is refreshing to work with union leaders who understand the business climate and want to keep their membership employed, even when sacrifices are necessary," Titan President and CEO Morry Taylor said of the Walcott deal.