Obama Talks to GM Workers on Orion Plant Tour

Employees of the General Motors Orion Assembly provided an in-depth description Friday of the multinational manufacturing process involved in making the Chevrolet Sonic as U.S. President Barack Obama and his South Korean counterpart watched.

The president, with his sleeves rolled up, and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, who was wearing a Detroit Tigers cap, listened intently and asked questions of the employees as they toured the assembly line.

Daniel Leich of Shelby Township, supply chain director for the plant, shared with the presidents how manufacturing procedures have "improved the efficiency and quality focus of our operations."

As he moved along the line, others shared their expertise, including Dayna Moose of Royal Oak, a material office manager, who discussed the global footprint used to build the Sonic.

Larry Campbell, a team leader on the overseas dock from Rochester Hills, described the pipeline for parts from other countries, to the Orion plant.

He also took some time to share his thanks and support of the president.

"I told him, 'Thank you for believing in our company and thank you for giving us a chance,' " said Campbell.

Anton Busuttil, shift leader for the paint shop from Shelby Township, guided the tour, which included General Motors officials, to a Sonic at the end of the line.

"It was awesome, it was wonderful, it was a great experience," he said.

At the end of the tour, the presidents sat in a Sonic, but there was no "test drive." 

Obama joked that the Secret Service took his keys.