HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Engine maker Navistar prides itself on innovation and performance. But it wasn’t just horsepower or torque that the folks around head office were boasting about last month, it was one of their workers, with a huge heart, raspy voice and an idea that rescued an otherwise shattered workforce.

And he was named a hero by no less than People magazine.

Late last year, when Navistar Plant Manager Chuck Sibley, 56, learned that the looming slowdown in production might lead to about 50 temporary layoffs at his engine factory, he felt sick about it. (Running flat out, the facility employs about 300.)

Where would families find money to eat? What about the kids? Would happen to the skill level of the community? Could there not be some alternative to shutting down and idling the local workforce?

Sibley, a self-made man who found himself on his own at 16 but then worked through the army towards an engineering degree, convinced Navistar’s head office that they should actually keep the 50 workers on the payroll for the three-month period, and that they would volunteer on special projects in and around Huntsville. 

Sibley’s dedication to workers and
management helped bond them together.

“This is our most successful plant, and it’s because of its people,” the President of Navistar’s Engine Group, told People. “By demonstrating loyalty to your people, you get it back in kind. We believe this was a good investment.”

Navistar spokesperson Marsha Burton told todaystrucking.com that because the company knew the downturn would be temporary, they recognized this as a great way to retain the skilled workforce and “keep the quality when it’s time to get back up and running.”

Although the plant, which puts out Maxxforce engines, is not up to full production yet, the 50 people have been reassigned to other duties in the plant, now that the three-month social experiment is almost over.

During that time, the Navistar workers helped build two new Habitat for Humanity homes, renovate several others, construct 63 wheel chair ramps in the community and sorted, merchandised and help sell “tons” of clothes for the local Salvation Army, Burton says.

According to the story in People, Sibley’s dedication to his charges helped bond management and labor at the plant.

“It was scary,” 31-year-old machinist Jared Smith said of the layoffs.

“When I heard Chuck was doing this, I was blown away.

Added Kim D’Agresta, a 53-year-old assembler whose husband also works in the plant. “I’m so relieved. Chuck has a heart as big as his body.”

"As you may know,” Burton told todaystrucking.com “Navistar strives to be a good corporate citizen in all the communities where we do business. This program is one way that we’re giving back in Huntsville and to families in need there."