Worker ideas and retention sustain tank-lighter output

Gunderson encourages workers to suggest ways of simplifying its tank lighters, making production engineering a workforce-wide responsibility. The company publicizes numbered suggestions alongside war-bond appeals in its employee newspaper. When the Navy asks for faster deliveries, management plans a third shift but warns that government labour agencies will not help unless qualified workers are retained. Its response restricts quit slips and frames continued employment as a duty to troops overseas. The resulting campaign helps the yard complete 442 lighters as well as tugs and barges before the war ends.