Reviewing Argus Progress

Several weeks ago I noted that there was considerable interest in a discussion on the Rumor Board concerning the Company's investment in property around the plant. This discussion went on to review som e of the expenditures of the Company for buildings and machines in contrast to dividing all profit among us as wages. Of course, the stockholders, too, are concerned with the distribution of profits as they feel that there should be increased dividends with improved profits. Although to many of you the answer to this question may be clear, I thought it appropriate to review a few points along this line. When we think of the cost of making our products, there is little doubt in any of our minds as to the f act that it takes money to pay for the material we use and for the labor performed. But for some reason, we often overlook the fact that also included in the cost of the products is the money used to buy the machines and buildings. Although we do not make payments for our machines or buildings on a daily or weekly basis as we do for wages and mater ials, it is necessary for us to spend certain amounts of money from time to time for new machines and equipment. I don't think there is any question that we must have buildings and machines in order to make our jobs possible. Without them, it would be impossible to produce the products that we sell. Also, in order to expand our business, it is necessary to make certain purchases ahead of time, such as the purchases mentioned above of property surrounding the plant. In order to accumulate money to buy new machines and equipment and replace our present equipment when it becomes worn out, we set aside certain amounts of money each year known as depreciation. In addition, we set aside certain amounts of money from our profits for

ment of our facilities and for expansión. The combination of these two moniesis usedto purchasenew buildings and machines to replace our present equipment. If we did not do this, it would be impossible for us to develop such new areas as we are presently doing in the Paint Shop, or to expand our operations. The cost of machines today is considerably more than the cost of the same machines several years ago. Therefore, it is necessary for us to accumulate greater reserves topurchase and replace our present equipment, as well as to buy new equipment. In reviewing this just a bit differently, last year's sales totaled $22,000,000. Cost of these sales, including the cost of maintenance and repair of our buildings and the depreciation was $16,000,000. This also included $6,000,000 paid in wages. After paying the cost of distribution and taxes, there was a little more than $1,250,000 left in actual profit. Of this profit, $1,000,000 was put back into business to purchase newer and better equipment, such as the new Paint Shop, which is necessary from time to time to meet the needs of our products and our product development program. When we review our expenditures in this manner, I think it becomes apparent why it is Impossible for us to distribute all profits each year in the form of wages to employees and dividends to stockholders. The increased cost of replacing old machines and buildings and the increased cost of building new facilities require that certain amounts of money be put back into the business each year to keep your job and mine going.

June Graduates

Not Pictured: RICHARD KELLY, Ohio State University, son-in-law of C laude Stoner (Tool Room) .

Argus C-4 Meets Its Competition

Some time ago Argus Eyes published an article telling its readers about Argus' competition in the A-4 field. Other Argus products are of course, not without competition. y

The C-4, Argus' premier product, is America' s most distinguished 35 mm camera. While many of its features belong

clusively to the C-4, there are other products on the market which are in the C-4 class and which represent its competition. y

The chart on this page (lower right) shows a comparison of features of various cameras in the C-4 class. y

THE ARGUS C-4: The C-4 first has the same important features which all products in the Argus line possess: the y

well-established, nationally advertised brand name; the clean, practical and functional

sign; rigid lens and body construction; the simple

color coded exposure guide known as

or-matic; and the extremely

eral service policy and

life - time

guarantee .

perior tures which relate

ly to the C-4 class are the clipter position flash;

on centhe fast

F: 2. 8 lens; and the combined film and shutter wind which prevents doublé exposures. The combined view and rangefinder window makes it possible to compose and focus in the same finder and the lens automatically adjusts to your rangefinder setting. The attr active styling of the C-4 sets it head and shoulders above its competitors in looks. And the C-4 not only looks good, but it feels good. The shape and weight of the camera makes it comfortable to hold and use. Argus advertising and merchandising have seen to it that the C-4 is recognized for what it is- a distinguished 35 mm camera which will competently meet the most exacting photographic requirements.

THE KODAK SIGNET: The Kodak Signet is the Argus C-4Ts closest competitor. The C-4Ts f ast 2.8 lens has a decided advantage over the Signet' s 3.5 lens, particular ly in light of the recent trend toward fast film and photography under existing light. While some of the features of the Signet and the C-4 may seem alike, there are frequently small diff erences which add to the convenience and superiority of the C-4. For example, the Signet, along with other cameras in this class, has a combined view and rangefinder window, just as the C-4 does. The difference, however, is in the f act that the window on the C-4 is larger and clearer. Similarly, most cameras are synchronizedfor all types of flash bulbs, but the method of attaching the C-4 flash gun, which simply slips on and locks in place, makes it the most convenient type.

FOREIGN COMPETITION: Most foreign cameras bring with them the problem of service. The Argus Service Department enables Argus camera owners to obtain f ast expert service on their cameras. Another drawback of foreign-made cameras isthat theybecome obsolete so quickly, due to the frequent addition of new models. No Argus C-4 owner has an obsolete C-4. Most foreign brand names are completely unfamiliarto camera owners and camera purchasers. Here are som e foreign camera names: Pigeon, Asahiflex, Mess-Unca, Solida-Quer, Ofunaflex, Toyoca, Petri, Zenobiz, and Bilora Boy. To almost all camera owners these names mean nothing. Because of the quality products, fine service, aggressive merchandising and effective advertising which Argus produces, the Argus name itself means something to the customer.

FEATURE ANALYSIS OF COMPETING PRODUCTS Argus C-4 Class

Mrs. Radford Clarifies Blood Bank Procedure

All employees who have signed for the blood bank are eligible to receive blood for themselves, their children, their parents and grandparents, their husbands or wives, and their husbands' or wivesT parents or grandparents. Mrs. Radford made this comment concerning the blood bank. "I was quite astonished to find that there is some misunder standing about the use of the blood bank. One of our employees who was ill and needed blood asked for two donors to supply it for her needs. As stated above, anyone who has signed the donor card, whether a contributor or not, is entitled to cali on the blood bank for any amount needed. All that is necessary to do when blood is needed is to contact Mrs. Radford, Argus representative of the Industrial Blood Bank. She gets in touch with the Red Cross and the Red Cross immediately orders the release of the amount of blood necessary.

Hats Off Dept.

FREDERICK SOLL, Machine Shop, was promoted from class C machine operator to detail draftsman. JOHN CONDÓN, Design Engineering, received a promotion from layout draftsman to drafting room check - er. VIRGINIA HURST, Timekeeping, has been promoted from junior timekeeper to senior timekeeper. MERLE MYERS, Machine Shop, was promoted from class B machine operator to class A machine operator. BARBARA McCRORY, Accounting , has been promoted from clerk-stenographer to legal stenographer.

Congratulations are in order for Argus men who scored high in the recent election of officers of the Ann Arbor Junior Chamber of Commerce. The following men f rom Argus were elected to office: Jack Grimston, Quality Control - President; Irv Halman, Internal Auditing - First VicePresident; Bill Frakes, Production Planning - Member of Board of Directors for one year; and George Haas, Accounting - Member of Board of Directors for two years.

You Asked Andy

Well, it looks as if spring f ever has really set in! Only one letter for me this month. Availability of Independence Lake Facilities This letter questioned the decisión to refuse to allow disabled veterans to use our Independence Lake facilities. This was brought up and reviewed by the Hecreation Club governing body At that time it was thought that the personnel concerned have available numerous state recreation site areas in the vicinity for their use. Accordingly it was then decided to maintain a past ruling that no outside groups be allowed at the lake except friends of employees.

Argus Awards 4 Scholarships

One former Argus employee and three children of employees were awarded $250 scholarships recently. They are Louise Ziegler, formerly of Accounting; Eugene Kline, son of Amos (Plant Safety Beverly Gray daughter of Wilmot (Sales); and Nancy Hague, daughter of Wilma (Planning)'.

Thirteen Serve 5, 10 Years

Photographers Snap Models

Several Argus Camera Club members went to Detroit recently to photograph students of the Patricia Stevens Modeling School. Some of their efforts are shown here. Three or four of the girls will be chosen as official Argus Camera Club models and will represent the Argus Camera Club in Greater Detroit Camera Council functions. Some of the activities in which our clubTs models will represent us are the Northland Beauty Queen Contest, the Kensington Park Camera Club Picnic, and the Cameracade.

Argus Women Participate In Young Mothers Club

Several Argus women have had a hand in organizing a group called the Young Mothers Club. The women repair old toys and make new ones to distribute in the childrenTs ward at University Hospital at Christmas. They also bake cookies every week for the veterans at the VeteranTs Hospital. Betty Robinson, Inspection, is chairman of the group. Other members who are Argus employees are Grace Ingram and Bernice Blackmer, Government Optical Assembly; Marilyn Korte, Glass Salvage; Betty Shattuck, Timekeeping; and Pat Ranger, Irene Swaney and Lucille Harvey , Inspection .

Employee Benefit

There has been quite a bit of discussion lately as to unemployment compensation and what the rules are in Michigan. Each year Argus pays to the state a certain percentage of the first $3,000 earned by each employee in that year. Each company is taxed according to the amount of unemployment benefits paid out. It is from this contribution that employees receive unemployment benefits. To collect unemployment compensation from Argus an employee must be on lay-off due to lack of work and must have worked at Argus for a minimum of 14 weeks. The year (52 weeks) before the date of lay-off is called the base period. The number of weeks during which the employee worked at Argus in that base period (which must be at least 14) is the employee1 s number of credit weeks. Payment is made according to these credit weeks. An employee on lay-off may receive two weeks of benefits for each three credit weeks. The weekly benefit rates range from $10 to $42, based on the employee average weekly earnings and the number of dependents. At the present time there is legislation awaiting the Governorrs approval that will increase these benefits. This weekly payment may be received for a maximum of 26 weeks.

Advertising Finds New Home

The Advertising Department hascompletedits great trek north and is now installed in itsnew quarters at 512 William Street, next tothe Argus visitors' parking lot. The spacious quarters which once indicated gracious living now seem to indicate gracious working, as the atmosphere is certainly pleasant and attr active.

May Suggestions Net Employees Total Of $320

Employee suggestions paid off to the tune of $320.70 last month. Heading the list of winners is Mary Justice, Paint Shop, who received $105.39 for her suggestion that a lettering pen be used instead of a brush in painting grooves on the focusing screw and nut assembly. Stanley Ruffin, Government Optical Assembly, collected $50.69 for suggesting the use of a small hand drill with a straight Allen wrench in the chuck to turn the four screws used to hold the objective in place on the T-41 scope. Awards of $15 wentto Rolla Perry, Jr., Punch Press; Jan Gala, Production Planning; Robert Parker , Cleaning; Jim Romine, Projector Assembly; and Reuben Rohde, Machine Shop, received $14.62. Awards of $10 went to Elmer Kalmbach, Receiving; John Keeny, Personnel; Laddie Price, Cleaning; Colonel Blackburn, Shipping; Rolland Ranson, Shipping; Lula Phillips, Government Optical Assembly; John Kampas, Production Planning; Jim Sieloff, Production Planning; and Stanley Ruffin, Government Optical Assembly.

June 19

Argusites Celebrate Social Events Galore

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Smith celébrate their 40th wedding anniversary on June 23. Walter works in Camera Assembly.

Argus Small Fry

Carriage Trade

George Navarre, Machine Shop, has a son Robert Allen. Robert weighed in at 7 lbs. , 8 oz. on April 20. It was a boy, Grant Kevin, for Jean and Bill Klave. Grant was born April 24,weighing 8 lbs., 7 12 oz. Bill works in Government Optical Assernbly; Jean worked in Optical Assembly before leaving Argus a few months ago. Walter Pielemeier, Engineering, became a grandfather twice in the course of one month. He has a granddaughter Kathie Drumheller, born April 30, weighing 7 lbs., 2 oz.; and a grandson Bond, born May 23 weighing 7 lbs., 2 oz. For est Graves, Machine Shop, has a son Timothy Mitchell. Tim was

born May 4 and weighed in at 8 lbs . , 8 oz. Ed Blattenberger, Engineering, is the proud possessor of a new grandson, James Dennis Wilbur. Jim was born May 13 and weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz . His Uncle Dave Blattenberger works in Methods and Standards. Leslie Marguerite was born May 14 to Joyce Dietle. Leslie weighed 6 lbs., 9 oz. She has a brother Kirk, 4 years. Joyce worked in Inventory Control. Marvin Harger's (Maintenance) son Mark Christian was born May 24. Mark weighed in at 6 lbs., 9 oz. Walter Purdy, Service, has a son Rodney Lee, born May 26, weighing

9 lbs., 9 oz. Rodney has a sister Gayle and a brother Dale. Chuck McClune, Production Engineering, is the proud father of a boy, Jeffrey Scott. Jeff was born June 2, weighing 8 lbs., 7 oz. He has a brother Michael, 1 12 years.

Tri - X Film

Tri-X film is fast establishing the reputation of "being able to take pictures without flash bulbs" and it can, but with certain limitations. The photographs shown here may give you an idea of what exposures are necessary. The 75 or Super 75 will not give results with normal home lighting. The A-4, C-3, C-4, E and 40 will, if about 200 watts of light are shining directly on the subject at a distance of about three f eet. The exposure would be around 125 second at f:4.5.

Servicemen Return

Argus is glad to see some familiar faces back at the plant again. Here are some of the servicemen who recently returned from military leave and are back at Argus. Returning servicemen not pictured below are Ron Sherrod, Production Planning; Ron Arnst, Paint Shop; Doug Nordman, Receiving; and Robert Onago, Shipping.

Sports Review

All three golf leagues have been organized and are now well into their respective schedules. Women's Golf

This year the women's league has 22 members. Some had never held a club until their first round. Many found the game to their liking, which may be evidenced by the really good scores that were posted on the first night of play. Mary Azary, the very capable president of the league, explained that this year singles play is being used. This, she went on to say, affords the established golfers a chance to get out and belt the ball around in good company while giving the beginners a chance to learn the game without the pressure of team competition. Prizes are awarded on several bases, but their explanation would take too much

space to detail this month and, to teil the truth, I'm not sur e I really understand them myself. I shall bone up on this subject and explain them in a later issue. Speaking of belting the ball around, there are several girls in the league who can do just that. Liz Clapham, Gerry Space, and Katie Del Prete, to mention three, would do all right in any league. Liz posted a fine nine-hole total of 42 for her first round. Men's Golf The men's day shift league has again attracted a lar ge number of players. For this reason, it was necessary to split up into four smaller leagues. Nothing new about this except that this year the four are playing on two nights by having the members whose work shift ends at 3:30 P.M. form two leagues and those who work until 5:00 do the same. A brief rundown on the standings finds Joe Dobransky and Morrie Howe, George Haas and Will VanDyke, Harold Thompson and Bill Courtright, and Don Crump and Babe Peterson leading their respective leagues. Many fine individual performances have been posted by the members of this league. However, the hottest round ever posted in the leagueTs four year history was turned in by George Calado, Machine Shop. It seems that George and his substitute partner, Babe Peterson, had just teed off against the Leggett-Navarre combine on a rather cold and windy day. Mr. Calado,

who smokes a pipe almost all the time, finds it necessary to set the pipe aside only when swinging a club and what better place could there be to set his pipe than the top of a caddy-cart supported golf bag. The wind velocity being what it was caused a number of sparks to fly, which resulted in one flaming golf bag. After several minutes of frantic battling by George and the other three quarters of the foursome, the

ñames were brought under control and finally extinguished, whereupon the match resumed and was played to conclusión without further incident . We look for George to be the leader in adapting fire protection equipment for the average golf bag. Next month we shall take a close look at our friends who play in the night shift league.

About The Cover

The June cover picture was taken at Independence Lake by Eddie Girvan, Final Inspection. He used a 40 camera.

It Was A Snap!

Argus Eyes

Published monthly for the employees of Argus Cameras, Inc. and their families. Editor- Millie Kaynie REPORTERS: Machine Shop, DOROTHY LIXEY - Paint Shop, WILMA SIMMONS - Camera Assem - bly, RUTH O'HARE - Lens Processing, DOLORES KELZERMAN - Purchasing, BETTY SHATTUCK - Maintenance, EMIL JOHNSON - Optical Assem - bly - Inspection, JEAN FITZGERALD - Engineering, JIM MELDRUM - Standards, VIRGINIA BIRNEY - Production Planning, PATT DUCHARME - Tool Room, BILL FIKE - Shipping, HILDA WHITE - Accounting, BEULAH NEWMAN - Service, TOM KENTES - Night Shift, GEORGE NAVARRE and LEO WIEDERHOFT. Feature Writers: Robert Lewis, Andy Argus, Art Parker, Jr. Photoprinting: Jan Gala

Independence Lake Area In Full Swing