Reviewing Argus Progress

Several questions have come up since our recent announcement that Argus stock is now being traded on the New York Stock Exchange. I have been asked what it means as f ar as the Company's operations in Ann Arbor are concerned. Actually, neither the announcement nor the trading of our stock on the New York exchange has any effect on our operations. Our stock has been traded on the American Stock Exchange, which is also located in New York, for many years. The New York Stock Exchange is the biggest and best-known exchange in the world. When people want to invest money they usually look to those stocks offered by the New York Stock Exchange before they look to other markets. That is the reason for our transfer to the New York Stock Exchange. Practically all of the leading manufacturers are listed on this exchange, and we believe that we belong with the best. A point of interest is the fact that on March 5, 1956, the day we officially started doing business on the New York Stock Exchange, we had over 2,000 stockholders. This indicates the number of people who have enough confidence in our operations to invest their savings in our business . Speaking of our business, I am writing this article just after returning from the national photographic show in Chicago. This is the one photographic industryshow each year which is designed to attract the photographic dealers. Thousands of them come to this show to look over new products and to get new promotion ideas. Vm proud to say that Argus was well represented. In fact, many of the dealers with whom

I carne in contact remarked that we had the most outstanding exhibit in the show. We are naturally proud of this because all manufacturers in the industry work hard to attract the dealers to their exhibits. There was much acclaim from all for the new 300-watt projector, the new C-44 camera with its easy-tochange bayonet-type lens, the new Variable Power Viewfinder which works with all of our cameras that use interchangeable lenses, and the new L-44 light meter that clips on our C-3, C-4, and C-44 cameras. (These products are now on display in the Plant I cafetería and are pictured on page 9 of this issue. ) These new products, in addition toour other popular models still in demand, give all dealers and salesmen plenty from Argus to talk about. We must remember, however, that at the same time we were displaying our products our competitors were showing theirs. We have several new products to compete with this year. Graflex has a 35 mm camera selling in the C-4 price class. Reveré and TDC are constantly competing for our sales in the projector field, and, of course, GE and Weston are oíd ñames in the meter business. We are constantly striving to prevent these products from penetrating our position in the photographic market, but they serve as a constant reminder that we have serious competition from well-established and successful companies.

About The Cover

This monthTs cover picture is of Jessie Forshee, Accounting. Her brother Jim took the picture at the Caberfae ski area near Cadillac.

Jcc To Hold Annual Show

Irv Halman, Internal Audit, will be General Chairman of the annual Junior Chamber of Commerce Show to be held May 9 through 13 in the Veterans1 Memorial Park. Torn Lester, Internal Audit, is Treasurer of the Show. As has been done in the past, Argus will have a booth at the Show.

Recreation Club Planning For Fun

With the spring season fast approaching, the Recreation Club Operating Committee has started planning for the season1 s activities at the Independence Lake area. During the early stages of the planning the subject of constructing a pavilion was given a very thorough study. After comparing the costs of construction against the limited usage the pavilion would presently receive, it was decided that the same funds could be more fully utilized in expanding the present facilities. The major building projects slated for completion this summer include a first aid unit, a utility shed for material and equipment storage, additional picnic tables and fireplaces, and a concrete walkway f rom the beach to the bath house. A tentative agreement has been made with the Detroit Edison Company for the installation of electric power service at the Lake. This should prove to be a great asset to our building program and a wonde rful convenience for our recreational needs. With an eye towards the future, it has been decided to check the possibility of having the University of Michigan School of Architecture or Forestry furnish the Club with a range building and development program layout for the Lake area. The purpose of this move would be to obtain expert advice and ideas on the course we should set in making the area most useful to all the Club members and their families. At the same time we will be progressing on a sound economical basis. It is planned to purchase additional play equipment, such as swings, slides, and teeter boards. Other equipment to be purchased includes a shuffle-board outfit, basketball nets, and volleyball and badminton layouts . With the election of new officers and representatives set to take place in April, everyone should be thinking seriously of just who will do the best job of carrying out the tasks which have been outlined here.

Be Sure To Vote For Recreation Club Officers

Candidates For Secretary

Candidates For Treasurer

Recreation Club Elections To Be First Week In April

The annual election of Argus Recreation Club officers will take place the first week in April. Shown on this page are the candidates for the offices of Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Vice President will automatically become President of the Club in 1957. In addition to voting for the candidates he chooses, each member should begin thinking about selecting someone to be the Recreation Club Representative for his department. (NOTE: Be sure to read the article on page 2 about the Recreation (Hub's plans for the coming summer season. )

Eleven Take Mtm Course

Eleven Argusites recently received certificates for the completion of an week course in Methods, Time Study, and Time Measurement. The course, which was instructed by Fred Vees and Bill Lamb of the Standards Department, is designed to help its graduates learn the techniques used in solving methods problems. The "students" learned the proper approach to methods study and how to determine the valué so that study can be applied in the áreas where savintrs r.an be made.

Graduates of the last course are recognized by the state and instructors Vees and Lamb hold instructors' certificates Another Methods, Time Study, and Methods-Time Measurement course is planned to begin April 1. " The graduates of the last course are shown in the pictures above after they received their certificates. In the top picture (left to right) are Bob Parker, Bill Ambrazevich, Harold Hale, and Mark Kremer, Standards; Bob Allen Paint and Bill Lamb and Fred Vees, Standards. Shown in the picture directly above are (left to right) Fred Leeman, Standards; Brice Bennett, Grinding; Phil Street, Punch Press; Fred Tower, Optical Assembly (standing); Bob Kalmbach, Camera Assembly; and Ken Sells, Machine Shop.

You Asked Andy

Spring f ever so soon? I couldn't dig up more than one letter this month. Fire Alarms "If you are unable to hear the fire alarm in the area you work- what are you supposed to do?M I got together with Torn Spitier and Gene Rossbach on this and this is the set-up. The fire alarms are connected with the sprinkler systems in each plant. Therefore, if a fire should occur in Plant II only the sprinkler system in Plant II would go into operation and only employees in Plant II would hear the alarm. If the fire were in Plant I, as it was last month, Plant II would not hear an alarm. I've noticed lately that each time letters for me are collected from the Andy Argus boxes, several suggestion forms are found with the letters. Suggestion forms should be placed in the special suggestion boxes. Putting them in the Andy Argus boxes only delays action on your suggestions.

February 10, 1956 Attention: Mr. Lewis, President Dear Mr. Lewis: The Argus Employees Credit Union has just closed its first fiscal year. During the past year, the Credit Union has served over 500 Argus employees with the intent of increasing the happiness and peace of mind of each and every member. Through the efforts of Argus Cameras, Inc., and its many employees who participated in making this Credit Union run efficiently, we have succeeded in combining happiness and peace of mind with a prosperous and growing corporation. It is with utmost pleasure that we send this letter of thanks and sincere appreciation to Argus Cameras, Inc., for all of the cooperation and aid it has so graciously given to the Argus Employees Credit Union. Sincerely, Jeanine A. Groomes, Secretary

Bill, Bill, Bills!

How would you like to open up your monthly electric bill and find that the amount due is $5,463.22? That was the amount Argus paid for electric ity during the month of January this year. That amount paid for 350,385 kilowatt hours of electric ity. Argus ' total electric bill for 1955 was $66,358.17 and employees used 4,366,324 kilowatt hours of electricity. The cost of operating one light fixture 8 hours per dayfor one month would make a very small dent in a bill of over $5,000. But if you multiply that one light by 7,000 (the approximate number of lights at Argus), and then include the operation of electrical machine ry and equipment, it is easy to see how the cost climbs to such high figures. The fuel oil truck which periodically pumps fuel oil into Argus buildings delivered 310,715 gallons of fuel oil to us last year, which cost us $25,969.56. Almost 43,000 gallons were used in January alone, which made our monthly bill $3, 832.59. Most of us take a drink of water pretty much for granted. The faucets and pipes at Argus released water last year to the tune of $19, 212.81, which paid for almost 12 million cubic f eet of water. The January, 1956 water bill alone was $1, 247. 47. Last year Argus paid $4, 224. 74 for 4, 606, 100 cubic f eet of gas. We used 789,400 cubic f eet of gas this January alone, at a cost of $648.46. To narrow the picture down a little, the Argus Accounts Payable Department paid out over $11,000 for utilities for the month of January, 1956. (And the monthly bilis to follow will be pretty much the same.) All utilities for the year of 1955 came to a staggering total of $115,765.28.

ELECTRICITY $66,358.17

WATER $19,212.81

FUEL OIL $25,969.56

GAS $4,224.74

Argus Keeps Ahead Of Fire With Efficient Fire Control Equipment

One thing that the recent fire which occurred in the Paint Shop did was to verify that Argus' fire control equipment is adequate and in good working order. The fire occurred in the Ransburg painting unit which was recently installed in the Paint Shop. Outer parts of cameras and projectors hang from hooks on conveyor belts. The Ransburg painting unit power s these conveyor belts and moves them through the paint spray booths and through an oven. The fire itself did little damage except to scorch the interior of the large cylinder in which the unit is located. Just before the fire started Reuben Egeler, Paint Shop, had been running some pieces through and, not satisfied with their appearance as they carne out of the oven, he turned the Ransburg off to examine them. He then turned the power back on and was putting some sample pieces on the hooks to run them through again when he heard the warning bell which means that the power has shut off. He went back to the unit and f ound it in f lames . He and his brother, Norm, grabbed a portable extinguisher unit and a dry chemical unit and, in a few minutes, had the fire out. The remaining heat, however, was strong enough to touch off the sprinkler head above, which promptly sprayed water on the area. In the picture (above right)

Mr. Lewis, with Reuben and Norm, look at the Ransburg where the fire burned its interior. The hand extinguisher which the Egelers used is shown in the foreground.

The Paint Shop, being especially susceptible because of the combustible nature of the plant fumes, is particularly well guarded against f ir e.

The supply of paint is kept in a small room behind the Paint Shop. This room is protected with a fire door which is shown above being operated by Gene Rossbach. The fire door, which is made of wood and covered with strong metal, is designed to keep fire within a certain room. The door, which is built on a slant at the top, is kept open by a heavy weight which is attached to a rope. In case of fire, the heat breaks a fusable link, which severs the rope and the weight and permits the door to slide closed of its own weight. Several of these fire doors are located in various parts of both plants .

Outside the door of the paint storage room are several cylinders of carbon dioxide (shown above). Pipes run into the room from the cage and, in case of fire, the nozzles attached to the pipes (shown below) release the carbon dioxide, which shortly eliminates all oxygen in the room and, of course, puts out the fire.

The new paint spray booths (see picture above) in the Paint Shop cut down on the amount of dangerous fumes which rise f rom the paint. The walls of the booths are covered with a continual stream of running water. The water cate hes paint spray which would otherwise rise into the air.

The availability of a hand fire extinguisher played an important part in putting out the fire in the Paint Shop so quickly. There are 156 hand extinguishers like the one shown at the right scattered through all the plants and warehouses.

Argus Keeps Ahead Of Fire With Efficient Fire Control Equipment

After the fire in the Paint Shop started, trucks and equ ip ment from the fire department got to Argus in practically no time at all. This was due in part to the efficiënt alarm system both at Argus and at the fire department.

The story of this alarm system can probably best be told with pictures. The story starts with a fire which causes enough heat to touch off one of the heads on our sprinkling system. When the head blows, a lar ge valve opens, letting water in directly f rom city pipes. Each group of sprinklers is connected to its own valve. One of these valves is shown in the picture above. Once the sorinkler svstem is

touched off, a signal comes through to the indicator at the guard's desk (see picture at f ar left), travels to a unit which is elsewhere in the plant (center picture), which automatically signáis the fire department (picture below). In other words, the fire department knows that there is a fire at Argus and approximately where it is seconds after a sprinkler head is touched off.

A carbon dioxide unit, much like the one in the paint supply room behind the Paint Shop but smaller is set up in Plant n in 'the Blocking Department. In the picture below, Meivin

us, Blocking, points to one of the nozzles which release carbon dioxide in case of f iré. The carbon dioxide cylinder, along with the rest of the unit, is attached to the wall in the Blocking room.

Argus is, then, as fully equipped to control f ir e as we are to prevent it. As soon as the sprinkler system goes into operation, the alarm in that plant is automatically sounded, the guard's desk is notified of the location of the fire, and the f ir e department is practically on its way.

Fourteen Serve 5, 10 Years

NOT PICTURED: Francis L' Esperance, Production Planning- 5 years.

New Argus Products Make Debut At Show

Argus presented a great variety of completely new products at the National Photographic show in Chicago last week. The C-44, with a precisión four element lens and a very clever mounting feature which permits easy and accurate interchange of objectives, was a headliner. The C-44 will be the most complete picture -taking package ever produced by Argus. The package includes the camera, a 35 mm wide angle objective, a 100 mm telephoto, a on optical variable power viewfinder with parallax adjustments and accommodations for plugging in the flash gun, a flash extensión bracket, and newly designed saddle leather carrying cases for each item. The picture-taking quality and appearance of the objectives are exceptionally good and will stand comparison with lenses costing much more. The new projector line includes Standard model, the accessory case for it, the automatic model and the new remote control unit which changes slides merely by pressing a button on the end of a 15-foot cord. This last item will permit the user to sit in any part of the room and opérate the projector. Another important product is the new L44 meter, a compact precisión instrument which clips on to any camera which has a standard accessory shoe. The meter is simple to opérate and has the added feature of an incident light attachment.

The photographs below we re taken with a C-44 during the first days- and nights - of putting the camera into production. The pictures were taken after regular working hours and show a few of the people involved.

Wedding

Harriette Clement, Sales, was married March 3 to Richard Semark of Clinton. The wedding took place at 6:30 p.m. at the West Side Methodist Church in Ann Arbor. The Semarks honeymooned in Grayling, Michigan and are now living in Ypsilanti.

Engagement

The engagement of Donna Gilbert, Sales, and Garrett Bakker of Ann Arbor was announced recently. They plan to be married April 1.

Argus Wee Folk

Screw Machine

Al Brent,

has a

daughter Valerie Jean, born January 20. Val weighed in at 5 lbs., 5 oz. A daughter, Gwen Ann, was born February 8 to Bob Lucas, Service. Gwen weighed 7 lbs., 7-12 oz. Warren Hale, Raw Inspection, has a son Alan Floyd. Born February 12, Alan weighed 9 lbs., 1 oz. He has brothers Darryl, 7, and Jimmy, 6, and a sister Pamela, 2-12.

Barbara Bacon Wins Bonus Week Award

(Above) Bruce Corley, Sales, (f ar left) congratulateshissecretary Barbara Bacon as she receives a $25 savings bond as a suggestion bonus week award. Paul McCoy, Suggestion Office, (center) made the presentation. The bond was in addition to $13.50 which Barbara won for her suggestion. Hers was the first bonus award to be made. Barbara 's suggestion was to standar diz e line spacing on pure has ed forms to correspond with that of our Standard typewriters. John Burkhart, Tabulating, received an award of $85. 50 for his suggestion concerning the revisión of the Processing Fabrication report in the Tabulating Department. An award of $26. 50 was presented to Joyce Nichol, Centering, for suggesting that the background around centering targets be painted black. The use of this idea cuts down operator strain considerably. Ed Makielskifs (Production Control) suggestion that the scale weight pans and bars be painted to help distinguish between components netted him a suggestion award of $21.50. Orviel Harrison, Production Control, received suggestion awards of $14 and $12.50. A $10 suggestion award went to Marilyn Korte, Glass Salvage.

Door Prize Winners

Winners of the door prizes at the Recreation ClubTs Valentine Dance last month were Ruth Howe, Timekeeping; Torn Heermans, New Products; and John Miatech and Bill Ambrazevich, Standards. Each winner received a turkey.

Sports Review

The season is drawing to a close and the same three or four teams are fighting for the top positions. Argus Q.C., Thirsty Five, and Tool Room are still one, two, and three. With a couple of bad nights any of these three teams could change places. There is still plenty of time to get your name on the Honor Roll. This past month we have four additions to the Honor Roll. They are: Jess Cope- 223, Jim Fraser-223, Ernie Billau- 223; and John Braykovich-220. Chuck McClune rolled the highest three-game series last month with games of 171, 205, 223 = 599, one pin short of the highest three-game series of 600 rolled by Les Schwanbeck. Standings so far this year:

Highest single team game (actual)- Thirsty Five- 940. MEN?S AFTERNOON BOWLING LEAGUE Standings so f ar this year:

Highest single team game (actual)- Four Roses- 859. WOMEN'S BOWLING LEAGUE Standings so far this year:

Highest single team game (actual)- Ten Pins- 747. At the end of the regular bowling season, how about a roll-off between the Men's and Women's Leagues? The six teams in the Women's League would bowl the first six teams in the Men's League (with 70% handicap). What do you think of the idea? ARGUS BOWLING HONOR ROLL

NOTE: ItTs time to start organizing the Golf Leagues!

Argus Eyes

Published monthly for the employees of Argus Cameras, Inc. and their families. Editor - Millie Haynie REPORTERS: Machine Shop - DOROTHY LIXEY, Camera Assembly - RUTH O' HARE, Purchasing - DOLORES HELZERMAN, Lens Processing - BETTY SHATTUCK, Maintenance - EMIL JOHNSON, Optical Assembly-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, Suggestion Office - ART PARKER, Jr. , Govt. Opt. Assembly - THRESSEL CONLEY, Sales - IRMA VARNER, State Street Warehouse - BOB MILLER, Paint Shop - RON ARNST, Night Shift - GEORGE NAVARRE and LEO WIEDERHOFT. Feature writers: Robert Lewis, Andy Argus, Don Crump Photoprinting: Jan Gala

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Wilffiot Gray 306 Maple Ridge Arm Arbor, Mich.

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Sc 56t, P. L. R. U. S. POSTAGE P A I D Am Albor, MlchifM PnH No. 59t

"corporate Citizen" - A Good Neighbor

People look to the modern American corporation, quite rightly, to produce goods and to créate jobs. But it may be overlooked that along with these economie responsibilities, the corporation is a good citizen in its community. The corporation is organized for efficiënt production. At the same time, it is made up of people -of individuals with hearts and consciences and the desire to be good neighbors.

In order to do its job of responsible citizenship, the corporation must earn a profit. Only a successful, going company can provide steady work and pay to the people; meet its tax obligations to local, state and federal governments; stimulate local business through payrolls and purchases f rom local firms, and do its full part in educational, civic, and charitable activities of the community, as a good neighbor.