KCAP Fitness Center Sees New Flooring and Familiar Faces for 2023

As the new year kicked off and many folks were making new year’s resolutions, the Fitness Center at Kansas City Assembly Plant has become a hotspot for employees. Workers set goals to take advantage of the onsite perk at the facility.?

During the pandemic, while the space was closed, many employees missed the convenience of having equipment readily available for exercising. Prior to the new year’s influx of visitors, the rooms recently received all new rubber-mat flooring which was a welcome improvement and aesthetically pleasing upgrade.The renovation is part of Ford’s five-year, $1 billion facilities improvement plan at its U.S. plants.??

Employees who utilize the facility regularly were glad to see the reopening and refurbishment. Sheila Milligan, a team leader in the Transit Glass cell enjoys visiting the gym to workout with her fellow co-workers Deana Coats and Brenda Coleman, both in Transit Trim.??

“There’s everything you need for your fitness routine right there,” said Milligan. “When we go during break, we get some extra cardio in on the walk over. When we arrive, we just divide off and hit anything we choose for our fitness goals. I always leave feeling good.”?

?“I love it,” said Coats. “It’s great how we can come on our breaks and do a quick workout or whatnot because we work so many hours. It truly makes it easy having it so close by.”?

?Brenda Coleman, an operator in Transit Trim, appreciates the convenience factor of being able to exercise on plant grounds.??

“It’s convenient being able to do a workout during a break or after work because when our workday is over, we go home and handle the household,” said Coleman. “There’s no way I would have time to work out somewhere else. I really missed the gym while it was closed.”?

Employees expressed how it helps having a workout buddy for the motivational aspect. The camaraderie and support of coworkers makes exercising in the fitness center something the women look forward to.?

“When we return to our areas from working out, we usually get ‘way-to-go’ type of comments from others,” said Milligan. “Folks often refer to us gals as the ‘Three Amigos’. We always try to swoop up any other folks who might be interested to come and join us.”?

?Regarding the upgrades to the facility, Jesse Gant, a hi-lo driver in the MP&L department said, “It’s totally worth it because I utilize the gym daily. It’s important to take care of our bodies working in this industry.”?