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100-year-old returns to GM plant in Town of Tonawanda

Posted at 6:22 PM, Aug 17, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-17 18:22:39-04

At 100-years-old, George Nash has seen and done a lot. He's even built engines for jets during World War II.

"We went into aircraft engine production," Nash said.

He was one of the first engineers at the GM plant in the Town of Tonawanda. He started working there in 1938.

"I think I was awed by manufacturing because I'm a country kid," he said.

Today, the GM plant rolled out the red carpet for Nash. It was a part of its 80th anniversary celebration.

The current plant director, Ram Ramanujaman, said it was a day to recognize decades of dedication.

"A lot of us spend a lot of time in here, and the families sacrifice to be able to have us here."

Nash worked his way up through the ranks to become the head of industrial engineering. He retired in 1980. Over the course of his 42-year career, he saw a lot of changes roll off the assembly line.

"My grandson is in the industry - 'grandpa you'd never understand what's going on now,'" Nash said. "There's no comparison from then to now. These engines run 100 200 thousand miles."

The GM plant wanted to say thank you to the people, like Nash, who helped build the company up to what it is today.

"We really wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the retirees who built us to what we are," said Ramanujaman.

Even though Nash loved his job, when he was asked if he missed working, he answered with a simple "no."