To the editor:

With the closing of the Tyler Refrigerator plant, it is like losing and old friend. I worked there all of my life and am proud of it. The Tyler co. went over many bumpy roads to achieve the reputation of one of the best in its field. From the time Clark Equipment owned Tyler, until Carrier, there were times when to keep the doors opened looked pretty bleak, but with the Tyler family, and other, the company managed to be a leader in commercial refrigeration.

To me it is very sad. To remember all the time and effort of all employees, past and present to have a good company shut down because of an ill chosen decision by Carrier.
Carrier did not treat the Tyler co. fair as this turned out with competition Hill-phonix as buyer.

This was a golden opportunity, for Hill-phonix to eliminate a very solid competitor, but they got what they wanted, such as patents, the availability to copy a design of products that are the best in the industry and getting a network of good dealers to choose from.

It will be difficult for me to go past the Tyler grounds and not think of how the influence of Tyler has helped the City of Niles with the city airport and helping start up the YMCA.

They also were very generous in donating to charity and sponsoring teams in all sports.

Many people have and will be affected by the loss of Tyler, but the bottom line is Carrier destroyed a good company, but many of us will remember Tyler as a good Company.

P.S. I worked for Tyler for 47 years, and retired as chief design engineer.

Tom Kennedy
Niles