The companies remain saddled with cumbersome contracts with the UAW that make work rules and plant procedures a constant challenge.

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In addition to plant-based diets and strong communities, near-constant moderate physical activity is the norm in these areas.

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Eric Lord, former works manager who worked at the plant from 1940 to 1979, said his most "challenging" time was in the 1960s as "there were a lot of people in the plant who were doing their best to shut it down, so there was a constant battle with the unions".

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