MOORPARK : Workers Get $1,000 to Buy American

In an effort to encourage its workers to buy American automobiles, one of Ventura County’s largest privately held companies has offered a $1,000 incentive for employees purchasing Ford and Chrysler vehicles.

Kavlico Corp., which employs 750 people at its Moorpark plant, is offering the incentive to 50 employees whose names were selected in a drawing, Chief Financial Officer Bruce Tackman said.

“We wanted to raise the consciousness of our employees and industry alike to consciously support an effort to buy American-manufactured products,” Tackman said.

The program also serves to show the company’s support for Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Corp., who are two of Kavlico’s largest customers, Tackman said.

Kavlico, which was founded in 1958, makes electronic components used in the automotive, aerospace and other industries.

Ford and Chrysler are each matching Kavlico’s $1,000 incentives, Tackman said, which means the 50 employees whose names were drawn can purchase the automobiles for $2,000 less than the dealers’ prices.

About half of the 50 employees selected have taken advantage of the incentive program since it began March 2, Tackman said.

“We currently have about 20 to 25 vehicles that have been purchased under the program in our parking lot,” he said.

The incentive offer will continue through April, he said.