From June 2-4, 2026, SMART General President Michael Coleman and Assistants to the General President Tom Wiant, Darrell Roberts and Lance Deyette — along with Chief International Rep. Dave Bernett, retired Director of Business and Management Relations Tom Fischbach, current Director Josh Garner and International Representative Tim Miller — visited Local 292 in Southeast Michigan.
The group was welcomed by Business Manager Paul Gualdoni and Business Agent Antonio Silvestri for a three-day tour of Local 292’s contractors and offices. During the visit, contractors provided presentations highlighting their work in custom automotive paint finishing systems and discussed the challenges they face from nonunion competitors and increasing foreign competition.
Each contractor showcased their manufacturing facilities, research and development operations, and the advanced technology utilized in their production processes. SMART leaders witnessed firsthand the craftsmanship, innovation and expertise that set Local 292 contractors apart within the industry.
Local 292 is unique among many locals: Its signatory contractors specialize in the design, fabrication, installation and maintenance of custom automotive paint finishing systems. As a result, Local 292 members possess a highly specialized skill set, with extensive expertise in welding, rigging, fabrication and safety practices, both in the shop and in the field.
One notable stop on the tour was Kais-AIR, one of Local 292’s newer contractors. Kais-AIR has quickly gained momentum and market share in the rapidly growing data center sector. The company is now receiving significant orders for critical data center components in Michigan and across the country, with fabrication work being performed by Local 292 members.
“The visit provided International leadership with valuable insight into the specialized work performed by Local 292 contractors and members, highlighting the local’s continued growth, innovation and commitment to excellence in both the automotive and emerging data center markets,” said Gualdoni.
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