Corvette Assembly Plant Manager Dave Tatman Announces Plans to Retire From GM

During last April’s Bash at the National Corvette Museum, my 14-year-old son and I met Corvette Assembly Plant Manager Dave Tatman for the first time.

Despite not knowing us from Adam, he took several minutes of his time during a very busy period to talk with us about the new C7 Corvette and even gave us his card, complete with his contact information.

Sadly, Mr. Tatman announced Tuesday that he has decided to retire from General Motors after 34 years, effective March 1.

“I have been considering a move of this magnitude for a while, and I felt that after the incredibly successful launch of the iconic new C7 Corvette Stingray, this seemed like a good time,” he said in an e-mail. ” Kinda like retiring after a Super Bowl Championship, you know? LOL.”

Besides leading the launch of the seventh generation Stingray, Mr. Tatman also had the honor of driving the last C6 Corvette off the assembly line last year.

Mr. Tatman says GM has been “a terrific and important” part of his life for a long time.

“However, Barbie and I are keenly aware that God has other plans for us,” he said. “I certainly don’t think that I am done working, but time will tell how my skills and experiences will play into the next chapter of my life. I see this as the opportunity to make the change that had been on our minds and hearts for some time.”

The good news for Corvette enthusiasts is that Mr. Tatman says he and his wife “certainly plan to continue our involvement in the great community of Bowling Green, and heaven knows there are plenty of chores around our horse farm to keep me busy until the next adventure comes along! I look forward to continuing my relationship with the National Corvette Museum, the BGA Corvette Club, and the Corvette community in whatever ways I can be of service.”

He has been plant manager at Bowling Green since 2010 and told his fellow employees about his decision on Tuesday.

“We’re hoping to have an announcement for his replacement sometime soon,” plant spokesperson Andrea Hale told the Bowling Green Daily News.

“He will be missed, and we wish him well in his future endeavors,” she said.

A sentiment seconded by countless Corvette enthusiasts, including this blogger and his son.

Source:
Bowling Green Daily News

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