Vincent Vivenzio pictured second from right

Vincent worked at ALCO for 31 years. He was 56 when he retired in 1990. He first worked in the machine shop and then as a data collector.

Vincent worked at Alco for 31 years. He was 56 when he retired in 1990. He first worked in the machine shop and then as a data collector. As a data collector he made sure there weren’t any mistakes on time cards, order numbers, etc. Vincent says that he learned a lot of skills while working at Alco and he could always ask his co-workers for help- even for their advice on home improvement projects he undertook.  Alco “was probably one of the best places in the city to work…the highest paying one for sure,” says Vincent. 

He remembers the company taking very good care of its workers. When an employee was hired a doctor would examine them. A nurse was employed by the company on the premises, and a doctor would come in periodically for anyone who needed one. He also remembers one man who fell ill during his time at Alco and had to go in for an operation. He passed away during the operation and the company back-dated his hiring date so that his family could receive his benefits. The benefits are why a lot of people wanted to work in the factories in Auburn. Vincent still has his pension and health benefits from working at Alco.