(03/14/13) - The next time you visit Cedar Point in Ohio, think about the material that holds the rides together. Many of the parts come from Mid-Michigan, as ABC12's Randy Conat explains.
While thousands of people enjoy Cedar Point every year, few stop to think about the maintenance needed to keep the theme park running. Mid-States Bolt and Screw in Burton plays a big role in keeping all that machinery operating safely.
"We've been servicing Cedar Point for the last 18 months, I'd say. We make weekly deliveries down there," said Matt Somers, Mid-States Bolt and Screw vice president.
"Actually I get to see the rides on a more intimate level because most of their maintenance is done during the winter, when the park is closed, so I actually get to see the rides tore down and actually get to see how they do the maintenance," said Joe Parker, a Mid-States driver.
If the maintenance department there need bolts, nuts and washers, they call Mid-States.
"Knowing it's our product that's holding everything together makes you feel good," Parker said.
A new roller coaster called Gatekeeper, which will open in May, is under construction in Sandusky.
"We have been sending new product down there for the maintenance department for that particular ride," Somers said.
When the park opens this spring, a team from Mid-States will be there to enjoy the rides and make sure everything is working correctly.
"They invite us down, being vendors, especially for the fasteners to take rides on the roller coasters to prove our fasteners are as good as they come," Somers said.
"It's exciting to see people enjoying the rides," Parker added.
Most park visitors never give a second thought to what goes in to keeping the rides safe.
"I think that's awesome and it's great for the company," Parker said.
When you're enjoying the thrills at Cedar Point, remember the Mid-Michigan connection that makes it possible.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:34 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:34:54 GMT
(05/20/13) - After a two-week hiatus students in the Buena Vista School District returned to class Monday morning. Jemicah Coleman, a Buena Vista High School junior, says it was a Monday like many other.
After a two-week hiatus students in the Buena Vista School District returned to class Monday morning.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 4:06 AM EDT2013-05-21 08:06:15 GMT
(5/20/13) The week before Memorial Day is a busy time at the Great Lakes National Cemetery.A team of volunteers considers it sacred ground and they want the area to look its best.For six months, these
The week before Memorial Day is a busy time at the Great Lakes National Cemetery. A team of volunteers considers it sacred ground and they want the area to look its best.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:46 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:46:21 GMT
(05/20/13) - The storm plunged over 15,000 people into the dark and crews are out working right now to restore that service.The hardest hit counties are Gratiot with nearly 5,000 without service, along
(05/20/13) - The storm plunged over 15,000 people into the dark and crews are out working right now to restore that service.The hardest hit counties are Gratiot with nearly 5,000 without service, along
Monday, May 20 2013 11:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:42:10 GMT
Bought, sold, traded, stolen and dealt. Moving from person to person, finding a way into a criminal's hands - and too often, ending the journey in a deadly flash.ABC12's Angie Hendershot went inside
Monday, May 20 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:25:19 GMT
(05/20/13) - The Bay County Road Commission says Midland Road, from Three Mile to Four Mile Road, in Monitor Township is closed. Reconstruction work began on that stretch of road, Monday. Drivers are
The Bay County Road Commission says Midland Road, from Three Mile to Four Mile Road, in Monitor Township is closed.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:25:00 GMT
(05/20/13) - Lapeer East High School been named one of Newsweek's 2013 America's Best High Schools. Lapeer East is ranked among the top 10 percent. The school also ranked 29th out of 826 Michigan high
Lapeer East High School been named one of Newsweek's 2013 America's Best High Schools.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:24 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:24:41 GMT
(05/20/13) - Thirty-nine churches within the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw are coming together in new parishes with new names, once a merger goes into effect this summer. That diocese merger will take
Thirty-nine churches within the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw are coming together in new parishes with new names, once a merger goes into effect this summer.
