GMFC is planning to expand its U.S. operations by building a new plant that will employ about 500 production workers. This new plant will manufacture motorized recreational equipment, including all-terrain vehicles, personal watercraft, and snowmobiles. The equipment will assemble mechanical components produced in other GMFC operations or purchased from suppliers. The new plant will fabricate fiberglass body parts and complete the final assembly process.

GMFC would like to operate the new plant union-free. It's likely that the United Auto Workers (UAW), and perhaps other internationals, will attempt to organize the workforce within a year after start-up. You are a member of a planning committee for the new plant. Your primary area of responsibility involves issues related to potential unionization and labor costs.

What advice would you provide to the company on size, location, staffing, wages and benefits, and other employee relations issues that would help GMFC keep the new plant union-free and competitive?