FCA US Toledo Assembly Complex Becomes First U.S. Assembly Plant to Earn Silver in World Class Manufacturing

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May 05, 2016, 09:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Toledo Assembly becomes third FCA North American facility to achieve milestone award
Joins Windsor Assembly and Dundee Engine Plants, which received silver in 2014 and 2015, respectively
Award recognizes progress toward becoming World Class
Plant attains milestone as it celebrates Jeep^® brand's 75th anniversary

The FCA US Toledo Assembly Complex (Ohio) has been awarded silver status for its continuous efforts to improve in World Class Manufacturing (WCM), becoming the first U.S. assembly plant to receive this designation.

Toledo earned the silver milestone after being recognized with the bronze award in July 2012. Silver was awarded following a two-day audit during which the plant earned a minimum of 60 points in 10 technical and 10 managerial pillars by demonstrating clear WCM know-how and competence through employee-conducted pillar presentations and a review of projects that have been expanded across the shop floor.

This latest WCM recognition makes Toledo Assembly the third of the Company's North American manufacturing facilities to achieve silver. The Windsor Assembly Plant (Ont.) and Dundee Engine Plant (Mich.) each earned silver in March 2014 and May 2015, respectively.

"The Toledo Assembly Complex employees have a longstanding commitment to supporting the iconic Jeep brand and its 75 years of legendary heritage," said Brian Harlow, Vice President – Manufacturing, FCA North America. "They have applied that same dedication to developing a deeper understanding of the World Class Manufacturing methodology, which solidifies their position as an integral part of the Company's industrial footprint. We applaud their efforts, which have resulted in being designated a silver plant."

The achievement of WCM award levels, as confirmed through independent audits, recognizes the long-term commitment of the workforce to making significant changes that can secure the future of a facility. Awarded plants also have a role in accelerating the implementation of WCM throughout the organization as coaches and mentors.

"It is no secret that WCM has been an essential part of our success over the past seven years and could not have been achieved without the support of our UAW partners," said Harlow. "The active participation of our hourly employees keeps FCA US competitive with the best manufacturing facilities in the world."

World Class Manufacturing is a methodology that focuses on eliminating waste, increasing productivity and improving quality and safety in a systematic and organized way. WCM engages the workforce to provide and implement suggestions on how to improve their jobs and their plants, promoting a sense of ownership.

WCM was first implemented by Fiat in 2006 and introduced to Chrysler Group as part of the alliance between the two companies in June 2009.

During an audit, zero to five points are awarded for each of the 10 technical pillars, which include safety, workplace organization, logistics and the environment, and for each of the 10 managerial pillars such as management commitment, clarity of objectives, allocation of people, motivation of operators and commitment of the organization. A score of 80 would indicate World Class.

Two WCM certified auditors – the head of World Class Manufacturing & Projects Vice President and the director of Powertrain Manufacturing, both from the EMEA Region – performed the audits.

In addition to the three silver plants, there are currently 10 facilities that hold the WCM bronze designation:

Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant (Mexico)
Saltillo South Engine Plant (Mexico)
Trenton Engine Complex (Mich.)
Warren Stamping Plant (Mich.)
Indiana Transmission Plant II (Ind.)
Kokomo Transmission Plant (Ind.)
Kokomo Casting (Mich.)
Toluca Assembly Plant (Mexico)
Sterling Stamping Plant (Mich.)
Brampton Assembly Plant (Canada)

More than 5,100 employees at the Toledo Assembly Complex operate on two shifts to assemble the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Jeep Cherokee. The 3.65 million square-foot facility has a deep history in both the landmark Ohio town and with the world-renowned Jeep brand.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence. The Jeep vehicle lineup also includes the Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot and Renegade.

SOURCE FCA US LLC