FCA US Warren Stamping Celebrates Silver Award in World Class Manufacturing

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Mar 29, 2018, 10:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Award brings total number of silver plants in North America to seven
Michigan plant becomes first North American stamping facility to earn milestone award
Designation recognizes continued progress toward becoming World Class

The FCA US Warren Stamping Plant (WSP) is celebrating after being honored with a silver award in the Company's World Class Manufacturing (WCM) methodology, the seventh North American plant to earn such a designation. The plant was recognized for its efforts in expanding WCM throughout the facility.

The 70-year-old Warren, Michigan, plant earned the milestone award following a two-day audit during which it earned a minimum of 60 points in 10 technical and 10 managerial pillars. To become the first North American stamping plant to receive silver, WSP employees had to demonstrate clear WCM know-how and competence through employee-conducted pillar presentations and a review of projects that have been expanded across the shop floor.

WCM, a methodology that focuses on eliminating waste, increasing productivity, and improving quality and safety in a systematic and organized way, was first implemented by Fiat in 2006 and introduced to Chrysler Group as part of the alliance between the two companies in June 2009. WCM engages the workforce to provide and implement suggestions on how to improve their jobs and their plants, promoting a sense of ownership.

"I want to congratulate the nearly 2,000 employees at Warren Stamping, who have truly embraced WCM and demonstrated the proper competencies, rigor and pace that make them deserving of the silver designation," said Brian Harlow, Vice President – Manufacturing, FCA North America. "Since its implementation, WCM has been instrumental in changing the culture in our plants. It has given dignity to our workforce by recognizing that their dedication and knowledge are critical to our success and has created a new spirit of cooperation with a focus on achieving our shared goals."

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.

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.

Along with WSP, six other FCA North American facilities that have been designated silver plants. They are Windsor (Ontario) Assembly Plant, Dundee (Michigan) Engine Plant, Toledo (Ohio) Assembly Complex, Saltillo (Mexico) South Engine Plant, Mack Avenue Engine Plant (Detroit) and Saltillo (Mexico) Van Assembly Plant. Windsor Assembly was the first plant to reach silver status, an honor they received in March 2014.

In addition to the seven silver plants, there are currently 13 facilities that hold the WCM bronze designation:

About Warren Stamping
The 2.1-million-square-foot stamping plant has been making hoods, liftgates and fenders for FCA US vehicles for nearly 70 years. After several major expansions, the Company announced in 2014 that it would invest $63 million to expand capacity at the facility by installing the latest high-speed Servo Tandem Press technology (a 180-inch press line). Dedicated in January 2016, the new press line has increased capacity by up to 12,000 hits per day or approximately 3.6 million parts per year. The plant currently employs nearly 2,000 people. Warren Stamping earned bronze in October 2014.

About FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It designs, manufactures, and sells or distributes vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo brands, as well as the SRT performance designation. The Company also distributes Mopar and Alfa Romeo parts and accessories. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler Corp., established in 1925 by industry visionary Walter P. Chrysler and Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (F.I.A.T.), founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli. FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. (NYSE: FCAU/ MTA: FCA).

FCA, the eighth-largest automaker in the world based on total annual vehicle sales, is an international automotive group. FCA is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FCAU" and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol "FCA."

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