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

  • 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
May 5, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  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:
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.
 
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 is an international automotive group 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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