The FCA US Indiana Transmission Plant I (ITPI) recently achieved its world-class manufacturing bronze designation, becoming the fifth of the company's Indiana facilities to reach the milestone.
World-class manufacturing (WCM) is a methodology that engages the workforce to provide and implement suggestions on how to improve their jobs and plants. Plants awarded for their efforts also have a role in accelerating the implementation of WCM throughout the organization as coaches and mentors.
In reaching bronze status, ITPI earned a minimum of 50 points in 10 technical and 10 managerial pillars following a two-day independent audit. During the audit, zero to five points were awarded for each of the technical pillars, which include safety, workplace organization, logistics and the environment, as well as for each of the managerial pillars, such as management commitment, clarity of objectives, allocation of people, motivation of operators and commitment of the organization. A score of 85 indicates a world-class level.
Through employee-conducted presentations and a review of projects implemented across the shop floor, ITPI demonstrated clear world-class manufacturing (WCM) know-how and competence. The designation recognizes the long-term dedication of the workforce in making significant changes that can secure the future of a facility.
"It is because of the active participation of our hourly employees that our manufacturing facilities continue to be recognized for eliminating waste, increasing productivity, and improving quality and safety in a systematic and organized way," said Brian Harlow, vice president of manufacturing for FCA North America.
At 1.2 million square feet, ITPI began transmission production in 1998. The plant currently produces the six-speed rear-wheel-drive transmissions for Ram trucks, Cummins Diesel and Heavy Duty, in addition to the nine-speed transmissions in all-wheel, four-wheel and two-wheel-drive configurations for the Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Renegade, Chrysler 200 and Ram ProMaster City.
For more information, visit www.fcanorthamerica.com.