Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) recently announced that its transmission plant in Tipton, Indiana, was awarded silver status for its efforts in implementing world-class manufacturing (WCM) methodology. The facility is the company's 10th North American manufacturing location overall and fifth plant since January to achieve the award.
WCM is designed to make plants more flexible and competitive by eliminating waste, increasing productivity, and improving quality and safety in a systematic and organized way. First implemented by Fiat in 2006 and introduced to Chrysler Group as part of the alliance between the two companies in 2009, WCM principles can be applied to all aspects of a plant's organization, from quality to maintenance, cost control to logistics, with the goal of continuous improvement. WCM also engages the workforce to provide and implement suggestions on how to improve their jobs and their plants, promoting a sense of ownership.
The Tipton transmission plant was awarded silver status following a two-day audit during which it earned a minimum of 60 points in 10 technical and 10 managerial pillars. Employees demonstrated clear WCM know-how and competence through employee-conducted pillar presentations and a review of projects that have been expanded across the shop floor.
"I want to applaud the team at Tipton for dedicating themselves to achieving silver just two years after receiving bronze," said Brian Harlow, vice president of manufacturing for FCA North America. "This award is not only significant for Tipton, but also for FCA US. With five plants earning silver since January, it demonstrates that the pace of WCM implementation is accelerating as our employees continue to develop a deeper understanding of the methodology and share their knowledge with others."
For more information, visit www.fcanorthamerica.com.
