KOBLENZ, Germany – TRW Automotive has been presented the Automotive Lean Production Award 2011 in the category "International Enterprise," for outstanding efficiency, lean processes and lean methodology at its site in Koblenz, Germany. TRW was granted the award at a ceremony held earlier this week at BMW World in Munich.
 
TRW was one of six companies to receive the award out of more than 70 vehicle manufacturer and supplier production facilities nominated. The award – now in its sixth year – is an initiative run by the German publication Automobil Produktion and management consultancy Agamus Consult. It is considered to be one of the most significant achievements in the European automotive industry today.
 
Doug DelGrosso, vice president global braking operations, commented, "We are delighted to have received this award, which is a testament to the outstanding performance of all of our employees who have contributed to achieving best practice and 'lean production.' At Koblenz, we have established a very pragmatic lean strategy – helping us to optimize quality and efficiency at every level."
 
Dr. Andreas Siebert, plant manager for TRW's facility in Koblenz, added, "The award demonstrates the effectiveness of TRW's global processes.  We have global programs and are proud of our performance in the areas of best practice, six sigma and lean manufacturing."
 
As part of the process, Agamus Consult analyzed lean strategies and their implementation in a benchmark study across the European Automotive industry. The results showed that the award winners had demonstrated a significant increase in performance in terms of quality, productivity and cost reduction - thereby achieving a competitive advantage.