FCA US Tipton Transmission Plant Celebrates Silver Award In World Class Manufacturing

The FCA US Tipton Transmission Plant becomes the latest plant to be designated silver in the Company’s World Class Manufacturing (WCM) methodology. Recognized for its efforts in expanding the implementation of WCM principles, the Indiana facility is the company’s 10th North American manufacturing location overall and fifth plant since January to achieve the milestone award.

WCM is the structured and rigorous FCA production methodology 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 June 2009, WCM principles are applied to all aspects of the plant 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.

Tipton Transmission was awarded silver 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, 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.

“WCM has changed the culture in our plants by recognizing that our employees are important to our success, which has also helped create a new spirit of cooperation, based on mutual respect and a focus on our shared future,” said Harlow.

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.

In addition to Tipton, the nine other FCA North American facilities that have been designated silver are: Windsor (Ontario) Assembly Plant, Dundee (Michigan) Engine Plant, Toledo (Ohio) Assembly Complex, Saltillo (Mexico) South Engine Plant, Mack Avenue (Detroit) Engine Plant, Saltillo (Mexico) Van Assembly Plant, Warren (Michigan) Stamping, Toledo (Ohio) Machining and Sterling Stamping (Sterling Heights, Michigan). Windsor Assembly was the first plant to reach silver status, an honor it received in March 2014. The four plants to achieve silver so far in 2018 are Saltillo Van, Warren Stamping, Toledo Machining and Sterling Stamping.

In addition to the 10 silver plants, there are an equal number of facilities that currently hold the WCM bronze designation: