One off the biggest changes Fiat S.p.A. has made since becoming involved with Chrysler is seen daily by the majority of our employees -- especially those on the manufacturing floor. World Class Manufacturing has been rolled out and implemented at every Chrysler Group plant during the past nearly three years.
WCM is one common manufacturing operating system. It's designed to be a bottom-up rethink of how a plant is organized, and how employees approach their jobs with an eye toward maximizing productivity and minimizing waste.This process was key to Fiat’s turnaround strategy just a few years ago.
To continue Chrysler's WCM effort and to promote best practices, we'll have an official dedication of our World Class Manufacturing Academy in Warren, Mich., on Jan. 24.
The 25,000-sq.-ft. WCM Academy is housed within the UAW-Chrysler Technology Training Center. Its "mission is to transfer WCM 'know-how' to more than 1,200 participants each year and cultivate an enriched culture of continuous improvement and learning."
Employees training at WCM Academy, which was up and running late last year, spend 80% of their time at the in laboratories designed to provide hands-on experiences.
We'll be on hand with video and photography to help give you an inside look at WCM Academy. If you're connected with a media outlet and want to attend the dedication ceremony, see below:
Where:
WCM Academy
2500 E. Nine Mile Road
Warren, MI 48091
When:
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012
Event begins at 10 a.m.
Media are asked to arrive by 9:30 a.m.
Academy tours for media will be available following the event (see details below)
Who:
- Scott Garberding, senior VP of Manufacturing and World Class Manufacturing, Chrysler Group LLC
- General Holiefield, VP of UAW Chrysler Department
- Mark Hackel, county executive for Macomb County
- Jim Fouts, mayor of the City of Warren
Facility Tour:
- RSVP is required to participate in an Academy tour. RSVP to Valerie Dezenski at valerie.dezenski [@] chrysler.com by Jan. 20.
- Tours will follow the ceremony.
- Cameras are welcome.
- Academy students (employees) will be available for interviews.
- Proper attire is required (long pants and flat, closed toed shoes).
