FCA US facilities in Ohio and Michigan reach silver status

Auburn Hills, Mich.-based automaker FCA US LLC has announced that two of its facilities have joined the ranks of silver-designated plants in the company's World Class Manufacturing (WCM) methodology. Toledo (Ohio) Machining and Sterling Stamping (Sterling Heights, Mich.) have been recognized for their efforts in expanding the implementation of WCM principles, becoming the eighth and ninth plants, respectively, to reach this milestone.

WCM, the FCA production methodology that focuses on eliminating waste, increasing productivity, and improving quality and safety in a systematic and organized way, was 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, all with the goal of continuous improvement. WCM also engages workers to provide and implement suggestions on how to improve their jobs and their plants.

Toledo Machining and Sterling Stamping were awarded silver following two-day audits during which they earned a minimum of 60 points in 10 technical and 10 managerial pillars. Employees at both plants demonstrated clear WCM know-how and competence through employee-conducted pillar presentations and a review of projects.