FCA Saltillo Van Assembly Plant earns silver status in World Class Manufacturing

10 March, 2018

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The Saltillo Van Assembly Plant of FCA Mexico, located in the Northern state of Coahuila, celebrated the silver status in the World Class Manufacturing (WCM) methodology. This facility produces the Ram ProMaster and was recognized for its continuous effort in expanding the WCM methodology throughout the plant.

Two years after having obtained the bronze status, the Saltillo Van Assembly Plant received the silver designation after three days of audit where it was possible to demonstrate the knowledge of the employees in said methodology.

With this designation, there are now six FCA silver plants in North America. The other five are: Windsor Assembly Plant (Ontario), Dundee Engine Plant (Michigan), Toledo Assembly Plant (Ohio), Mack Avenue Engine Plant and the Saltillo South Engine plant in (Coahuila). The Windsor Assembly Plant was first in North America to obtain the silver designation in March 2014.

"All those who work in this plant feel very honored to have obtained this distinction, since to achieve it many hours of work and effort were devoted," said Jorge Luis Lares, Vice President of Manufacturing of FCA Mexico. "The conviction of being better and improving our processes has been rewarded, we are very proud of what we are achieving as a team, we will continue giving our best to put the name of FCA in even higher places".

This distinction, made through audits, recognizes the long-term commitment of the workforce to make significant changes that can ensure the future of a plant. Recognized plants also have an important role to accelerate the implementation of the WCM method through the organization as coaches and mentors.

The WCM methodology was first implemented by FIAT in 2006 and later by the Chrysler Group as part of the alliance between the two companies in June 2009. It focuses on waste reduction, productivity increase, and improvement of quality and safety in a manner organized and systematic. The WCM system engages with the workforce to provide and implement suggestions on how to improve their daily work and their plants.

In addition to the six FCA plants with silver designation, there are currently 14 other locations with WCM bronze status, including the Saltillo Truck Assembly plant and the Toluca Assembly plant.

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