Seeking to improve vehicle build quality at the most fundamental level, the Chrysler Group LLC has dedicated its new World Class Manufacturing Academy in Warren, Michigan. This 25,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility relies on a host of innovative techniques and approaches to help assembly line workers better understand and adopt the most effective techniques for turning out top quality products. Originally developed by its parent company, Fiat, World Class Manufacturing is a comprehensive methodology designed to reduce waste and increase productivity while restoring dignity to the employees.
Providing an enriched learning experience for a "student body" of approximately 1,200 UAW members each year, the WCM Academy training regimen makes use of everything from giant touch screens and personal iPads to 3D Virtual Reality glasses and human motion capture suits. Flexible and adaptable, its creative and decidedly unconventional curriculum focuses on driving the continuous improvement process in every critical area of the build discipline.
"When Chrysler was developing its survival plan in partnership with Fiat in 2009, one of the key elements of turning the Company around was the implementation of World Class Manufacturing," said Chrysler Group’s Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Scott Garberding. "Now, after two and a half years, our Chrysler Group manufacturing facilities are some of the most productive and efficient in the industry, and several are positioned to achieve Bronze status, a significant milestone on the WCM journey, within the next six months."
