Saltillo South Engine Plant Earns World Class Manufacturing Silver Designation

November 29, 2016 , Mexico City -  The FCA US Saltillo South Engine Plant has been awarded silver status for its efforts in implementing World Class Manufacturing (WCM). It is the fourth North American facility to reach this milestone and the second to achieve it in 2016.

Saltillo South, one of three North American facilities that assembles the 3.6-liter Pentastar engine, earned silver status after receiving a minimum of 60 points following a two-day independent audit, demonstrating clear WCM know-how and competence through employee-conducted pillar presentations and a review of projects implemented across the shop floor. The designation recognizes the long-term commitment of a workforce to making significant changes that can secure the future of a facility.
 
“Achieving silver status is an honor for all who work at this facility, especially as the first Mexican plant to earn this designation,” said Jorge Luis Lares, Head of Manufacturing - FCA México. “The World Class Manufacturing methodology is challenging, but the hardworking employees at Saltillo South are persistent and always looking for new ways to improve our process.
 
“As a result of their commitment, we are receiving silver status a year after earning bronze,” Lares added.
 
WCM was first implemented by Fiat in 2006 and introduced to Chrysler Group as part of the alliance between the two companies in June 2009. It is a methodology that focuses on eliminating waste, increasing productivity, and improving quality and safety in a systematic and organized way by engaging employees to provide and implement suggestions on how to improve their jobs and their plants, promoting a strong sense of ownership. Plants awarded for their efforts also have a role in accelerating the implementation of WCM by coaching and mentoring throughout the organization.
 
In addition to Saltillo South Engine Plant, there are three North American facilities at silver status that were elevated from bronze after receiving a minimum of 60 points during an audit. Silver is awarded to plants that have taken a proactive approach to implementing WCM methodology throughout the facility. The silver plants include Windsor Assembly (Ont.) awarded in March 2014; Dundee Engine (Mich.) recognized in May 2015; and Toledo Assembly Complex (Ohio) designated in May 2016.

The 16 facilities that currently hold the bronze designation in North America are:

• Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant (Mexico)
• Trenton Engine Complex (Mich.)
• Warren Stamping Plant (Mich.)
• Indiana Transmission Plant II (Kokomo, Ind.)
• Kokomo Transmission Plant (Ind.)
• Kokomo Casting Plant (Ind.)
• Toluca Assembly Plant (Mexico)
• Sterling Stamping Plant (Sterling Heights, Mich.)
• Brampton Assembly Plant (Ontario, Canada)
• Tipton Transmission Plant (Ind.)
• Belvidere Assembly Plant (Ill.)
• Saltillo Van Assembly Plant (Mexico)
• Indiana Transmission Plant I (Kokomo, Ind.)
• Mack Avenue Engine Plant (Detroit)
• Toledo Machining Plant (Ohio)
• Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Mich.)

About FCA México
FCA México, S.A. de C.V. is a Mexican automaker with a new name and a long history. Headquartered in Santa Fe, FCA México is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. FCA México manufactures and sells vehicles under the Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep®, Mopar, Ram, SRT and Mitsubishi brands. FCA México is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler, the innovative American automaker first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat, founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli.

FCA, the seventh-largest automaker in the world based on total annual vehicle sales, is an international automotive group. FCA is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FCAU" and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol “FCA.”