Chrysler Group Launches Production of All-New 2007 Jeep(R) Patriot at Belvidere Assembly Plant
20 Décembre 2006 - 7:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
* Flexible manufacturing cuts production costs by 85 percent *
Robotics, lean dies and material flow improve quality, productivity
and worker ergonomics * Third vehicle introduced at Belvidere
Assembly Plant AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/
-- Chrysler Group's Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant launched
production of the Company's tenth all-new vehicle this year, as the
first 2007 Jeep Patriot came off the assembly line today. The plant
which was extensively retooled in 2005, has become a flagship for
Chrysler Group's adoption of flexible manufacturing. Production of
the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber began in January 2006 and was
followed in May by the all-new 2007 Jeep Compass. Flexible
manufacturing is allowing Chrysler Group to bring its new vehicles
to market more quickly and the Belvidere Assembly Plant to
manufacture multiple products on one assembly line. Additionally,
flexible manufacturing has positively impacted production costs by
a savings of up to 85 percent in some instances. The Chrysler Group
continues to implement its flexible manufacturing processes
plant-by-plant. "We are now seeing the results of our flexible
manufacturing strategy that leads to a competitive advantage for
the Chrysler Group," said Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President
- Manufacturing. "Thanks to Belvidere's ability to build multiple
models off one assembly line, we expect the production of three
all-new models to cost significantly less than the initial
investment we made in the plant to build one product." Robotics At
the core of the new manufacturing process is a body shop comprised
of robots instead of the dedicated tooling that was previously
used. Belvidere is Chrysler Group's first assembly plant to use a
body shop comprised entirely of robotics. Only the robots' end
effectors, or "hands," need to change in order to build the
different models. That tool change is done automatically, within
the time it takes to cycle from one vehicle to the next. In
addition, the Belvidere plant is flexible enough to vary the
production mix between three products anywhere from 0 to 100
percent of each model. A fourth model can also be piloted, or
test-built, at the same time, helping reduce the time needed to
make new-model changeovers. The new body shop and other upgrades
are part of a $419 million total Belvidere investment announced in
2005. Many changes are taking place within the Chrysler Group
manufacturing process to accommodate the multiple models. For
example, new ways to make the required amount of stamping dies are
saving the company up to 60 percent on the cost of dies. Material
Flow New methods of material flow are being implemented to manage
the complexity of three models being built on one assembly line.
The inbound parts sequencing center manages more than 1,799
different parts that are used in the Jeep Compass, Dodge Caliber
and Jeep Patriot build process. In addition to sequencing, this
center provides parts metering, kitting and container management to
the Belvidere Assembly Plant and delivers complete subassemblies
just-in-time to the manufacturing floor. A tunnel connects the
500,000 square-foot sequencing center to the Belvidere Assembly
Plant. This facility, operated by TDS/US -- one of Chrysler Group's
largest minority-owned suppliers -- represents the highest level of
integration within a Chrysler Group plant. TDS/US organizes parts,
puts them in "kits" for individual work stations and delivers them
to the end of a connecting tunnel for Belvidere employees to
transport to the manufacturing floor. This process maintains
in-plant stocks at optimal levels, minimizes delivery time and
reduces costs an estimated 12 percent a year compared with the
previous process. By carefully managing the material flow at the
plant, the sequencing center helps workers focus on manufacturing
quality and allows Belvidere to remain one of the most efficient
manufacturing examples in the Chrysler Group family. These
pre-assembled modules reduce the number of components required to
assemble the Jeep Compass, Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot improving
quality, productivity and worker ergonomics. Smart A new workplace
organizational model, coined Smart manufacturing, is increasing the
flexibility of the Belvidere workforce, while fostering greater
creativity and innovation from plant employees. This model is being
implemented throughout Chrysler Group's Manufacturing organization.
In addition to extensive training, the new workplace model lets
employees design their own work stations. These changes provide a
better work environment for employees and give increased support to
assembly line team members. "Belvidere Assembly is running on all
cylinders," said Kurt Kavajecz, Plant Manager - Belvidere Assembly
Plant. "We have faced many challenges this year, we added two
shifts, a new robotic body shop and started production of three
all-new models: Jeep Compass, Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot. Our
new workplace organization model, in which employees work in small
teams, has fostered greater creativity and innovation on the plant
floor and made for a very smooth process." Jeep Patriot Chrysler
Group's Jeep Patriot introduces rugged, classic Jeep styling at an
affordable, entry-level price. The Jeep(R) brand continues its
expansion into untraveled territory with the 2007 Jeep Patriot.
This all-new compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) delivers fun,
freedom, utility and best-in-class Jeep 4x4 capability, as well as
a new entry-level price point for the Jeep brand. Based on the Jeep
Patriot concept first introduced at the 2005 International Motor
Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the 2007 Jeep Patriot is a modern
interpretation of traditional Jeep styling. Jeep Patriot combines
the packaging and interior flexibility of an SUV with the
performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car or
small pickup. Safety features, such as standard side-curtain air
bags and standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), add to Jeep
Patriot's tremendous value. All-new Jeep technology gives Patriot
more capability than any other vehicle in its class. Jeep Patriot
will be available in the United States and Canada in three drive
configurations: front-wheel drive, Freedom Drive I(TM) (a
full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with Lock mode) and
Freedom Drive II(TM) Off-Road Package (a full-time, active
four-wheel-drive system with low range that provides true Jeep 4x4
Trail Rated capability). The Chrysler Group is the city of
Belvidere's largest employer and has a significant impact on the
community with 3,400 employees throughout Illinois who generate
$188 million in annual wages (year-end 2005). The 3.7 million
square-foot Belvidere Assembly Plant is represented by United Auto
Worker's Union Locals 1268 and 1761. The plant began production of
the Plymouth Fury and Dodge Monaco in 1965. DATASOURCE: Chrysler
Group CONTACT: Michele Tinson, +1-248-512-0366, , or David Elshoff,
+1-248-512-2690, , both of Chrysler Group Web site:
http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
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