ChryslerâE(tm)s assembly plant in Belvedere has become a key component in their move towards flexible manufacturing. Extensively updated and retooled in 2005 to the tune of about $419 million, the plant produces the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass models.
But on Thursday, the first Jeep Patriot model rolled off of the assembly line as well. This signifies a further step towards the adoption of a process which allows for significant cost savings (around 85 percent), better worker ergonomics and enhanced flow of materials into and out of the assembly line.
A few key areas mobilize efforts towards flexible manufacturing. For instance, the plant uses interchangeable robotic components in its body shop rather than dedicated tooling- meaning that with a few quick changes, the line can go from one vehicle to another, with any proportion possible.
Additionally, common components are packaged together into "kits" and delivered on a just in time basis to the appropriate workstation- reducing inventory costs.
With flexible manufacturing becoming the way of the future for manufacturers, the name of the game is creating an advantage. Frank Ewasyshyn, Chrysler VP of manufacturing, explains. "We are now seeing the results of our flexible manufacturing strategy that leads to a competitive advantage for the Chrysler Group. Thanks to BelvidereâE(tm)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."
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| (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
A few key areas mobilize efforts towards flexible manufacturing. For instance, the plant uses interchangeable robotic components in its body shop rather than dedicated tooling- meaning that with a few quick changes, the line can go from one vehicle to another, with any proportion possible.
Additionally, common components are packaged together into "kits" and delivered on a just in time basis to the appropriate workstation- reducing inventory costs.
With flexible manufacturing becoming the way of the future for manufacturers, the name of the game is creating an advantage. Frank Ewasyshyn, Chrysler VP of manufacturing, explains. "We are now seeing the results of our flexible manufacturing strategy that leads to a competitive advantage for the Chrysler Group. Thanks to BelvidereâE(tm)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."