The Chrysler Group on June 4 announced the production launch of the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, which will be built at Chrysler Group's
The Sterling Heights Assembly Plant employs Chrysler Group's expanding Flexible Manufacturing Strategy (FMS). Flexible manufacturing allows the company to bring its new vehicles to market more quickly and the
"We are seeing a great deal of success at the
The Sterling Heights Assembly Plant and
"With our Flexible Manufacturing Strategy, the assembly operation now has the capability to build multiple upper bodies and multiple vehicle families, allowing the flexibility to add new models or ‘cross-load’ models from other plants in order to better meet market dynamics," said Robert Bowers, plant manager of the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant.
Since the roll-out of Chrysler Group's Flexible Manufacturing Strategy in 2000, it has been the template for Chrysler Group plant modernization. Sterling Heights Assembly Plant and Sterling Stamping along with
"In addition, the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant can weld and assemble more than one product on the same line. These new capabilities will support the company's pursuit of product leadership by providing flexibility and increase distinction between the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands," said Bowers.
Flexible Manufacturing Strategy (FMS)
Chrysler Group's FMS allows the company to produce a higher-quality product faster, and for a lower cost. In order to balance production with demand, the FMS approach allows the company to efficiently build lower-volume vehicles that take advantage of market niche, and to quickly shift production volumes between different models within a single plant or among multiple plants.
The FMS is being implemented product by product and plant by plant across the Chrysler Group. New investment is introducing state-of-the-art technology to Chrysler Group plants allowing the company to produce more than one vehicle on a production line and conduct rolling launches of new models. Additionally, Chrysler Group's workforce is becoming more flexible with the implementation of team concepts and an increased emphasis on supporting assembly line operators.
Robotics
At the core of the new manufacturing process is a body shop comprised of 620 new robots instead of the vehicle-specific heavy tooling that was previously used, for a total of 784 robots in the Body Shop. 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. A fourth model can also be piloted – or test-built – at the same time, helping reduce the time needed to make new-model changeovers.
Smart Manufacturing
A new Workplace Organizational Model, coined "Smart Manufacturing," is increasing the flexibility of the SHAP workforce, while fostering greater creativity and innovation from plant employees. This model is being implemented throughout the Chrysler Group's Manufacturing organization in conjunction with the United Auto Workers. In addition to extensive training, the new workplace model promotes employee involvement in all facets in the design and processing of the work stations. These changes provide a better work environment for employees and give increased support to assembly line team members while improving the Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Morale (SQDCM) principles. There are numerous examples.
In an effort to improve productivity and ergonomics, a "happy seat" or ergonomic assist seat, has been incorporated into the production of all vehicles at SHAP. This happy seat was developed based upon the need to secure four fasteners in the center console that were previously unreachable without workers getting in and out of the vehicle on their hands and knees.
After benchmarking other Chrysler Group plants, it was determined that the happy seat was the best solution.
In yet another example, an industry first "Spider Fixture" was developed by a joint team consisting of UAW members, Advanced Manufacturing Engineers, product engineers and convertible top supplier Karmann to set glass in the new Chrysler Sebring Convertible. This one-of-a-kind fixture utilizes laser sensors, improving productivity and consistency in setting front door glass and quarter glass.
Chrysler Group is the city of
Sterling Heights Assembly Plant opened in 1953 as a jet engine factory. The plant, which was purchased by Chrysler Group in 1983, covers 3 million square feet, and is home to UAW Locals 1700, 889 and 412.
Sterling Stamping is 2.7 million square feet and is home to UAW Locals 1264, 889 and 412.