Ford names Hinrichs group VP of global manufacturing

Ford Motor Company president and CEO Alan Mulally on December 13 announced that Joe Hinrichs has been named group vice president of global manufacturing. The appointment is effective January 1, 2008.

Hinrichs, currently vice president of North America manufacturing, will lead the worldwide integration of the company’s manufacturing operations and its engineering support for vehicle, powertrain and stamping. In his new role, Hinrichs, 40, will drive alignment between manufacturing and product development on a global scale, leveraging the company’s worldwide product strategy. He will continue to directly oversee North American manufacturing operations. In addition, Hinrichs will have global responsibility for the company’s Material Planning and Logistics, Ford Production System, and Manufacturing Business Office organizations.

“Joe has been successful in leading the restructuring of our North American manufacturing operations and was a key participant in the recent contract talks with the UAW,” Mulally said. “In his new role, Joe will focus on delivering a global manufacturing plan that allows us to improve our efficiency while leveraging our scale worldwide. A global manufacturing footprint supporting a global product plan that delivers the vehicles people want and value are key to creating an exciting and viable company – that delivers profitable growth for all.”

In his global role, Hinrichs reports to Mulally. In his North American role, he will continue to report to Mark Fields, executive vice president and president, The Americas.

“Our plants in North America are more competitive and our launches are stronger, thanks in large part to Joe’s leadership,” Fields said. “Integrating manufacturing around the world and aligning it with product development on a global scale will make the entire business stronger.”

Hinrichs, who joined Ford in 2000 and has held a variety of top manufacturing jobs, led Ford’s successful effort to negotiate Competitive Operating Agreements with the United Auto Workers across Ford’s U.S. manufacturing operations while driving improved quality. He also played a key role in this year’s contract negotiations with the UAW, which led to a new four-year U.S. labor agreement that will help Ford become significantly more competitive and protects workers and retirees.

“I am excited by the opportunity to bring our plants and engineering functions around the world together into one, cohesive manufacturing operation,” Hinrichs said. “Integrating a global process plan and combining it with our global product plan allow us to accelerate our ability to produce the vehicles customers want around the world while continuing to improve quality.”

Hinrichs also will lead Automotive Components Holdings LLC, the Ford-managed temporary business entity comprised of former Visteon Corporation plants and facilities in the United States and Mexico. ACH is preparing its plants for sale or closure by the end of 2008.