FCA US LLC began exterior construction on its Windsor (Ont.) Assembly Plant on Dec. 26, 2014, using a 600-ton crane to start installing 200 pieces of structural steel to create a new conveyor enclosure on the plant’s roof.
Measuring just over 20 feet tall, the conveyor enclosure will house the plant’s new skillet line, a global standard for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles facilities. The skillet moves the vehicle along the line, adjusting its height to the desired level for workers, improving vehicle quality with a better line of sight. The skillet also provides optimal ergonomic positioning, which allows workers to function in the Golden Zone, a 60-degree window in front of the operator that is ideal to present parts.
The conveyor enclosure and skillet line are among many improvements planned for the Windsor plant in preparation for production of a future model. Additional projects will be completed during 14 weeks of downtime beginning in February.
Currently occupying 4.4 million square feet of floor space, the Windsor Assembly Plant employs 4,600 employees across three shifts to produce the Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Ram Cargo Van, and Lancia Grand Voyager. The facility was built in 1928 with production of its signature minivans beginning in 1983. Chrysler Group celebrated 30 years of minivan leadership in 2013 with more than 13 million vehicles sold.
In March 2014, Windsor received a Silver designation in World Class Manufacturing after demonstrating clear know-how and competence in the manufacturing methodology, becoming the first FCA North America facility to be so recognized. Its first award level, Bronze, was received in April 2012. World Class Manufacturing is a methodology that focuses on reducing waste, increasing productivity, and improving quality and safety in a systematic and organized way. WCM engages the workforce to provide and implement suggestions on how to improve their jobs and their plants.
