The Chrysler Groups Kokomo Transmission Plant.

Chrysler Group has something to celebrate. The Kokomo Transmission Plant (KTP), located in Kokomo, Indiana, has been awarded bronze status for its successful implementation of World Class Manufacturing (WCM).

The KTP is a 3.1 million square foot facility that machines engine block castings and transmission components as well as transmission assembly for a wide variety of Chrysler vehicles. The World Class Manufacturing (WCM) method focuses on systematically reducing waste, increasing productivity, and improving quality and safety. This method was first introduced to the Fiat brand in 2006, and later to the Chrysler Group in 2009.

Since then, the company has saved more than $1 billion in manufacturing costs as a result.

The company was awarded the bronze designation after a two-day audit on December 4-5, 2014. The audit takes into account the pillars of the program and ranks the company on each area. Bronze accreditation shows that there is clear WCM know-how and competence. Out of 100, KTP scored 51, just making the bronze status. A score of 100 would indicated world class status.

Eight-speed transmission housings prepare to move down the assembly line at Chrysler Groups Kokomo Transmission Plant. (2014)

“KTP has gone through significant change since 2009 as it prepared to launch production of the all-new eight- and nine-speed transmissions. Through it all, the KTP employees remained focused on implementing World Class Manufacturing and have been acknowledged for those efforts today with the awarding of bronze,” said Brian Harlow, Vice President and Head of NAFTA Manufacturing, Chrysler Group LLC.

The plant has received investments totaling $1.5 billion for the production of the new transmissions.

Six other Chrysler facilities also hold the bronze award including Toledo Assembly Complex (Ohio), Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant (Mex.), Dundee Engine Plant (Mich.), Trenton Engine Complex (Mich.), Warren Stamping (Mich.) and Indiana Transmission Plant II (Ind.).

The Windsor Assembly Plant (Ont.) was the first assembly plant to receive a bronze designation back in 2012. In March of this year, the Canadian facility was bumped up to silver. This makes the Windsor Assembly Plant the highest ranking Chrysler plant in North America.

SOURCE Chrysler Group