Chrysler unveils 'World' training facility

Chrysler Group LLC on Tuesday opened a state-of-the-art training center in Warren, designed to teach its workers the principles of "World Class Manufacturing."

That is the formal name of Fiat SpA's production system, a program patterned on Toyota Motor Corp.'s vaunted Toyota Production System.

"When Chrysler was developing its survival plan in partnership with Fiat in 2009, one of the key elements of turning the company around was the implementation of World Class Manufacturing," said Scott Garberding, vice president of manufacturing at Chrysler, in a statement released Tuesday morning.

Many of the principles of that program already are being practiced at Chrysler factories across the United States. Massimo Risi, in charge of implementing that program at Chrysler, said the new center would be key to taking that learning to the next level.

"The sharing of 'know-how' and best practices is the key to success in World Class Manufacturing," he said. "The new WCM Academy will allow us to accelerate the pace of change within our facilities by providing a central location where information can be exchanged and solutions found in a hands-on environment."

The 25,000-square-foot center, which features touch-screen walls and hands-on laboratories, will be operated in conjunction with the United Auto Workers.

"WCM has engaged and empowered our UAW-represented workforce by challenging them to become more involved in driving change within our plants," said UAW Vice President General Holiefield, head of the union's national Chrysler division. "Our employees understand that WCM is the foundation of Chrysler Group's continued success and the WCM Academy provides the opportunity for continued growth and development. By embracing WCM, we can secure manufacturing jobs and additional investment in our plants."

Other high-tech gadgetry includes a 3D system that employs the same technology the military uses to train soldiers, to simulate unsafe working conditions inside a factory.

About 1,200 workers will be trained at the new center each year, with another 1,300 expected to visit for tours and briefings.

bhoffman@detnews.com

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