Automotive Assembly

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Assemblers must work quickly while meeting strict quality requirements.

For example, according to the Precision Metalforming Association, 69 percent of U.S. metalworking companies have job openings. However, 91 percent of those companies are experiencing challenges finding qualified employees, and 42 percent describe that difficulty as “severe.”

TIPTON, IN—Chrysler is investing $162 million at its assembly plant here to produce nine-speed automatic transmissions for front-wheel-drive vehicles. The project is expected to create 850 jobs.

DETROIT—Ford Motor Co. plans to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills for each vehicle that it builds by 41 percent as part of a five-year plan through 2016. Ford will reduce the waste generated per vehicle from 22.7 pounds in 2011 to 13.4 pounds.

SMYRNA, TN—Workers from Nissan’s assembly plant here met on Tuesday with United Auto Workers union representatives to discuss another organizing effort at the Japanese automaker’s first U.S. factory.

WINNIPEG, MB—Picture an assembly line not that isn’t made up of robotic arms spewing sparks to weld heavy steel, but a warehouse of 3D printers producing light, cheap and highly efficient automobiles. If Jim Kor’s dream is realized, that’s exactly how the next generation of urban runabouts will be produced.

SAO PAULO, Brazil—GM could build another assembly plant in Brazil if sales in the world’s fourth-largest auto market continue expanding at approximately 5 percent annually. The automaker’s existing facility here is already producing some 60,000 vehicles per year.

CLEVELAND—Ford is planning to invest $200 million at its engine assembly plant here to produce its new four-cylinder EcoBoost engines.

WINDSOR, ON—A parts shortage has halted production at Chrysler Canada’s assembly plant here.

BERLIN—Mercedes-Benz USA is planning to launch 30 new models to the market in the upcoming seven years.