Category Archives: Manufacturing

Chrysler,Manufacturing | October 10 2016

Minivan Monday: All-new Chrysler Pacifica minivan runs rings around competition

It’s no idle boast to say the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan affords a smooth, quiet ride. The words literally ring true. “The Pacifica has five reinforcement rings, strategically placed from front to back, that circle the vehicle’s lateral circumference,” said FCA US engineer Jeff Tibbenham, who is responsible for body structure. “These rings work
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Chrysler,Manufacturing | September 29 2016

Learn why body engineering is crucial to Chrysler Pacifica

Just as a well-built home begins with a solid foundation, development of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica began with a robust, new platform, says Phil Jansen, Head of Product Development – FCA North America. “Every year, the expectations evolve,” Jansen told the 2016 International Automotive Body Congress yesterday, describing today’s dynamic marketplace. Body structure comprises the
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Jeep,Manufacturing,Our People | August 08 2016

Off the Line: Joe Nudi

With his trademark bald head and big smile, Joe Nudi may be a familiar face to family, friends and coworkers, but recently his face appeared on the national stage — perhaps one of the biggest stages in the United States: the Democratic National Convention (DNC). A third-generation auto worker, Joe’s story aired in a video
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Manufacturing | June 24 2016

Green FCA: Good planning ‘LEEDs’ to savings

While most of the manufacturing and operating improvements FCA US makes are to existing processes and plants, we also look to improve from the ground up. When we built a new body shop at the Sterling Heights, Mich., Assembly Plant, achieving LEED Gold Certification – and all the benefits that come from it – was
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Manufacturing | June 16 2016

Green FCA: One thing leads to another: Reducing emissions leads to better corrosion protection

Sometimes, in manufacturing, a good solution can lead to other challenges. However, resolving that challenge also can lead to a better solution. That’s what happened when we discovered that an improved body sealing system at our Belvidere, Ill., Assembly Plant was causing more emissions. But, Belvidere and FCA personnel along with a supplier found a
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