Vehicle Quality Review - June 2007
6/22/2007

Very Good, Wow, Outstanding, Excellent, Incredible, WORLD CLASS! These are the words that Ken Macfarlane, Director Manufacturing - Operations – Truck, used to describe Detroit Chassis LLC’s 2007 model year performance.

It was clear by the improvement that DCP took note and applied the techniques discussed at previous Vehicle Quality Reviews (VQRs).

The improvement was crystal clear. Macfarlane stated at the last VQR that it was the best up to that point but he challenged DCP to dig deeper.

Rob Stevens, Chief Nameplate Engineer was also present. It is a rare occasion to have both the Director of Manufacturing Operations – Truck and the Chief Nameplate Engineer at DCP at the same time.

Safety continues to set the standard at DCP. The team has made it nearly 550 days without a recordable injury. The goal is to maintain zero recordables. The system that fosters this performance is world champion.

This mantra has been passed to the other functional areas within the organization. The presenteeism policy that has been refined over the years has the organization at 97%. This is a great barometer for the morale of the company.

The proposal system has reached new heights year over year. The goal for 2007 is 1000 proposals with a closure of 85%. Macfarlane was very interested in the feedback system and how DCP communicated to associates about the status of their proposals. This is the key element to the system. The better the feedback the better the proposals.

Safety, Presenteeism & Proposals combine to create a synergy that enables WORLD CLASS QUALITY.

Detroit Chassis had a zero launch spike for the 2007 model year launch. This was a minor launch but it was practice for the 2008MY and we know that practice makes perfect. The question is can this be sustained. The answer is a resounding YES!

The introduction of the VRTs to DCP has made a difference. The interaction between the suppliers, design and DCP has forged a team that is unstoppable.

Contact: Linda Ratliff, 313-571-2100 x 506, lratliff@detroitchassis.com