by Detroit Chassis | Nov 17, 2017 | News
Detroit Chassis Appoints Dennis Edwards as President
Additional Talent Added to the DCP Lineup!
Detroit Chassis is committed to aggressively expanding our capability to better serve our customers while
delivering Customer Joy. You are seeing the results of our investments in facilities, processes and technology.
We are also strengthening our Leadership team’s ability to not only support these efforts but also to advance them to
the next level! Several recent recruits are already helping to make a difference.
Our new President, Dennis Edwards, Jr. joined us on November 13, 2017. He will attend the upcoming November F5X VQR Meeting.
Dennis reports to Carlton Guthrie, Detroit Chassis Co-Chairman and is responsible for managing all Detroit Chassis activities including operations, business development, program launch and support functions.
Dennis has had extensive executive and senior management experience in leading global enterprises. He has highly regarded proficiencies in lean manufacturing, process engineering, capital/tooling acquisition, manufacturing, supply chain management, program management and plant management. He has had responsibility for global operations, program and launch management for major multi-national automotive suppliers. Dennis has a BA and MBA.
Carlton Guthrie stated: “Mike, I and the entire Detroit Chassis team are very excited about Dennis coming aboard as President. He brings a level of expertise, professionalism and vision that will positively affect our organization’s growth and success.”
Pradeep Kashyap has recently joined the Company as VP Engineering and Program Management. Pradeep reports Dennis Edwards, President and he is responsible for all Engineering and Program Management.
Pradeep has more than 20 years’ experience in senior engineering management roles with responsibility for global program and launch management for major automotive suppliers such as Tokai Rubber and TRW. He also has more than 10 years of entrepreneurial experience as a CEO/Principal of his own company that provided automotive components, engineering services and supply chain management to North American, European and Asian automotive customers.
Pradeep has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a M.S. in Industrial Technology.
Michael Hinton has joined our team as Director of Human Resources, reporting to Dennis Edwards, President.
Mike Hinton has 25 years of cumulative experience in Human Resources and Automotive Manufacturing. He has a strong background in Human Resources Management, Organizational and Leadership Development, Performance Management and Labor Relations. In addition, Mike has extensive experience in Operational Management and Manufacturing Processes.
Mike Hinton has a Masters in Human Resources Management and a B.S. in Public Law & Government. He is a certified ISO14001/2015 Lead Auditor and experienced with TS16949.
Bruce Bonn, Quality Engineer has had several senior quality management roles with Ford Motor Company, such as Quality Engineer – New Products at Ford’s Sharonville Transmission Plant, Quality Supervisor and Industrial Engineer. Bruce also gained extensive experience with Tier 1 automotive suppliers throughout his career and he has worked in the following positions: STA Engineer; Quality Manager; Sr. Manager – Business Operating Systems; Certifications, Manager – New Site Support Quality Operating Systems; Departmental Supervisor – Quality Systems and Administration Services; Senior Quality Engineer, Manufacturing Operations and Corporate Manager – Quality Program Development.
Bruce has a B.S. in Business Management and is a ISO/TS 16949 Certified Lead Auditor.
Andre Humes has joined our team as Environment Health and Safety Manager. He will report to Michael Hinton, Director of Human Resources and will be responsible for developing strategies and leading efforts to restoring and sustaining Detroit Chassis’ World Champion performance in Safety.
Andre Humes comes to Detroit Chassis with more than 17 years of cumulative experience in Environmental Health & Safety in the Renewable Energy and Automotive Manufacturing industries. He has a strong background in Ergonomics, Accident Prevention, Maintenance, Operations, Industrial Electricity and Power Generation.
Andre Humes is a U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran with over 12 years of service. He is a certified ISO14001 and TS16949 auditor.
by Detroit Chassis | Oct 6, 2017 | News
SAFETY UPDATE
Focusing on World Champion Safety Performance
Detroit Chassis operated 131 consecutive days without a recordable injury throughout the 1st quarter of 2017. Current performance reflects 66 days with no occurrences and counting. Permanent corrective actions have been
implemented and proactive measures instituted to address the recordable injuries that occurred in the 2nd and 3rd quarters.
We need to continue our focus on reducing recordable injuries by proactively identifying hazards and implementing strategies to ensure a clean and Safe working environment for everyone.
To improve our performance, the Safety Committee has been expanded to include a designated core team that meets regularly to address immediate concerns. The Safety Committee includes representatives from each department plus the following core team members:
- MeShawne Johnson – Change Control Manager
- Nayeesha Conway –Materials Associate
- Sharon Humphrey – Production Leader
- Jimmy Perryman – Production Associate
- Curtis Garrett – Labor Relations
Safety and 5S training has been identified as key elements for Team Leader and Production Leader Development
Training and plant-wide walks have been re-established.
A Versatility Matrix that aligns proficiency with job rotations has been developed.
Members of the Safety Committee with be recertified for CPR, First Aid, and receive Blood Borne Pathogen Awareness training.
Other recent activities include:
- Secondary Container Labeling board
(pictured above)
- Hazardous Materials Labeling for Service Fluids
(pictured above)
- Rear Shock Extension Tooling installed
(pictured above)
- Plant wide Audit for unauthorized Extension Cord
Usage
- Safety Walk Audit for proper Storage Rack Usage
Thank you Detroit Chassis for all of your efforts that are moving us closer to our goal of World Champion Safety performance.
The Safety Committee meets weekly to discuss strategies for improving Safety performance. The Core Safety Team meets more regularly to address immediate concerns.
Important Dates
Manufacturing Day
Friday, October 6, 2017
Manufacturing Day is Awesome!
Detroit Chassis will receive students from the Advanced Technology Academy in Dearborn, MI today for Manufacturing Day. The Advanced Technology Academy is a Michigan public Charter school in partnership with Ford Motor Company.
This is the 3rd consecutive year that Detroit Chassis has participated in Manufacturing Day and volunteers are excited about the opportunity to illustrate the many career opportunities available in manufacturing.
This is but one of the many community activities that Detroit Chassis participates in to support youth and education and it is in alignment with Corporate Value #3 “We are committed to Respect through Diversity and Community”.
White Academy Gets Ready for the 1st Day of School
Detroit Chassis representatives visited White Academy at 5161 Charles St., Detroit, MI 48212 in response to a request from Mr. Blake McGhee, Dean of Students to assist with their Open House.
Faculty was concerned because they had just learned that a sponsor that committed to provide book bags had suddenly cancelled their contribution just 4 days prior to the start of school and they had already been made aware that more than 50% of the students did not have access to resources to get much needed school supplies.
Detroit Chassis Associates and their families were able to step in and provide book bags and school supplies for 250 students along with a contribution to fund a Barber for the day to provide free hair-cuts to the young men.
- David Forney, Engineering Manager
- Curtis Garrett, Labor Relations
- Paul Grech, Industrial Engineer
- Quinton Harris, Facilities
- Michael Hinton, Human Resources Director
- MeShawne Johnson, Change Management Mgr.
- Ranson Smith, Quality Manager
The team volunteered several hours to deliver and pass out book bags loaded with school supplies and prepared and distributed refreshments (hot dogs, chips and beverages) to students, their family members and school faculty.
by Detroit Chassis | Aug 27, 2017 | News
2017 SUMMER CELEBRATION
Detroit Chassis conducted its 2017 Summer Celebration Thursday, August 10th on the grounds of the plant on Lynch Rd. Though it was a down week and there was no production, the Caribbean themed celebration was widely attended by Associates and their family members.
It was a perfect day for the event with 82 degree light winds blowing from the west and partly sunny skies.
The festivities started with an invocation. Lunch was then provided by Chef Max and his crew. The menu consisted of Caribbean salad, Fruit salad, Jerk Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Macaroni & Cheese, Baked Beans, Grilled Mixed Vegetables, Caribbean style Corn, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, and the like. Needless to say, the food tasted very good and there was plenty to eat. Chef Max provided a beverage station with Cucumber and mint water, Caribbean Punch and Lemonade Spritzer. Sister-love-treats were also present to keep us cool throughout the day with flavorful Italian Ice delightful treats.
Keith Beasley provided soulful sounds and served as our photographer.
Associates with perfect and outstanding attendance were recognized and received certificates and financial awards. After further review of documentation, it was determined that Jimmy Perryman should have been included with this group. Congratulations Jimmy! Thank you for being a good sport and for bringing this to leadership’s attention. Jimmy is also our MVP player of 2017 winning 2 games and also having perfect attendance. Way to go Jimmy!
There was much camaraderie, fun and fellowship experienced by all who attended and participated in the activities that included: Limbo, Tug-O-War, Three Legged Race, Water Balloon Toss, Corn Toss and a Pie Eating Contest. We were all able to enjoy food, fun and fellowship with our families during the celebration as we watched and participated in activities for all ages.
Thanks to overwhelming support of Curtis Evans Industries, Libra Industries and Detroit Chassis more than $3,000 in prizes was awarded during the competitive games, raffle and BINGO.
This year’s prizes included:
- 42” Smart TV
- 5 $200 Meijer Gift Cards
- 10 $100 Citgo Gas Cards
- Nike Jacket
- Nike Hat• Picnic Caddy
- 3 Rolling NFL Coolers
- Desk Fan
- 2 DCP Hats
- Detroit Tiger’s Jacket
- Detroit Tiger’s Shirt
- Under Armour Shirt
- Folding Wagon
- Swiss Gear Back Pack
- Headphones
- Water Gun
- 2 Gift Bags (Children’s)
- 40 Goody Bags (Juvenile)
- Jump Rope
Congratulations to all of the winners of the games for your drive, tenacity and winning spirit:
Corn Toss
Limbo
Pie Eating
- Daron Burton (Donell Baldwin’s son)
Tug-O-War
- Harvey Jackson
- Clarence Griffin
- Curtis Garrett
- Mike Hinton
- Toni Siders
- Donell Baldwin
- Jimmy Perryman
- Ramara Jackson
3-Legged Race
- MeShawne Johnson and Clarence Griffin
Water Balloon Toss
- Jimmy Perryman and Nayeesha Conway
All champions received rewards at the event except the Tug-O-War Champions who will be treated to lunch along with the Summer Celebration Committee soon.
The Detroit Chassis Scholarship Program awarded 5 scholarships to well deserving 2017 high school graduates from Associates’ families:
- Tamia Patton (Annie Moore)
1st place scholarship of $750
- Nashia Wilkerson (Nayeesha Conway)
2nd place $500
- Da’Lajha Smiley (Takesha Williams) and
Frank M.J. Thrasher (Frank Thrasher)
3rd place $250 awards
- DeAzhane Hudson (Donna Rush)
4th place awardee
Thank you to all who attended and contributed. Your participation made this year’s event fun and memorable.
Great job team!
The Detroit Chassis leadership team would like to thank all of the committee members for your dedicated time and effort that produced a fun-filled event for DCP Associates and their families. We look forward to your participation again in preparation for the next celebratory event.
Announcement: A proposal has been raised to form a Detroit Chassis SEC (Special Events Committee) consisting of Production Associates. The group will need to plan a fall activity and this year’s Christmas celebration program which will be at The Hotel St. Regis Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 6:00 PM. Consider joining. Meeting dates and times will be announced. Help make this year’s celebrations the best ever!
2017 Summer Celebration Committee
Carmen Bass, Production Associate, Operations
Curtis Garrett, Labor Relations, Human Resources
Fernando Gonzalez, Production Mgr., Operations
Kimberly Barth, Materials Mgr., Operations
LaShauna Robinson, Payroll, Human Capital
Linda Ratliff-Watkins, Mgr. Ministry, Community Support & Customer Service
Melanie Basler, Accounting Mgr., Finance
MeShawne Johnson, Change Control Mgr., Engineering & Prog. Mgmt.
Michael Hinton, Director, Human Resources
Natasha Powell, Materials, Operations
Nicole Gordy, Assistant Mgr. Accounting, Finance
Pauline Player, Production Leader, Operations
Ranson Smith, Quality Mgr., Operatiions
Ron Neys, Facilities, Engineering & Prog. Mgmt.
Sharon Humphrey, Production Leader, Operations
TaJuana Jeter, Industrial Engineer, Engineering & Prog. Mgmt.
Toni Siders, HR Generalist, Human Resources
![Detroit Chassis Update]()
by Detroit Chassis | Jun 21, 2017 | News
Detroit Chassis Programs F53 and F59, Mustang and F650/750
Everyone is working hard to embrace “One Detroit Chassis”. Cohesive teams are working seamlessly to deploy robust processes to achieve shared goals across all programs. Thorough process reviews are being conducted at both locations to ensure consistency, develop robustness and nurture continuous improvement.
Detroit Chassis Plant (DCP)
There is much activity going on at DCP!
We are busy working on F53 and F59 stripped chassis and Mustang front suspension sub-assemblies while preparing the Organization’s Facility, Machinery and Equipment for a major 2020 launch.
Detroit Chassis Avon (DCA)
Anderson (Andy) L. Dobbins was promoted to the position of President, Detroit Chassis Avon effective Monday, March 13, 2017. Andy’s leadership marks the beginning of a new era for the Detroit Chassis Avon organization.
Andy hit the ground running and has presided over intensified safety, training, quality and production enhancements, already confirmed by improved metrics.
Several facilities and infrastructure enhancements have been completed to provide more meeting space, more efficient material flow, upgraded comfort stations and a safer more hygienic environment to support building its F650/750 (H567) axles and tire & wheel assemblies.
A cross functional team is implementing a comprehensive ERP solution that incorporates sophisticated error proofing and communication with OHAP within a 4 hour broadcast window.
A detailed project plan has been generated and is reviewed weekly with all stakeholders, including Ford. The “go live” date is mid-August.
The team is broadening its customer service process to include key stakeholders at OHAP. This restructured process is greatly improving timely communication with our customers.
We encourage customers to submit documented inquiries and concerns. All concerns are reviewed, submitted to champions and action plans to address them are developed and communicated back to our customers.
We track our progress and share this information with the entire leadership team during monthly Balanced Scorecard Meetings. We have been able to consistently close 75% of concerns within the first 24 hours!
Twice each year, we conduct “Customer Joy” surveys to collect feedback from customers. This information is analyzed, discussed and communicated throughout the organization with the purpose of developing continuous improvement activities that will enhance the customer’s experience.
Concerns can be submitted via email to lratliff@detroitchassis.com.
The 2017 Business Applications in Manufacturing Management Program
Detroit Chassis Associates have also been busy in the community. We successfully wrapped up another Business Applications in Manufacturing Management session with 3 promising students from Davis Aerospace/ Golightly Technological High School: Rebecca Pettigrue, Nashia Wilkerson and Jalen Hamilton-Purnell.
Students recently completed a 10-week rigorous program in which they receive school credit that requires perfect attendance and the assignment of working alongside managers in various departments including: Safety, Engineering, Quality, Customer Service and Communications.
Students were responsible for attending and being engaged during meetings, completing daily logs, weekly reports, facilitating high-level meetings and delivering a final presentation to company owners, leaders, school faculty including the principal and their parents.
Once again we are pleased!
The method and model works! Students greatly benefit from having mentors in the business community to help open the window so they can see and map strategies for career guidance and success. All 3 students have been invited to return for the summer session and are scheduled to attend college in the fall. We are particularly excited that one of the students, Nashia Wilkerson is a 2nd generation DCPer;
Nayeesha Conway in the Materials Department is her mom. Nashia excelled during the program and was assigned the position of BAMM program assistant. She led by example and assisted her colleagues in meeting expectations all while accomplishing program requirements. Nashia’s weekly reports were insightful and well written.
Thank you to Michael and Carlton Guthrie for your undying passion to make a positive difference in the lives of young people, to all of the DCP leaders (Danon Dupree, David Forney, Ranson Smith, Fernando Gonzalez) for committing to serve as mentors for the 2017 BAMM program and for participating during the selection process. Thank you for taking valuable time to mentor students while still accomplishing your day-to-day goals and objectives.
We look forward to your continued support as we prepare for the summer session.
BAMM: Where your involvement makes an impact!
![Detroit Chassis Update]()
by Detroit Chassis | Jun 21, 2017 | Uncategorized
CONTINUING THE FOCUS ON WORLD CHAMPION PERFORMANCE!
Great things are happening at Detroit Chassis and we are eager to talk about it!
- Our Safety performance improved for the 3rd straight year, from a peak of 16 annual recordable injuries in 2014, 13 in 2015 and then a dramatic reduction to only 3 injuries in 2016.
- Our incident rate for recordable injuries was 1.49, down from 7.3 in 2014 and considerably below the industry average rate of 5.6 injuries for every 100 man/ years.
- We operated 240 consecutive days in 2016 without a recordable accident, the 4th longest stretch without a recordable in our history. Our record is 636 days from the 3rd quarter in 2005 to the 4th quarter in 2007.
This performance is exemplary! What have we done to drive such dramatic improvement?
- Increased Awareness and Identification of Potential Hazards
- Increased Job Rotation – Reduction of Repetitive Motion Injuries
- Increased Safety Walks – Hazard Awareness to Identify and Fix Concerns
- Encouraged everyone to report Concerns – See Something – Say Something
- Continuous Improvement – Improvements can be made anywhere
- TEAM WORK – Team Leaders, Production Leaders, Safety Committee and You – Working Together to Work Safely
Detroit Chassis strives for Continuous Improvement. We continually evaluate tooling and processes to build a Quality Product for our customer.
Other examples of our efforts
- Added new remotes and controllers for the Frame Flip Process
- Replaced and continue to replace the casters and toe guards on all moving carriers
- Replaced and extended 2 large concrete pads in the back of the facility that were cracked and potentially hazardous
- Proactively had all Overhead Steel Structures inspected, certified and tagged for integrity:
A Safety and Process Improvement Kaizen Event was held on January 21st in the Birdcage area. Twentyeight Action Items were identified during this event, not only for safety but also for material delivery, line side presentation, tooling improvements, floor plan redesign and much more.
Safety Update
David Forney- Pauline Player
- Donna Rush
- Jacqueline Durham
- Ramara Jackson
- Halim Sailor
- Daisha Davis
- Ed Mobley Jr.
- Crawford Latham
- Felicio McWillie
- Cynthia Sanders
- Greg Miller
- Danon Dupree
Thank you team for your input and passion to address the concerns that have been identified and for such diligent follow up.
Other Developments:
Detroit Chassis has a new E-Maintenance Work Order tracking data base and system. Since the rollout in early 2016, we have successfully addressed and closed 247 of the 250 work orders entered into the system. Sixty percent of the work orders were related to safety. The E-Maintenance Work Order System is open to all Detroit Chassis Associates and work orders can be entered by everyone.
We are working towards ISO 14001 Certification by September 2017.
You ask, What is ISO 14001?
ISO 14001 is an internationally agreed standard that sets the requirements for an environmental management system. It helps organizations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste, gaining a competitive advantage and the trust of stakeholders.
Improvements with product flow and material delivery are coming to the Mustang line. Production will be starting back up this month for the Mustang Line and we want to shine so we are painting the floor, moving and improving the racking systems, adding new lift assists and making more changes to improve efficiency. Stop by and check on our progress.
Think Car is getting dusted off, recharged and placed back in service. We are hoping to utilize the Think Car to respond to Medical Emergencies and Tours of the facility.
Nope you’re not seeing things, our Hi-Lo’s actually have Blue Lights. Blue Lights indicates that the HI-Lo is in reverse.
Keep an eye out for the blue lights…
Kudos to the team for all of your efforts in making Safety the #1 priority at Detroit Chassis!
Our next publication will highlight developments at Detroit Chassis in Avon, Ohio (DCA).
Stay tuned!
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