by Detroit Chassis | May 26, 2017 | News
Andy L. Dobbins
President
Detroit Chassis Avon
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!
Important Dates
DCP Summer Celebration
Friday, August 4, 2017
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!
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by Detroit Chassis | Dec 22, 2016 | News
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2016 Christmas Celebration
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DCP ASSOCIATES CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN STYLE AT THE HOTEL ST. REGIS
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Detroit Chassis celebrated the season in style at the 2016 Christmas Celebration that was held at The Hotel St. Regis Saturday, December 17, 2016. The event was widely attended and the Grand Ball Room was packed with holiday well-wishers. Co-Chairmen Michael and Carlton Guthrie were in attendance and so was Carlton’s lovely wife Dawn Marie. Also in attendance were Dave Taylor and his wife Helen, John Scholtes and his wife Rebecca and John Ruppert and his wife Andie. It was pleasurable interacting with our customers in a relaxed atmosphere.
The program was complete with Christmas carols presented by Carolyn Lofton, Juana Lowery, Toni Siders and myself. The group committed themselves to mini rehearsals at the end of the shift for a few days and managed to perform well. Great job!
We are happy to report that we were able to award 47 prizes amounting in value to $4,884 with the assistance of a few key suppliers.
The gracious staff of The Hotel St. Regis provided support throughout the entire evening. The venue was perfectly located and beautifully decorated.
The expressions captured in the pictures show that everyone had a wonderfultime.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]A heart-felt thank you is extended to:
- Michael and Carlton Guthrie for hosting the
2016 Christmas Celebration
- The Hotel St. Regis for making your venue
available to Detroit Chassis and to your staff for
excellent service
- Curtis Evans (JT Curtis/Curtis Industrial
Services) who generously donated prizes amounting
to 75% of the prizes for the raffle drawings and
consistent support of DCP sponsored events
- Walter Rosati (Sigma Pac), Dave Guerrieri,
Mike Clark and Jim Casey (Air Center), Stacy
Meagher (Creative Marketing Solutions), and
Diane Johnson (Amerisource) for their generous
contribution of prizes
- Brian Hicks (Photographer) and Amando
Star Entertainment (DJ) for accommodating our
special requests
- The 2016 Christmas Celebration Focus
Group and Planning Committee for your ideas and suggestions .
our time and efforts blessed us tremendously and helped us make a difference in the lives of DCP families. May your holiday season be graced with goodness from Heaven.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”1093″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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by Detroit Chassis | Nov 21, 2016 | News
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VQR Success
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CONTINUING THE FOCUS ON WORLD CHAMPION PERFORMANCE!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]The last Vehicle Quality Review meeting of 2016 was conducted Friday, November 18, 2016 at Detroit Chassis in the Family Room.
David Filipe, Commercial Truck Vehicle Line Director, John Scholtes, Chief Program Engineer, David Taylor, Resident Engineer/PVT Manager/ Chassis Design Supervisor, Timothy Bosman, PVT/Resident Engineer and Jojy Xavier, Electrical Distribution Systems Engineer were in attendance from Ford Motor Company. Detroit Chassis senior leaders in attendance included Carlton Guthrie, President and Co-Chairman and Michael Boyle, General Manager.
Individuals were recognized for outstanding performance including Sharon Humphrey, Production Lead, Kevin Hurst, Mechanic and the entire Maintenance Team.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Presenters included: Ranson Smith, Quality Manager, Paul Levandowski, APQP Manager and Reggie White, Warranty Analyst. They were well prepared and presented the status of internal quality performance supported by external warranty data.
Warranty data continues to positively trend downward. It shows the positive impact of the cross-functional Ford/DCP team’s ability to work with suppliers to pro-actively identify systemic issues, take deep-dives and determine root-cause while implementing robust plans of action that resolve concerns resulting in permanent corrective actions.
David Filipe commented that the team was challenged a year ago to work more closely together to ensure the highest quality product was produced prior to shipment. The team has made substantial progress and it shows. Now he challenges the team to work to sustain performance while addressing systemic issues.
John Scholtes stated that this was the best VQR he has attended at DCP.
Congratulations to the Ford/DCP team for a successful VQR![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]
Safety Update!
This year DCP celebrates the 4th longest period of production with no recordable injuries — 225 days! Our current incident rate is 1.8. This is OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE when compared to the Industry Rate of 6.3 published in 2014.
We need to refine our focus and push forward to achieve World Championship performance.
We must continue to pay attention to details and tasks at hand otherwise, like anyone else, we can become complacent in what we do and where we go. For instance, we see a path to travel and decide to take a short cut and walk without realizing we share the path with others; we may perform a job and forget to tell someone that something just is not right with the tool and when someone else comes behind us to perform that operation the chance of a injury increases.
This time of year it is easy to drift to holiday activities but in doing so take our eyes off of what is in front of us each and everyday so be careful.
We must set ourselves up for success. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Let’s keep our eyes open and be constantly aware of Safety.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”1083″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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by Detroit Chassis | Aug 15, 2016 | Uncategorized
2016 Summer Celebration
Fun, Food and Fellowship
Detroit Chassis conducted its annual Summer Celebration Thursday, July 28, 2016 on the grounds of the plant on Lynch Rd.
In spite of the threat of rain, it was a perfect day for the event with 82 degree winds and partly sunny skies.
We were all able to enjoy food, fun and fellowship with our families during the celebration while we watched and participated in activities for all ages.
Stahl’s Catering Services provided all refreshments and the menu included: Grilled Hamburgers, Turkey Burgers, Hot Dogs, Jalapeno and Cheese Sausage and Kielbasa with fresh Buns, Baked Beans, Potato Salad and Lemonade, Iced Tea and cold water. Cotton Candy was provided for all to enjoy!
Thanks to overwhelming support of Curtis Evans Industries and AmeriSource more than $3,300 in prizes was awarded during the competitive games, BINGO and raffle.
The 2nd Annual Memorial Horse Shoe Tournament was conducted in honor of the late Robert A. Seabrooks (Breezy) and Jimmy Perryman won this year’s competition and was awarded the traveling championship trophy.
This year’s prizes included:
- Two $25 American Express gift cards
- A $500 Art Van gift certificate
- Three $100 Bed, Bath & Beyond gift cards
- Four $50 Cedar Pointe tickets
- Ten $100 Citgo Gas cards
- Four $150 Meijer gift cards
- Six $15 Red Lobster gift cards
- Two $100 Target gift cards
To top things off, Michael Guthrie, CEO called an extra number that provided an opportunity for Raymond Nelson to win $100 cash and LaShandra Williams took home $274 from the proceeds of the 50/50 Raffle.
Family members beat our socks off on the Musical Chairs game and Pie Eating Contest and they smiled as they each received their winnings.
The Detroit Chassis leadership team would like to thank all of the committee members for your dedicated time and effort that produced a funfilled event for DCPers and their families.
A huge thank you is extended to Bryan Hicks for providing creative photography services throughout the event that captured precious moments for us to appreciate again and again.
“It is always a pleasure to spend time with DCP Associates and their families during the annual summer celebration event. We have been blessed to celebrate another year of being able to produce a stellar product. The best motor home and commercial truck chassis’ are made in the Motor City!” Michael J. Guthrie, CEO
Great Job Team!
by Detroit Chassis | Aug 1, 2016 | Uncategorized
SAFETY UPDATE
Nearing 150 Days Injury Free!
Congratulations Detroit Chassis we are trending in a positive upward direction and we are nearing 150 Days Injury Free!
We are able to reach goals as we work together as a unified team addressing concerns early while listening to feedback from Associates and moving forward without procrastination to get the job done.
Look for flyers to announce the next celebration activity.
Remember to bring Safety related concerns to the attention of the joint Safety Committee Meeting with the leadership team and the UAW Wednesdays at 10:30 AM in the Family Room.
Engineering Update
Engineering now has an electronic work order tracking system that monitors and tracks the progress of work orders for maintenance and facilities through completion ensuring Safety related requests are priority and adequately addressed.
The Safety Committee has successfully closed over 58 Safety concerns and action items identified by DCP Associates.
Please keep your eyes open and continue to report concerns so they can be entered into the system and corrected.
Materials Update
Recently, we recertified 21 Material Handlers at a 6:00 AM class conducted on a Tuesday morning. The class was two part and allowed attendees to participate in classroom instruction with quizzes along with hands-on driving demonstrations to enhance their skills.
Quiz questions:
- Describe the stability triangle
- Forklift stability and a raised load
- When to inspect forklifts
- Pick up and transferring loads
- Driving in reverse
- Traveling on a ramp
- Speed factors when driving
- Battery Charging
Thank you for your participation and feedback materials handlers and a special thank you to Clarence Griffin for conducting the hands on driving skills demonstration.
Operations Update
- A lifting and rotating table has been installed on the Engine Line at Station 80 that assists Associates by providing easy access to alternators in the back of the rack. Engineering did a great job assisting with this concern and developing a suitable resolution. Thank you for making this possible, Engineering.
- Associates are asked to place gloves and aprons in the yellow barrels or the laundry shoot cabinets located near PPE cabinets around the plant. Check pockets first to make sure all are emptied of tools, nuts, bolts, washers, etc. These items sometimes make it through the wash and prevent gloves from being adequately cleaned. We want and expect a clean product from our vendor but we must do our part.
- Associates can now request Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) from Production Leaders because all PPE is now maintained in cabinets located in each team area.Cabinets are closely monitored and stocked with a min/max level for every item. So, if you are not sure where to go just ask your Production Leader and they can get it for you.
- Detroit Chassis is now utilizing an eco-friendly product from ZEP on the floors throughout the facility that reduces slippage.
It is light weight, cost-effective and will absorb fluid that can build up on the manufacturing floor. It may produce a white residue in some areas but that is nothing to worry about. Facilities will address reported occurrences.
- New monitors have been installed at entrances and break areas throughout the plant for displaying Safety messages and other pertinent information.
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