by Linda Ratliff | Aug 25, 2016 | Uncategorized
Customer Satisfaction Survey Results
F53 Motor Home and F59 Commercial Truck manufacturers recently participated in the Detroit Chassis Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Detroit Chassis has made it a point to conduct this survey annually since 2005.
The survey conducted in July 2016 reflects that F53 Motor Home and F59 Commercial Truck manufacturers continue to be pleased with the services they receive from Detroit Chassis and they appreciate the focus on delivering customer joy.
The overall rating is 92% with 92% F53/59 manufacturers responding. We are excited that this rating positively increased by 1% as we continue to strive for World Champion performance.
Our goal remains 100% Customer Joy!
“…The performance of the DCP team has been terrific for the last 4 months! Great to see the quality focus on our products. It is the key to our ongoing relationship with RV accounts. Thanks again to all who contribute!”
Dennis Bearden
RV and Pool Account Manager
NAFLRO, Market Sales and Service
Ford Motor Company
CONTINUING THE FOCUS ON WORLD CHAMPION PERFORMANCE!
Manufacturers reported receiving timely solutions to their concerns. In fact, 100% of responders reported that Detroit Chassis provided satisfactory solutions and 70% credit the Detroit Chassis customer focus with positively affecting their chassis buying strategies.
Detroit Chassis will continue to increase communication and escalate matters to surpass your expectations and improve your customer experience.
Manufacturers stated that Detroit Chassis is their Ford F53 Motor Home and F59 Commercial Truck Chassis provider of choice and they are interested in touring the Detroit Chassis production operation.
Manufacturers want to be notified when quality holds occur that will disrupt expected deliveries.
They also want to be able to obtain replacement components when necessary.
A few manufacturers noted issues that occurred during delivery and suggested a sign-off process be implemented to insure: no damage has occurred during transportation, units are being delivered to the correct location and that the expected delivery is complete.
Communication is vital for manufacturers to adequately plan their production schedule and while communication has improved, they request more improvement in this area.
Overall, manufacturers are grateful to Ford Motor Company for the F53 Motor Home and F59 Commercial Truck chassis and for offering competitively priced options that assist with the manufacturing process.
In response to your feedback, Detroit Chassis will continue to:
Log requests to ensure timely response and closure
Serve as a conduit for the flow of information and work through the Ford/Detroit Chassis team to communicate vital information
Continue to make ACE (Achieving Championship Expectations) trips to manufacturer’s locations to observe processes and offer assistance
Do everything within our power to ensure customers have a rewarding experience
Detroit Chassis would like to thank all of the manufacturers for taking time to provide this valuable feedback.
We are committed to ensuring your customer experience is filled with JOY!
The next survey is scheduled for the 1st quarter of 2017 but you do not have to wait until then to provide feedback.
Send information to:
DETROIT CHASSIS, LLC
Linda Ratliff-Watkins
Manager – Customer Service
6501 Lynch Rd.
Detroit, MI 48234
lratliff@detroitchassis.com.
(313) 743-2357 Office
(313) 350-9017 Mobile
We look forward to hearing from you!
![2016 Summer Celebration]()
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.
by Detroit Chassis | Jun 6, 2016 | Uncategorized
This is how we do it!
Detroit Chassis Leaders and Associates passionately support the community in many ways, including active participation on boards at the governance level, and by contributing valuable time and resources to achieve stated goals that promote youth and education.
Each Associate is encouraged to contribute 24 hours annually towards community related activities of their choice.
Along with the many programs we collectively supported this year, we are showcasing:
The National Association of Black Suppliers Scholarship Fund
We make dreams happen by investing in the educational journeys of high potential, high achieving African American
students through mentorship, support and networking with our students throughout their education and beyond. We involve our past graduates in the journeys of current students and we invite our graduates to work to continue our mission. Recently, 14 students were selected to receive college scholarships and they were recognized at the Annual Awards Ceremony at the Henry Hotel in Dearborn, MI. The organization recognized its founders during the awards ceremony at which Dave Bing, Founder and Chairman, Bing Youth Institute was the keynote speaker and awardee. www.nabssf.org.
Concerned Christian Men (Chicago, IL)
We are an organization of Christian Men that strives to serve as “Fathers to the Fatherless” building servant leaders who are responsible to their communities and families through Modeling, Mentoring, Mastering, Motivating, and creating Momentum for achievement for more than 10 years. Sponsorships are still available for this year’s Annual Awards Program scheduled for June 25, 2016 at Apostolic Church of God Chicago, IL. For more information see www.concernedchristianmen.org.
Junior Achievement of SE Michigan Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan impacted 43,000 students with the help of 2,203 volunteers this past school year. Our volunteer-delivered, kindergarden-12th grade programs
foster work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills, and use experiential learning to inspire students to dream big and reach their potential. JA students develop the skills they need to experience the realities and opportunities of work and entrepreneurship in the 21st-century global marketplace with the help of business and community volunteers. www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-sem
Business Applications in Manufacturing Management (Detroit, MI)
Detroit Chassis provides students a 10-week professional development program with hands on experience in the “real world of work” focusing on high performance and teamwork from an entrepreneurial perspective. We share our culture and values with students and task them to create a personal mission statement, develop long and short-term goals, work effectively to achieve them and receive rigorous weekly performance feedback. This program is conducted concurrently with the school year and students receive credit towards completing high school graduation requirements.
Educate Create Innovate Entrepreneur Relationships (Gary, IN)
The ECIER Foundation was created to educate, empower and equip our youth to realize their potential and achieve their dreams. Students are required to attend innovative entrepreneurial workshops focused on developing their academic, creative and leadership skills. Students design and implement an innovative project and perform community service. This April students along with members of the ECIER BOD spent the day at Detroit Chassis touring the facility, observing the production build process, hearing the success story of our owners and participating in communication / team building activities. www.ecier.org
Gary Alumni Pathway to Students (Gary, IN)
The Gary Alumni Pathway to Students is a group of alumni from Gary Indiana’s Westside High School that work to bridge the gaps between school faculty and students. They collaborate with school administration, faculty and students to develop and implement programs that encourage academic achievement, life skills and career exploration. Though this group of professionals is located across the country, they remain committed to utilizing their gifts and talents to supporting the Gary, Indiana community.
City of Detroit Grow Detroit Youth Talent
Detroit Chassis in conjunction with the City of Detroit is participating in the Grow Detroit Youth Talent program along with the many Detroit area businesses committed to assisting the Mayor in securing summer employment for 5,000 Detroit students between the ages of 14 and 21. Detroit Chassis has selected students who previously completed the internship program to work in the Engineering, Materials and Information Technology departments for a 6-week period.
Detroit Chassis remains very much committed to win/win outcomes through teamwork, respect through diversity and community and to making a positive impact in our community!
by Detroit Chassis | May 20, 2016 | Uncategorized
Detroit Chassis leaders participated in a recent Balance Scorecard Meeting that reviewed pertinent metrics that show how well departments and projects are performing. Metrics show the organization is performing well and continuous improvement activities will sustain this outstanding level of performance.
SAFETY has surpassed 100 days without incurring a recordable injury. This is the kind of SAFETY performance we like to deliver and we are glad that the organization has stabilized in this area.
There are several factors that can affect an organization’s SAFETY record including training, new hires, absences, etc. To celebrate this achievement everyone enjoyed free lunch Thursday, May 19, 2016. Great Job!
Our ISO surveillance audit was completed without any non-conformances and received complimentary remarks from the auditor in several areas pertaining to production and customer service processes.
The results reflected in the audit report confirm that the Detroit Chassis quality management system was developed, documented, applied, is active and constantly renewed, and consistent with international standard ISO 9001:2008 requirements.
DCP is measured monthly within the FORD Inventory Monitoring and Production Inventory System. This measurement tool called SNURK monitors our bailment inventory and ensures DCP is functioning efficiently while reporting on the status of inventory.
DCP’s SNURK report is ALL GREEN. The Materials team has done a wonderful job staying on top of reporting our performance in this area that has been strongly trending positively since December 2015.
Our Materials team works with Ford MP&L to provide “JOY” to Ford Motor Company. Great Job!
Key representatives from Jordan Auto stopped by and were interested in examining 2017MY PP units. Quality and Customer Service joined forces and cleared schedules to accommodate this request. Marvin Dawson, Fixed Operations Manager and Tony Bucci, Parts Manager from Jordan Auto were pleased with the organization’s responsiveness.
Tony sent the following message in a follow-up communication.
“I can’t thank you enough for all of your help. Also I still don’t quite have the right words but I am going to try to sum up the great experience we had up at the plant with you. Not only were we made to feel welcome on such a short notice, but the atmosphere and culture of everyone in the plant is amazing. Every time we wanted to see how something was assembled there was never a hesitation to take the time, and even though it was a disruption on production it was done with a smile. Watching the interaction with everyone was amazing. You have quite the family atmosphere and to say the least I am impressed as that is the culture we strive for here at Jordan. Again, thank you both and the many people whose way we were in for all you do day in and day out.” – Tony Bucci, Jordan Auto
Thank you for your feedback Tony!
Speaking of feedback it is time to launch the Detroit Chassis 2016 Customer Satisfaction survey for F53 Motor Home and F59 Commercial Truck manufacturers.
Manufacturers will receive notification to respond to the survey by the end of this month. All responses are expected by Friday, June 10, 2016.
We endeavor to provide sustained “JOY” to all of our customers!
by Detroit Chassis | Feb 26, 2016 | Uncategorized
WE VALUE CUSTOMER FEEDBACK
Paul Levandowski, APQP Manager and MeShawne Johnson, Change Control Coordinator were nominated by the FORD Motor Company Commercial Vehicle Management team for recognition at the Friday, February 12th, 2016 Appreciation Breakfast.
Each month FORD Vehicle Special Order (VSO) invites individuals to a coffee/juice and bagel breakfast to show how much they appreciate the support received. Often requests are made and speedy responses are necessary on projects that usually require extraordinary effort to accomplish.
Paul and MeShawne have been instrumental in responding to the needs of the customer creating joy!
“Congratulations to the team and to both of you on an exceptional job managing through the recent engine and related powertrain component changes. We are all pleased that the customer is recognizing your effort and success with this.”
“Please continue to share this appreciation, as you have, with your colleagues who supported. Well done! — Michael Boyle, General Manager
Brent Stowell, Materials Manager reported that Detroit Chassis obtained GREEN status in all categories on the SNURK report for the Month of December 2015. This progress was shared with the executive team and managers in the last Balanced Scorecard Meeting. This level of performance is appreciated and well received by FORD Motor
Company’s MP&L group.
On a monthly basis, DCP is measured within the FORD Inventory Monitoring and Production Inventory System. This measurement tool monitors the bailment inventory and ensures DCP is functioning efficiently while reporting on the status of inventory. It feeds this information into the daily SNURK report.
Congratulations to the team and to Chuck Watts, Materials, Inventory and Cycle Count Manager, and Kevin Greer, Materials Analyst and Coordinator for outstanding delivery and performance in this area of expertise. Thank you for meeting expectations for Customer Joy, Effective Communication, Commitment, Integrity, SOUL and Respect!
FINAL LINE
Walking down Final Line looks so nice and orderly. Demetrius Gunn, Team Leader wanted to clean and organize this area by removing extra boxes that created clutter and posed trip hazards.
A rack was installed for Park Brake Cables. The cables are now placed in the proper slot, which is colored-coded and labeled. Not only did we reduce the foot print required for six different part numbers we also created an area that is robustly organized and serves as a visual management for material handlers.
We all want a clean and orderly house, the only way to make this happen – is for all of us to pitch in and do our part.
We spend an average of 8.5 to 10 hours per day at work with our DCP family and we are taking 5”S” to the next level by keeping our DCP house clean and orderly. Thanks to the team for all of your efforts.
5”S”
Pauline Player, Production Lead has implemented another layer to the 5”S” Housekeeping Auditing Process.
Team leaders are now responsible for auditing their areas. Everything not required in an area will be tagged “Red” and removed. Items will be taken to a designated area and reviewed.
TEAM LEADER BOARDS
Now you can see the current status of any DCP Operations Team by taking a look at the Blue Board posted in that area. Thanks to the team for making this possible.
Every team board has current and real time information about SAFETY, Injury Trends, Locations, Near Misses, and Corrective Actions. The boards also display current Quality information, Scrap, Scrap Cost, Production, Hours Per Unit, etc.
Team leaders own their areas and along with ownership comes an understanding of all of the activities, challenges and progress in these areas.
Stop by and have a conversation with a team leader. They will be eager to explain their current status to you.
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