Flexible Manufacturing on Display South of the Border

So just how many different models can a single assembly plant handle using Chrysler LLC’s Flexible Manufacturing Strategy (FMS)?

Quite a few as it turns out.

Production of the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs began late last year at the company’s Saltillo Assembly Plant in Saltillio, Mexico. The plant south of the border also produces the Dodge Ram Mega Cab, Dodge Ram Power Wagon, Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 models and the Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab.

To support the new production, Chrysler recently invested $48 million in the plant, resulting in a 120,000-square-foot expansion that allows the plant to produce the commercial vehicles and accommodate new frame configurations.

In addition to increased production capacity, the expansion enables the plant to manage the greater complexity of the all-new Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs. This includes commercial-grade chassis and suspensions, four wheelbases, four cab axle lengths, Regular and Quad Cab configurations and three trim lines.

“A continuous showcase of advanced manufacturing capability and adaptability, the Saltillo facility is one of our most versatile plants and a great example of Chrysler’s flexible manufacturing ability,” said Frank Ewasyshyn, Chrysler LLC’s Executive Vice President of Manufacturing.

Saltillo employs 2,100 people on two shifts and is one of five Chrysler production facilities in Mexico.

Chrysler Joins Fuel Cell Partnership

Chrysler LLC officials announced recently that the company is the newest member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP). The CaFCP is a collaboration of 34 organizations including auto manufacturers, energy providers, fuel cell technology companies and government agencies working together to promote the commercialization of hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles.

“We are pleased to welcome Chrysler as our ninth automotive member,” said Catherine Dunwoody,” CaFCP’s Executive Director. “We’re looking forward to the new perspectives Chrysler will bring to the table.”

Chrysler has a long history of fuel cell research. In 1998 Chrysler designed and built the Natrium concept—the first functional fuel cell-powered vehicle with on-board hydrogen reformation. The Natrium was based on the popular Chrysler Town & Country minivan.

When Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz merged in 1998 to become DaimlerChrysler, the company operated the largest fuel cell vehicle fleet in the world with more than 100 vehicles gaining real-world experience through day-to-day operations.

By joining the CaFCP, officials say, Chrysler is demonstrating its ongoing commitment to fuel cell technology moving forward in its post-merger world.

Operation Gratitude Reaches Milestone

Care packages made holidays a little brighter for U.S. troops

Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit organization that sends care packages and letters of support to troops deployed overseas, reached an unprecedented production milestone last December when Santa Claus and volunteers assembled the 300,000th care package.

Courtesy of Chrysler LLC’s Jeep® brand, this particular milestone package contained a special surprise: Keys to an all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty. The vehicle will be awarded to the package recipient upon his or her return to the United States from overseas duty.

With its origin dating back to the days of World War II, the Jeep brand and its dealers have long supported the U.S. military, and have been involved with Operation Gratitude since 2004.

During this past holiday season, Chrysler also participated in a partnership with The Freedom Calls Foundation, which made the company’s video conferencing facilities in southeast Michigan available for families to connect with soldiers overseas.