Highlights From the IW Excellence In Action Plant Tours
Nov. 9, 2008
In early October Indianapolis and Kansas City hosted the inaugural Excellence In Action plant tours, which allow attendees the chance to see operational excellence up close and at work.
At the Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing facility in Columbus, Ind., attendees saw first-hand the Toyota Production System in action. The Columbus plant manufactures in excess of 140 lift trucks per day in a one-shift operation, with quality built in to every step.
Attendees also saw how the newest production facility within Allison Transmission's Indianapolis site uses the Allison Transmission Global Manufacturing System to manufacture and assemble the 1/2000 Series transmission.
In Kansas City, Mo., attendees toured the only Harley-Davidson facility that produces an entire motorcycle, the VRSCA V-Rod. From assembly of the liquid-cooled Revolution powertrain and hydroformed frame to painting and final testing, people and processes come together at Harley's Kansas City Vehicle and Powertrain Operations plant to apply lean manufacturing, 5S and advanced problem-solving techniques.
