Lean Practices And New Technologies Move "X-Day Car" Closer To Reality

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 9 Dana Corporation Vice President of Structural Systems Bruce Butcher urged suppliers and original equipment manufacturers alike to fully embrace lean manufacturing principles and new lean technologies to shorten the automotive order fulfillment cycle and move toward the "x-day car."

Mr. Butcher delivered his remarks to automotive industry leaders attending the 37th annual University of Michigan Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Mich.

"The next breakthrough in lean manufacturing will result from an entire supply chain practicing lean principles. Open communication, knowledge sharing, and trust between original equipment manufacturers and Tier I suppliers and, in turn, between Tier Is and their key suppliers will extend lean benefits from individual production facilities throughout the supply chain," Mr. Butcher said.

"In addition to the lean basics, new technologies also hold significant benefits for the industry," he added. "Reduced manufacturing steps and improved flexibility and process flow from technologies such as lasers, hydroforming, and magnetic-pulse welding used by Dana have the potential to increase responsiveness to consumers' demands.

"Manipulating tubing for upper structures through new hydroforming and joining technologies will enable the engineering of space frames for modular assembly. This in turn will shorten order fulfillment by changing the traditional body shop process of stamping and spot-welding steel sheets," Mr. Butcher said.

Dana Corporation is one of the world's largest suppliers of components, modules, and complete systems to global vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. Founded in 1904, and based in Toledo, Ohio, the company operates some 300 major facilities in 34 countries and employs approximately 70,000 people. The company reported sales of $10.3 billion in 2001. Dana's Internet address is www.dana.com .