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Ships First Set Of Ford Parts to Australia From Detroit Shipped

19 October 1998

Renaissance Global Logistics Ships First Set Of Ford Parts to Australia From Detroit

    DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 17 -- Renaissance Global Logistics
(RGL) has opened its doors and shipped its first set of automotive components
from the Empowerment and Renaissance Zones in Detroit halfway around the world
-- to Australia -- for the Ford Motor Company.
    The shipments of U.S.-built components for Ford's Falcon and Fairmont
represent RGL's first delivery overseas from its new 400,000-square-foot
facility on a 16-acre site.  RGL is a minority supplier owned by the O-J Group
and receiving launch support from Ryder Integrated Logistics.
    "This is an historic moment for Ford and RGL," said Jacques Nasser, chief
executive officer-elect of Ford.  "Less than a year after RGL was formed, it
is up and running, packing and sending products for Ford's global operations."
    "RGL's objective is to be best-in-class," said John James, chairman and
chief executive officer of the O-J Group, "launching with Advanced Product
Quality Planning (APQP) methodology and incorporating lean manufacturing
practices and principles -- shared with us by Ford -- into our total operating
system.  Once again, Ford has stepped up to the plate with the O-J Group, as
it has done many times over the years."
    More than 25 years ago, Ford was the first automobile company to support
O-J Transport for operating authority before the Interstate Commerce
Commission and the Supreme Court.  Since then, O-J has become Ford's
highest-volume trucking company.  The O-J Group received ISO 9002
certification last year; RGL plans to achieve ISO 9002 and Ford Q1 status
within the next year.
    RGL will employ about 200 workers phased in over the course of the launch
of programs currently planned for the facility.  Focus: HOPE is providing the
assessment and training of employees necessary to meet the skill and hiring
requirements of the jobs.  Focus: HOPE's First Step and FAST TRACK program
will teach math and computer skills.  The Michigan Jobs Commission is
furnishing economic development job training funds.  Eventually, RGL is
expected to employ nearly 400 people.
    "Focus: HOPE appreciates the partnership with Renaissance Global Logistics
and Ford Motor Company," says Executive Director Eleanor Josaitis.  "This
partnership will assist RGL by helping to provide a skilled workforce while
allowing Detroit residents to take advantage of these new employment
opportunities."
    The jobs involve sophisticated warehouse logistics methods using bar
codes, print labels and shipping documentation.  In addition, computerized
routing, receiving and shipping systems move material from inbound docks into
packaging processes and to outbound docks.
    The components are transported out of the facility by truck to shipping
points in Detroit and then by rail to the East and West coasts, where they are
boarded on ocean vessels bound for overseas destinations.
    In addition to Australia, the facility next year will begin shipping
components to support F-series truck production in Brazil, Ranger production
in Argentina, and F-series, Explorer and Ranger production in Venezuela.  By
the end of next year, the facility will be supporting overseas production of
more than 150,000 vehicles annually.