11-09-2004: GM Fort Wayne Assembly Builds 4 Millionth Vehicle
FT. WAYNE, Ind.
- Employees at the General Motors Ft. Wayne Assembly plant today built the 4
millionth vehicle since the facility broke ground in 1984. The plant produces a
wide variety of Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups.
"This is a significant achievement," said Cathy Clegg, Plant
Manager. "It highlights the productivity of our employees, as well as their
commitment to building quality in every vehicle-whether it's our first, or our 4
millionth."
Dan Dressler, a 26-year employee, was chosen by his peers for the honor of
driving the milestone vehicle off the assembly line and through a special
ceremonial banner.
"Producing four million of anything is quite an accomplishment,"
said Don Swegman, president of UAW Local 2209, which represents hourly workers
at the plant. "But building 4 million high-quality pickup trucks is truly
amazing. It could not have been done without the highly skilled and dedicated
workforce here at Ft. Wayne Assembly."
Ft. Wayne Assembly is among the most productive full-size pickup truck plants
in North America. It ranked second in the 2003 Harbour Report, which measures
productivity performances - plant-by-plant, and company-by-company - for
automotive manufacturers in North America.
Ft. Wayne Assembly built its first vehicles, the Chevrolet C/K and GMC Sierra
full-size pickup trucks, in 1986. Due to strong demand, the plant added a second
shift of production in 1987. Today, the plant operates two production shifts and
three maintenance shifts, with a total of approximately 3,000 people. Nearly
267,000 vehicles were produced at Ft. Wayne Assembly in 2003.
The plant is also the home of the world's first full-size hybrid pickup
trucks. The hybrid versions of the Silverado and Sierra deliver 10 to 12 percent
improved fuel economy with no compromise in performance or utility. In addition,
the hybrids feature four 120-volt, 20 amp electrical auxiliary outlets that can
accommodate up to four accessories while driving or when parked. The truck can
power tools or appliances for up to 32 hours non-stop.
Dennis Funk, UAW Local 2209 shop chairman is proud of the plant's many
accomplishments. "We are looking forward to building the eight millionth
world class high-quality truck," he said.
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest vehicle manufacturer,
employs about 325,000 people globally. Founded in 1908, GM has been the global
automotive sales leader since 1931. GM today has manufacturing operations in 32
countries and its vehicles are sold in 192 countries. In 2003, GM sold nearly
8.6 million cars and trucks, about 15 percent of the global vehicle market. GM's
global headquarters are at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. More
information on GM and its products can be found on the company's corporate
website at www.gm.com.