Lean Manufacturing Renovation Enables New Automotive Component Launch ...

GKN implements lean at renovated facility in preparation for new product launch, such as its new power transfer unit. ...

... "GKN Driveline's Torque Technology Group is introducing a new power transfer unit (PTU) for all-wheel-drive vehicles in North America and Japan that is lighter and stronger than previous designs, while providing customers with reductions in noise, vibration and harshness. The new PTU is the result of a two-and-a-half-year development programme with DaimlerChrysler and Mitsubishi. In North America, the new unit will be available on three new 2007-model DaimlerChrysler vehicles and will be manufactured at a GKN Driveline facility in Bowling Green, Ohio. The company recently completed a multi-million-dollar renovation of the Bowling Green plant to prepare for the PTUs production launch and to optimize lean manufacturing at the facility. There are plans to add a second shift to the plant's PTU assembly line early next year. " ...

Via GKN Driveline: GKN Driveline's New Technology Saves Weight and Fuel ...