Logistics Plays Design Role at Chrysler

TRAVERSE CITY, MI – Logistics has a hand in car design at Chrysler Group.

For 19 different parts, including roofs and door apertures, the supply operations department tells engineers that parts must fit the packaging racks in a certain way in order to be delivered properly to the assembly line.

Work stations are being redesigned to be smaller, with less room for parts storage, says Dave Hodgson, Chrysler’s vice-president of supply operations.

Work stations at the Belvedere, IL, plant, which is being redesigned to be completely flexible, are half as big as before.

By designing racks and packaging so parts flow to the line easier, Hodgson’s logistics operation will contribute to Chrysler's goal of building a car in 30 hours by 2007.