The Ford Production System (FPS) Bus Tour of four Ford facilities in early May was a resounding success that will help Ford thrive at all levels of our business in the coming days, weeks, months, and years.
“I have been on 40+ bus tours from the time I created the concept,” says Bryce Currie, Vice President, Americas Manufacturing and Labor Affairs. “It was so exciting to see all the aha moments learned by so many both on and off the bus.”
The tour brought together 51 participants from various levels of the organization, ranging from hourly employees to directors and vice presidents, who visited the Dearborn Truck Plant, Michigan Assembly Plant, Windsor Engine Plant, and the Oakville Assembly Complex. There, participants engaged with 15,000+ employees and witnessed, firsthand, the enthusiasm and dedication of these team members.
“The Bus Tour was just the beginning of great things to come,” says Debbie Manzano, Director of Manufacturing. “One team focused on excellence, sharing our experiences, practices, and building on our lean journey.”
The primary mission objectives were to perform onsite FPS reviews to understand each plant’s current state of maturity and opportunities, learn best practices, and foster enhanced collaboration and relationships among participants.
“It was an exhausting but exhilarating experience that helped to build a positive culture that values our employees’ contributions,” says Rima Jasser, Global Director for Lean and Six Sigma. “The team showed pride and commitment to becoming best in Ford.”
Participants observed the inner workings of the manufacturing plants and gained valuable insights into their processes, technologies, and innovations. The cross-functional nature of the group also allowed for fruitful exchanges of ideas and experiences, paving the way for improved communication and cooperation across different areas of the organization.
“It was inspiring to see pockets of greatness by the manufacturing facilities, which motivates me to take these learnings back to my plant and continue to pursue great servant leadership,” says Corey Williams, Plant Manager at the Dearborn Truck & Rogue Electric Vehicle Center.
The group recognized over 200 participants who demonstrated exceptional dedication, creativity, leadership and commitment to excellence.
To reinforce the outcomes of the tour, all participants were requested to complete commitment cards – totaling 150 commitment actions. These cards serve as a tangible reminder of the promises made both individually and collectively. By upholding these commitments, participants will collectively drive positive change and contribute to the growth and success of Ford.
“It was an intensive four days but very worth that time commitment,” says Lisa Mayo, area manager at Woodhaven Stamping Plant. “As we witness these various best practices, they will lead to a new standard for all of us. The different approaches to getting results were enlightening.”
Moving forward, the company will continue to build upon the knowledge and experiences gained from this tour with a goal to implement the best practices and operational insights discovered from the visits.
