Autoliv Receives Shingo Prize - Again
Stockholm, Sweden (March 2, 2005) Autoliv Inc. – the worldwide leader in automotive safety – today announced that its Tremonton Facility in Utah has received the 2005 Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing. This facility becomes the fourth of Autoliv’s six facilities in Utah to receive this coveted prize for excellence in manufacturing. The facility, which produces initiators and micro gas generators for airbag and seat belt applications, is among an elite list of companies to earn what Business Week has called "...the Nobel prize of manufacturing..." The Shingo Prize is awarded annually to select companies that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in manufacturing processes, quality enhancements, productivity improvement, and customer satisfaction. The prize focuses on lean manufacturing techniques and promotes world-class business performance through continuous improvements in core manufacturing and business processes. “We are proud of the sustained commitment our employees have shown in implementing lean manufacturing principles into all areas of our business,” said Lars Westerberg, President and CEO. “In today’s competitive landscape, it is important to have a workforce that is flexible and motivated to continuously achieve higher levels of manufacturing excellence.” The Autoliv Tremonton Facility produces initiators for driver-side, passenger-side, side-impact, knee, and side-curtain airbags for its customers in the North American, European and Asian markets. Under the guidelines of the Autoliv Production System, the facility has reduced lead times by more than 50%, boosted labor productivity by 38%, increased inventory turns by 238% and improved quality to world-class levels. During this same time, the Autoliv Tremonton Facility received Autoliv North America’s top safety award and employees at the facility have implemented a record number of continuous improvement suggestions. Inquiries: Brian Snyder, Plant Manager, Autoliv Tremonton Facility - Tel. +1 (435) 257 1001 www.shingoprize.com