Took the Tour of Flat Rock Yesterday
Thread Starter
Bullitt Member
Joined: April 23, 2004
Posts: 265
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From: Mississauga, Ontario
60 of us from Golden Horseshoe Mustang Association toured the Flat Rock plant yesterday and it was very impressive.
The plant tours were led by long time AAI employees. You can tell they are proud to work there. Our tour leaders were Don and Candy, and each were eager to show us their own work area and discuss what they do in depth. Don was in Stamping and Candy in IP.
It struck me how everyone we met at the plant was so enthusiastic about the Mustang. And not just the new ones, but the SN95s, Foxes and the Classics.
This may seem obvious, since their jobs depend on the new Mustang, but you have to remember that up until a year ago, they only built Mazdas.
It had to be a huge culture change at the plant when the Mustang came on board.
I came away from the plant with the feeling that the future of our beloved pony car is in very good hands!
The plant tours were led by long time AAI employees. You can tell they are proud to work there. Our tour leaders were Don and Candy, and each were eager to show us their own work area and discuss what they do in depth. Don was in Stamping and Candy in IP.
It struck me how everyone we met at the plant was so enthusiastic about the Mustang. And not just the new ones, but the SN95s, Foxes and the Classics.
This may seem obvious, since their jobs depend on the new Mustang, but you have to remember that up until a year ago, they only built Mazdas.
It had to be a huge culture change at the plant when the Mustang came on board.
I came away from the plant with the feeling that the future of our beloved pony car is in very good hands!
Mach 1 Member
Joined: March 19, 2005
Posts: 612
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From: Santa Clara
Originally posted by mstang@April 14, 2005, 4:08 PM
60 of us from Golden Horseshoe Mustang Association toured the Flat Rock plant yesterday and it was very impressive.
The plant tours were led by long time AAI employees. You can tell they are proud to work there. Our tour leaders were Don and Candy, and each were eager to show us their own work area and discuss what they do in depth. Don was in Stamping and Candy in IP.
It struck me how everyone we met at the plant was so enthusiastic about the Mustang. And not just the new ones, but the SN95s, Foxes and the Classics.
This may seem obvious, since their jobs depend on the new Mustang, but you have to remember that up until a year ago, they only built Mazdas.
It had to be a huge culture change at the plant when the Mustang came on board.
I came away from the plant with the feeling that the future of our beloved pony car is in very good hands!
60 of us from Golden Horseshoe Mustang Association toured the Flat Rock plant yesterday and it was very impressive.
The plant tours were led by long time AAI employees. You can tell they are proud to work there. Our tour leaders were Don and Candy, and each were eager to show us their own work area and discuss what they do in depth. Don was in Stamping and Candy in IP.
It struck me how everyone we met at the plant was so enthusiastic about the Mustang. And not just the new ones, but the SN95s, Foxes and the Classics.
This may seem obvious, since their jobs depend on the new Mustang, but you have to remember that up until a year ago, they only built Mazdas.
It had to be a huge culture change at the plant when the Mustang came on board.
I came away from the plant with the feeling that the future of our beloved pony car is in very good hands!
Cool. Wish I could tour Flat Rock.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: March 2, 2005
Posts: 945
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From: Glenn Mills, Pennsylvania
Thanks for the report!! I am glad that the people are so enthusiastic about this car because you then know that Job1 is getting done correctly!! Good to know how much enthusiasm and pride goes into our vehicles!!
Matt
Matt
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Originally posted by ILikeBond+April 14, 2005, 3:14 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ILikeBond @ April 14, 2005, 3:14 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-mstang@April 14, 2005, 4:08 PM
60 of us from Golden Horseshoe Mustang Association toured the Flat Rock plant yesterday and it was very impressive.
The plant tours were led by long time AAI employees. You can tell they are proud to work there. Our tour leaders were Don and Candy, and each were eager to show us their own work area and discuss what they do in depth. Don was in Stamping and Candy in IP.
It struck me how everyone we met at the plant was so enthusiastic about the Mustang. And not just the new ones, but the SN95s, Foxes and the Classics.
This may seem obvious, since their jobs depend on the new Mustang, but you have to remember that up until a year ago, they only built Mazdas.
It had to be a huge culture change at the plant when the Mustang came on board.
I came away from the plant with the feeling that the future of our beloved pony car is in very good hands! :nice:
60 of us from Golden Horseshoe Mustang Association toured the Flat Rock plant yesterday and it was very impressive.
The plant tours were led by long time AAI employees. You can tell they are proud to work there. Our tour leaders were Don and Candy, and each were eager to show us their own work area and discuss what they do in depth. Don was in Stamping and Candy in IP.
It struck me how everyone we met at the plant was so enthusiastic about the Mustang. And not just the new ones, but the SN95s, Foxes and the Classics.
This may seem obvious, since their jobs depend on the new Mustang, but you have to remember that up until a year ago, they only built Mazdas.
It had to be a huge culture change at the plant when the Mustang came on board.
I came away from the plant with the feeling that the future of our beloved pony car is in very good hands! :nice:
What could/did you glean about current '05 production issues. i.e. anything about hold ups on commodities, allocation across the country, any of the issues surrounding the process of all of us getting our orders? :dunno:
Cool. Wish I could tour Flat Rock. :nice:
[/b][/quote]
Good point! Did they say anything new or specific regarding the past delays or how they're improving/increasing production?
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: February 8, 2004
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 7
From: Cincinnati, OH
Very cool you got to see it. I count myself among the fortunate to have toured it previously as well. During the times I went, you could sense the excitement of the staff.
What did you think of the Mustang body shop area? Pretty cool to see the robots humming away, wasn't it?
What did you think of the Mustang body shop area? Pretty cool to see the robots humming away, wasn't it?
Thread Starter
Bullitt Member
Joined: April 23, 2004
Posts: 265
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From: Mississauga, Ontario
Originally posted by ILikeBond+April 14, 2005, 3:14 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ILikeBond @ April 14, 2005, 3:14 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-mstang@April 14, 2005, 4:08 PM
60 of us from Golden Horseshoe Mustang Association toured the Flat Rock plant yesterday and it was very impressive.
The plant tours were led by long time AAI employees. You can tell they are proud to work there. Our tour leaders were Don and Candy, and each were eager to show us their own work area and discuss what they do in depth. Don was in Stamping and Candy in IP.
It struck me how everyone we met at the plant was so enthusiastic about the Mustang. And not just the new ones, but the SN95s, Foxes and the Classics.
This may seem obvious, since their jobs depend on the new Mustang, but you have to remember that up until a year ago, they only built Mazdas.
It had to be a huge culture change at the plant when the Mustang came on board.
I came away from the plant with the feeling that the future of our beloved pony car is in very good hands!
60 of us from Golden Horseshoe Mustang Association toured the Flat Rock plant yesterday and it was very impressive.
The plant tours were led by long time AAI employees. You can tell they are proud to work there. Our tour leaders were Don and Candy, and each were eager to show us their own work area and discuss what they do in depth. Don was in Stamping and Candy in IP.
It struck me how everyone we met at the plant was so enthusiastic about the Mustang. And not just the new ones, but the SN95s, Foxes and the Classics.
This may seem obvious, since their jobs depend on the new Mustang, but you have to remember that up until a year ago, they only built Mazdas.
It had to be a huge culture change at the plant when the Mustang came on board.
I came away from the plant with the feeling that the future of our beloved pony car is in very good hands!
Cool. Wish I could tour Flat Rock.
[/b][/quote]
The plant people we spoke with are very aware and sympathetic to the availability issues, but they are focused on the aspects they can control, which is building a perfect Mustang (and Mazda6 for that matter).
When we asked the plant manager what he drives, his answer was a Mazda6.
Because he believes in driving what he builds, and he didn't feel right taking a Mustang that could go to a waiting customer.
One Mustang won't change much, but I liked the way he thought.
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Good to see the employees are excited. Id rather have someone happy with what they do and who love what they make building our cars then the kids you see at the drive thru at McD's. Imagine the issues we would be having. Even though we are all waiting you know these people are doing everything they can. I know I get more done when Im in a good mood than a bad one.
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Yea... that plant is great. When I tour it, I was amazed. And I've been on a few other plant tours in my lifetime.
The downriver community (where I live, made up of 12 or so cities, including Flat Rock) is very proud to have the Mustang built in our area.
AAI is once again the main sponser for the Downriver Cruise.
The downriver community (where I live, made up of 12 or so cities, including Flat Rock) is very proud to have the Mustang built in our area.
AAI is once again the main sponser for the Downriver Cruise.
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Back in 1995, Think Media realeased a VHS tape called "How A Car Is Built" featuring the Ford Mustang. It was only 30 minutes long, but it packed in a lot of great footage of the army of men and women, and their robotic counterparts assembling the then-new Mustang. It also included some stock footage of Ford's early assembly line, compared to the modern production facility in Dearborn.
I think it would be great if they (or anyone) would produce an updated version of this documentary for Mustang enthusiasts. A virtual tour of the Flat Rock facility would be a welcome addition to any Mustang nut's video library. Only this time, it would be better suited as a DVD with even more features!
I've lent this tape out so many times I've lost count, and everyone who has seen it has enjoyed it thoroughly. They often say they had no idea so much goes into producing a car! As the box says, "To get any closer to the action, you'll need a union card."
(The ISBN number for this is 1-887435-01-8)
I think it would be great if they (or anyone) would produce an updated version of this documentary for Mustang enthusiasts. A virtual tour of the Flat Rock facility would be a welcome addition to any Mustang nut's video library. Only this time, it would be better suited as a DVD with even more features!
I've lent this tape out so many times I've lost count, and everyone who has seen it has enjoyed it thoroughly. They often say they had no idea so much goes into producing a car! As the box says, "To get any closer to the action, you'll need a union card."
(The ISBN number for this is 1-887435-01-8)
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Joined: April 23, 2004
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From: Mississauga, Ontario
Originally posted by wardog@April 14, 2005, 10:43 PM
Tell them to stop showing people around and get back to work!!
Tell them to stop showing people around and get back to work!!
The robotics in the body shop area are certainly state of the art, but what I also found impressive were the guys (and ladies) with the sanding blocks sanding out weld and metal imperfections.
They sure had to have a keen eye and lots of experience.
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Joined: October 22, 2004
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From: Niantic CT
Originally posted by CelticCub@April 14, 2005, 11:10 PM
Back in 1995, Think Media realeased a VHS tape called "How A Car Is Built" featuring the Ford Mustang. It was only 30 minutes long, but it packed in a lot of great footage of the army of men and women, and their robotic counterparts assembling the then-new Mustang. It also included some stock footage of Ford's early assembly line, compared to the modern production facility in Dearborn.
I think it would be great if they (or anyone) would produce an updated version of this documentary for Mustang enthusiasts. A virtual tour of the Flat Rock facility would be a welcome addition to any Mustang nut's video library. Only this time, it would be better suited as a DVD with even more features!
I've lent this tape out so many times I've lost count, and everyone who has seen it has enjoyed it thoroughly. They often say they had no idea so much goes into producing a car! As the box says, "To get any closer to the action, you'll need a union card."
(The ISBN number for this is 1-887435-01-8)
Back in 1995, Think Media realeased a VHS tape called "How A Car Is Built" featuring the Ford Mustang. It was only 30 minutes long, but it packed in a lot of great footage of the army of men and women, and their robotic counterparts assembling the then-new Mustang. It also included some stock footage of Ford's early assembly line, compared to the modern production facility in Dearborn.
I think it would be great if they (or anyone) would produce an updated version of this documentary for Mustang enthusiasts. A virtual tour of the Flat Rock facility would be a welcome addition to any Mustang nut's video library. Only this time, it would be better suited as a DVD with even more features!
I've lent this tape out so many times I've lost count, and everyone who has seen it has enjoyed it thoroughly. They often say they had no idea so much goes into producing a car! As the box says, "To get any closer to the action, you'll need a union card."
(The ISBN number for this is 1-887435-01-8)
Let me know if there is interest in this, and I'll work on making copies.
Cobra R Member
Joined: October 10, 2004
Posts: 1,627
Likes: 1
From: Location: Indy
Originally posted by mstang@April 14, 2005, 3:08 PM
60 of us from Golden Horseshoe Mustang Association toured the Flat Rock plant yesterday and it was very impressive.
The plant tours were led by long time AAI employees. You can tell they are proud to work there. Our tour leaders were Don and Candy, and each were eager to show us their own work area and discuss what they do in depth. Don was in Stamping and Candy in IP.
It struck me how everyone we met at the plant was so enthusiastic about the Mustang. And not just the new ones, but the SN95s, Foxes and the Classics.
This may seem obvious, since their jobs depend on the new Mustang, but you have to remember that up until a year ago, they only built Mazdas.
It had to be a huge culture change at the plant when the Mustang came on board.
I came away from the plant with the feeling that the future of our beloved pony car is in very good hands!
60 of us from Golden Horseshoe Mustang Association toured the Flat Rock plant yesterday and it was very impressive.
The plant tours were led by long time AAI employees. You can tell they are proud to work there. Our tour leaders were Don and Candy, and each were eager to show us their own work area and discuss what they do in depth. Don was in Stamping and Candy in IP.
It struck me how everyone we met at the plant was so enthusiastic about the Mustang. And not just the new ones, but the SN95s, Foxes and the Classics.
This may seem obvious, since their jobs depend on the new Mustang, but you have to remember that up until a year ago, they only built Mazdas.
It had to be a huge culture change at the plant when the Mustang came on board.
I came away from the plant with the feeling that the future of our beloved pony car is in very good hands!
Are the tours only open to groups?
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Joined: February 15, 2004
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I get in because I'm a supplier on S197.
I'll agree that the folks working there do (generally) have a lot of pride in building your Mustang (as compared to other auto plants). But auto design and assembly is really a tough business/market and that translates to a difficult job to face day after day.
Right now for example they continue to implement material cost reductions (i.e reduction of sound deadening). Nearly everybody but the Ford shareholders hate these - they get incorporated under great pressure to meet cost targets, and some of them cause other problems that will eventually mean that they need to be reversed. And the same people involved get whacked because of quality issues related to these changes.
I'll agree that the folks working there do (generally) have a lot of pride in building your Mustang (as compared to other auto plants). But auto design and assembly is really a tough business/market and that translates to a difficult job to face day after day.
Right now for example they continue to implement material cost reductions (i.e reduction of sound deadening). Nearly everybody but the Ford shareholders hate these - they get incorporated under great pressure to meet cost targets, and some of them cause other problems that will eventually mean that they need to be reversed. And the same people involved get whacked because of quality issues related to these changes.
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Joined: November 29, 2004
Posts: 1,311
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Originally posted by wjones14+April 15, 2005, 8:24 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wjones14 @ April 15, 2005, 8:24 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-CelticCub@April 14, 2005, 11:10 PM
Back in 1995, Think Media realeased a VHS tape called "How A Car Is Built" featuring the Ford Mustang.
Back in 1995, Think Media realeased a VHS tape called "How A Car Is Built" featuring the Ford Mustang.
Let me know if there is interest in this, and I'll work on making copies.
[/b][/quote]
Thanks, Bill. That's very generous of you! I never thought of that. Good thinking! My first 'Stang was a '95, so the tape was of special interest to me. Still, anyone would find it interesting.
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anyone know the answer to this?