Dana unveils new axle assembly plant in Italy
May 22, 2003 12:00 PM
Dana Corporation today dedicated a new, state-of-the-art agricultural axle assembly facility in Como, Italy. The new facility replaces an existing operation in Como and extends a half-century presence in the city. "The new Como facility has increased capacity, while providing greater flexibility and the most advanced assembly processes available today," said Nick Cole, president of the Heavy Vehicle Technologies and Systems Group. "It has been specifically designed to complement Dana's manufacturing plants in Arco and Rovereto, Italy -- as well as other Dana operations worldwide." Dana Chairman and CEO Joe Magliochetti said, "Not only does this new facility feature the latest technologies, but it also enables us to better leverage Dana's other axle manufacturing and assembly operations to achieve greater utilization and provide enhanced customer service to this important market." The facility, which employs approximately 145 people, is dedicated to the assembly of axles and transmissions for agricultural applications, primarily tractors and harvesting vehicles. Gearing, shafts, steel components, and heat treatments are sourced from Dana's other facilities and other strategic suppliers. The 16,700-square-meter (55,110-square-foot) plant features three assembly lines with automatic handling of monolithic and two-piece axles. Two fixed stations are designed for assembly of low-volume medium and large axles, and one station is dedicated to prototype assembly. The plant also features a state-of-the-art robotized paint shop that utilizes water-based electrostatic paint. Capacity is estimated at approximately 60,000 units per year. The Como facility incorporates advanced manufacturing processes and practices, including an ERP/JIT management system, a strategic materials management process, and capabilities ranging from order entry and engineering to quality assurance and delivery. In addition, all assembly, control, and final inspection processes are fully integrated.
