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As the plant's launch training co-ordinator Steve Abrahams is quick to point out, the new prod- uct represents a joint effort involv- ing the company and government, both federal and provincial. As well, the process has also involved literally all of the plant's 4,000 hourly and salaried employees. "Our (training) program is geared towards helping us launch a successful vehicle," Abrahams said in a recent interview. Company omcials are quick to add the investment has not only been in a new product, but also in the plant's work force. The company's investment has been supplemented by about $33 million from the provincial and federal government to establish the Oakville plant's tr,aining cen- tre. The centre is run jointly by rep- resentatives of the company and Canadian Auto Workers Union, " well as the Ontario Skills Development and Training Office. The vehicle represents a $l-bil- lion investment for the company, which is cautiously optimistic the new product's launch will be the best in the Oakville plant's history. The reasons for that optimism can best be summarized in one word: co-operation. hen the first Windstar Wminivan rolls off the assembly line in early 1994. it will mark a key moment in the 40-year history of Ford's Oakville car assembly plant. sr By SAL BOMMARITO Special to the Beaver Assembly plant prepares for the future A LOOK BACK ON FOUR DECADES OF AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTION IN OAKVILLE, ONTARIO Special programs have been launched for specialists and people who work directly on prototypes of the Windstar minivan. Once completed, workers will take that knowledge on to the assembly line where it will be shared with other workers. In the prototype centre, hourly employees work side by side along with salaried employees in product and facilities groups to ensure a top quality vehicle will be pro- duced when the Windstar comes on stream later this year. Abrahams said. Problems can be identified early in the process and corrected before the vehicle hits the street, resulting in a higher consumer satisfaction than ever before. "We're the first facility to have a prototype room." said Joe Hamilton, the CAW's training co- ordinator. "That was usually done in Michigan." de The training program will pro- vide 1.2 million hours of training for the 4,000 employees of the plant. The first sessions, a 40-hour course dubbed Best In Class, was launched a year ago. By August, all the existing staff of the compa- ny will complete its requirements. Work has also begun on the 1995 and 1996 prototypes. which will be marketed around the work. Abrahams said. In the past. each stage of the "Our goal is to teach employees portable skills and make the learn- ing experience fun," Abrahams said. "if people leave Ford, they could take their skills with them. We also want to change people's attitudes so they'll like to come to work." Windstar OAKVILLE . 1953 ' 1993 rke com "We have to make sure every- one comes out with some skills. that will not only satisfy the requirements of the company and the government. but will give the employees skills they might use to get another job somewhere else." Hamilton said. Hamilton said the development of the different programs has been an education in itself. Although the investment repre- sents a huge gamble for the com- pany. Abrahams, along with many others. is confident the time and money the company has invested in the Windstar will pay off in the long run. consumer the early ole in the class plete isolation of every other stage. That meant the people building the vehicle wouldn't even see it until a few months before it rolled off the assembly line. Hamilton noted the changes have also resulted in safety and quality concerns being addressed as a result of the suggestions by the assembly line employees themselves. There's al Ibrah nclhms lways the gamble of epunce. But we feel tlvement of our Deo- 1ms We want to taken away n its To meet the transportation needs of Ford of Canada today and tomorrow, we're investing more than $8 Million in improvements to our Oakville Yard. These improvements are geared to the expansion and re-tooling of Ford's Oakville plant, ensuring a continued high level of efficient freight transportation. Accomplishing our Mission requires an ongoing close "partnership" with our customers . . . anticipating and responding to their needs to help them succeed in their marketplace. ne At CN North America, our Mission is to meet our customers' transportation and distribution needs by being the best at moving their goods on time, safely and damage-free. We salute the people ofFord Oakville for 40 Years of Quality. And we look forward to the next 4 0/ NORTH AMERICA - :WMWWWMflM//lll///l/l//Wm ll m " June Oakvlllo Beaver - F7