Dana Executive Advocates Combination Of Lean Practices And New Technologies To Move Closer To "X-Day Car"

    TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dana Corporation
(NYSE: DCN) Vice President of Structural Systems Bruce Butcher urged suppliers
and original equipment manufacturers alike to fully embrace lean manufacturing
principles and new lean technologies to shorten the automotive order
fulfillment cycle and move toward the "x-day car."
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990903/DANA )
    Mr. Butcher delivered his remarks to automotive industry leaders attending
the 37th annual University of Michigan Management Briefing Seminars in
Traverse City, Mich.
    "The next breakthrough in lean manufacturing will result from an entire
supply chain practicing lean principles.  Open communication, knowledge
sharing, and trust between original equipment manufacturers and Tier I
suppliers and, in turn, between Tier Is and their key suppliers will extend
lean benefits from individual production facilities throughout the supply
chain," Mr. Butcher said.
    "In addition to the lean basics, new technologies also hold significant
benefits for the industry," he added.  "Reduced manufacturing steps and
improved flexibility and process flow from technologies such as lasers,
hydroforming, and magnetic-pulse welding used by Dana have the potential to
increase responsiveness to consumers' demands.
    "Manipulating tubing for upper structures through new hydroforming and
joining technologies will enable the engineering of space frames for modular
assembly.  This in turn will shorten order fulfillment by changing the
traditional body shop process of stamping and spot-welding steel sheets," Mr.
Butcher said.
    Dana Corporation is one of the world's largest suppliers of components,
modules, and complete systems to global vehicle manufacturers and their
related aftermarkets. Founded in 1904, and based in Toledo, Ohio, the company
operates some 300 major facilities in 34 countries and employs approximately
70,000 people. The company reported sales of $10.3 billion in 2001. Dana's
Internet address is http://www.dana.com .

SOURCE Dana Corporation

Web Site: http://www.dana.com

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