Chrysler Group Chairman And CEO Sergio Marchionne Named A "Michigan Manufacturer Of The Year"

Chrysler Group LLC Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne has been named a 2012 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year by the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA). The MMA award, which recognizes the positive contributions of Michigan manufacturers to the industry and their local communities, was presented on May 8 during a luncheon held in conjunction with the MMA CEO Executive Forum at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing.

As the Large Tier award winner (a company with 200+ employees), Marchionne was recognized for his successful leadership of Chrysler Group through one of the most difficult periods in the automaker's 87-year history.

"The turnaround between then and now has been nothing short of remarkable, with the resurgence of the company being seen as symbolic of the promising future of the entire American manufacturing industry," said Chuck Hadden, MMA President and CEO. "Moreover, it is for his transformation of Chrysler Group and introduction of a new culture, based on meritocracy and accountability, as well as his extraordinary leadership, that Sergio Marchionne was unanimously chosen to be this year's Large Tier Michigan Manufacturer of the Year."

In a taped message to the MMA CEO Executive Forum, Marchionne, accepting on behalf of the 2,500 Chrysler Group employees who work in Michigan, said:

"Chrysler Group has deep roots in Michigan. We recognize the value of our company's origins here and the special role Michigan has played in our development and our sustenance. We are committed not only to attaining the world's highest standards for safety, efficiency, and quality, but also to doing our part to protect and contribute to the well-being of the state of Michigan."

In accepting the award on behalf of the Company and Marchionne, Scott Garberding - Senior Vice President of Manufacturing/World Class Manufacturing (WCM) said that it took a massive team effort – from everyone at every level – in order to revitalize Chrysler, but support from the top is critical.

"Sergio's personal interest and insistence on implementing a comprehensive, rigorous, and people-focused manufacturing approach was crucial to implementation of the World Class Manufacturing, first at our partner Fiat and then at Chrysler, in cooperation with the UAW," said Garberding.

WCM has played a vital role in changing the culture at Chrysler, according to Garberding. Since its implementation, the Company has achieved major improvements in first-time quality and warranty costs, and has driven significant cost savings.

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