Existing Industry Spotlight: Federal-Mogul

Since opening in 1982, the Federal-Mogul facility in Flowery Branch has seen a series of name changes. The plant was first opened by Koppers of Baltimore and was sold to Cummins Engine Company in 1986. Under Cummins ownership, the plant operated under two names Combustion Technologies Inc., and from 1992, Cummins Piston Ring Division.

In 1997, AE Goetze purchased the facility after a brief period of joint ownership with Cummins. Finally, in March 1998, Federal-Mogul Corp., a leading U.S. manufacturer of automotive components, purchased AE Goetze’s parent company, T&N PLC.

Through the changes in ownership, the plant has continued to produce piston rings for the heavy duty diesel engine market, primarily the Cummins Engine Company.

The team at Flowery Branch currently consists of 102 individuals all dedicated to realizing the goal of continuous improvement. The plant has built an enviable safety record recognized both by its parent corporation, Federal-Mogul and most recently by the State of Georgia.

In 1999, the facility was awarded the Federal-Mogul silver award for improvements in safety performance. In 2000, the plant was one of only four worldwide to receive the corporation’s sustained excellence in safety. This year the company was honored with the State of Georgia Award for Excellence in Safety. In addition to these awards, the plant has an even more significant achievement to be proud – exceeding three years without a lost time accident.

In addition to establishing a safe working environment, the team has also delivered a number of very significant improvements to the efficiency of the operation. These include a 25% reduction in internal scrap when compared to the average for the previous three years. They have also seen a 17.5% increase in productivity during 2001 compared to a 2000 base level.

Federal-Mogul is committed to supporting the local community. Earlier this year, a team participated in the Relay for Life event for the American Cancer Society, raising in excess of $5,000. Currently, a group is working to raise money for the United Way 2001 Campaign and is confident of exceeding its goals through the generosity of all employees.

Like many local businesses, the Flowery Branch plant has seen its activities impacted by a weak market, yet despite the challenges imposed by this, the team has continued to deliver on-going improvements.

“With the general weakness in the economy, it is vital for manufacturing businesses to strive continuously to improve all areas of their operations. As a team, we are especially concerned not only with the more traditional measures of business efficiency but also other key issues, such as safety. The Flowery Branch team is committed to serving our customers through applied manufacturing mastery,” said David Moore, Plant Manager.

Federal-Mogul, 4515 Cantrell Drive in Flowery Branch. 770-967-2300.

Related Information http://www.Federal-Mogul.com