Allison Transmission announces investments for major manufacturing restructuring and new product production.INDIANAPOLIS--(AutomotiveWire)--June 6, 1996--Allison Transmission President, John F. Smith, announced plans to invest $275 million for manufacturing modernization and production of a new product line -- internally code-named LCT LCT abbr. 1. land conservation trust 2. local civil time . "This is a remarkable day in the history of Allison Transmission for a number of reasons," said John Smith. "This investment from General Motors in Allison Transmission will allow for the creation of over 100 new manufacturing cells in our on-highway facilities organized around lean production principles. It also provides for the development and manufacturing of the LCT here in Indianapolis." Implementation of the modernization program, called the Allison Production System (APS), began earlier this year and is expected to be completed in 1998. LCT start-up begins in 1999, and Allison Transmission expects to produce over 120,000 of these new automatic transmissions annually. When this rate of production is achieved, total unit output would be double current transmission production levels. Celebrating its 50th year of designing and producing heavy-duty automatic transmissions, Allison Transmission and its employees were joined by Indiana Governor Evan Bayh Birch Evans Bayh III (commonly known as Evan Bayh) (pronounced like "bye"; IPA pronunciation: [baɪ]) (born December 26, 1955) is an American politician who has served as the junior U.S. ; Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith Stephen "Steve" Goldsmith (born December 12, 1946) is a graduate of Wabash College and the University of Michigan Law School, and is the former Mayor of Indianapolis and currently serves as the Chair of the Corporation for National and Community Service. ; John F. (Jack) Smith, Jr., GM chairman and chief executive officer; Harry Pearce Harry Pearce CBE is the fictional head of the Counter-Terrorism department of MI5, featured in the British television series, Spooks. This program is also known as MI5 in the United States. , GM's vice chairman; Ron Gettelfinger Ron Gettelfinger (b. August 1 1944) is the current president of the trade union United Auto Workers. He has held the position since 2002. He started his union involvement in 1964 in Louisville, Kentucky at the Louisville Assembly plant run by Ford Motor Company. , director, United Auto Workers The United Auto Workers (UAW), headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, officially the United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America International Union Region 3; Paul Elliott Paul Elliott is the name of:
"This is a strong move forward by Allison Transmission to retain and enhance the leadership it enjoys in its market and to improve its ability to serve its customers well," said GM Chairman and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. Jack Smith. "We were particularly impressed with the program development, which included a strategic partnership with the local UAW (spelling) UAW - Misspelling of "IAW"? , that will bring this vision into reality and benefit the people of this city and state, as well as Allison Transmission." The State of Indiana will provide $250,000 for training grants over the 1996-1998 period to assist the program, and the City of Indianapolis will recommend approval for a 10-year tax abatement associated with the new equipment installation that will contribute to lower costs at Allison Transmission by approximately $20 million. "I join the people of Indiana is congratulating Allison Transmission on this major accomplishment," said Governor Bayh. "We applaud General Motors' strong support of the company's modernization efforts as evidenced by the appearance of both Jack Smith and Harry Pearce here today." "Allison Transmission has been a leading manufacturing enterprise in Indianapolis for many years and a terrific contributor to community and economic development activities," said Mayor Goldsmith, "and we are pleased to assist in this major expansion project which will provide long-term security for the employees and this facility." Keith Neargardner noted that the production of LCT, by opening new markets for Allison Transmission, will create new employment opportunities. He added, "The new agreement also provides for the retention of several non-core parts, further contributing to long-term job security for UAW Local 933 members." "This is a `win-win' situation for both Allison and the local UAW. Today's announcement puts in place all the means necessary for Allison Transmission to `stay on top' of their markets," concluded Harry Pearce. "The combined efforts of General Motors, Allison Transmission, the UAW, the State of Indiana and the City of Indianapolis, will enable this company to continue its tradition of providing unbeatable value in the marketplace." Allison Transmission is the world's leading designer, manufacturer and seller of medium- and heavy-duty automatic transmissions for trucks, buses, off-road and military vehicles Military vehicles include all land combat and transportation vehicles, excluding rail-based, which are designed for or are in significant use by military forces. See also list of armoured fighting vehicles. . Founded in 1915, Allison became known for its engineering innovation in race car technology and built its superior reputation in the aviation industry in the early 1920s. In 1946, the company introduced its first heavy-duty torque converter/planetary gear transmission and 1996 marks its 50th year in that business. CONTACT: Allison Transmission, Indianapolis Patzetta Trice, 317/242-2615 or Caldwell VanRiper Mike Snyder, 317/632-6501 |
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