FCA US has awarded the production of the Power Electronics module for the Jeep Wrangler PHEV to its Toledo Machining Plant, positioning the 54-year-old Ohio facility to play a key role in helping the Company meet future regulatory requirements.
As part of the Capital Markets Day presentation on June 1, 2018, FCA committed to expanding its electrified propulsion systems in global architectures spanning the full range of vehicle segments. The Jeep Wrangler PHEV, which is expected to launch in 2020, will be one of more than 30 vehicle nameplates with electrified solutions by 2022.
“The insourcing of this highly advanced work to Toledo Machining is a reflection of the commitment the workforce has made to improving their processes through the implementation of World Class Manufacturing,” said Brian Harlow, Head of Manufacturing, FCA North America. “As the most iconic of the Jeep nameplates, it is critical that we flawlessly execute the launch of the Wrangler PHEV. The Toledo Machining employees have made a strong business case as to why we should put our faith in them to deliver a great product.”
The Power Electronics module for the Wrangler houses two key electrified powertrain components – the Power Inverter Module and the Integrated Dual Charger Module, which consists of the On Board Charger and the DC/DC Converter. The Power Electronics module is packaged in a protective structure under the vehicle between the exhaust and the prop shaft. Toledo Machining will assemble the sub-systems for the module, upload the applicable software for the Power Inverter Module, and also conduct final testing on the coolant and electrical systems. Finished modules will be delivered to the Toledo Assembly Complex where the Wrangler PHEV will be assembled.
Nearly 850 Toledo Machining employees currently produce steering columns and torque converters for a number of FCA production locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Construction of the Perrysburg, Ohio, facility began in 1964 with production following two years later in 1966. Since 2011, the Company has invested nearly $92 million to produce steering columns, and torque converters for the eight-speed rear-wheel-drive and nine-speed front-wheel-drive transmissions in the 1.2-million-square-foot plant.
Toledo Machining was awarded silver status for its results in implementing World Class Manufacturing (WCM) in June 2018. WCM is a methodology that focuses on eliminating waste, increasing productivity, and improving quality and safety in a systematic and organized way. It engages the workforce to provide and implement suggestions on how to improve their jobs and their plants. Toledo Machining was awarded bronze status in September 2016.
