The total program investment will go towards product development functions, as well as new, state-of-the-art manufacturing systems in the plant. This investment provides for the design, development, components and supplier support associated with the new vehicle programs.

Jefferson North will undergo a 285,000-square-foot building expansion to replace the existing body shop, which will give the facility an all-new level of manufacturing flexibility for multiple product capability. In addition, changes throughout paint and assembly operations will accommodate vehicles of various sizes and dimensions. Material handling and other plant functions also will be improved.

Multiple “green” initiatives will be employed at Jefferson North. Each of these additions will result in energy savings, as well as a brighter, cleaner and more ergonomically sound workplace for employees. Plus, these advancements will improve the environmental footprint of the facility by reducing carbon emissions, solid waste and raw material consumption while also helping to green the outside grounds of the plant. These include:

• Energy-efficient fluorescent lighting fixtures and a state-of-the-art energy management system;

• Air filtration systems to improve employee comfort and workplace cleanliness;

• Decanting technology, which will utilize paint sludge as an energy source, reducing emissions and solid waste;

• Electric-servo weld guns in the new body shop to improve welding quality for the vehicle bodies, while also producing quieter operations;

• Replacing unused asphalt parking areas with grass to reduce heat generation and improve appearance;

• Utilizing reusable paint clips that hold doors in place during the paint process and reusing parts racks, resulting in a reduced raw material consumption; and

• Trailer cubing and rack density improvements to reduce fuel consumption and transportation costs.

The energy savings resulting from the sludge operations, filtration systems, lighting and servo welding alone are anticipated in total to save several dollars per vehicle built.