Brazil – Hailed as the largest automotive sector investment in Brazil over the past decade, the investment of 7 billion reais consists of a 3 billion reais assembly plant and 2 billion reais supplier park. The remaining funds have gone towards product development and “other investments”, says Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
The plant was built over two-and-a-half years and covers 260,000 sq.m, with a capacity of 250,000 vehicles per annum. By the end of 2015, the site will have a 9,000-strong workforce, including 3,300 personnel at the Jeep plant, 4,900 at suppliers and 850 engaged in service activities. The 270,000 sq.m supplier park accommodates 16 companies handling 17 component lines at 12 factories.
A total of 700 robots have been installed at the Jeep plant, including 650 for welding, 40 for painting and 10 for assembly. FCA says the facility has been engineered for “maximum flexibility” and is able to produce three models simultaneously. It is now making the Jeep Renegade for Latin American markets.
The vehicle-maker describes Goiana as its “first truly global plant”, planned and delivered by an international team and incorporating Group best practices from the start.
“As a result of the union between Fiat and Chrysler, we are now even stronger and better positioned to take on the challenge of carrying out our largest development project to date here in Pernambuco, and contributing to the unprecedented growth of Jeep as a global brand,” commented John Elkann, FCA chairman.