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more than a million hours of classroom and hands-on training. Employees from Melfi have also provided direct support to colleagues at Group plants in Brazil and China, assisting them in applying standards of best practice during new model launches. Developing and leveraging internal know-how was not the only winning move. Another element common to all FCA sites worldwide is the commitment to creating value and supporting the economic and social development of local communities. One of the many initiatives that has made Melfi a relevant part of community life in the Melfi area is the Campus research centre. Established in collaboration with the local authorities, the centre has a specific focus on Green and Virtual manufacturing.A NATURAL EVOLUTION DISSEMINATED THROUGH WORLD CLASS MANUFACTURINGThe implementation of WCM at FCA plants worldwide has been at the foundation of this transition to a smart factory model. At the Melfi plant, the WCM system has evolved naturally toward automation and digitalization, while maintaining the core goals of improving production processes and ensuring product quality. Through rigorous application of WCM – which targets zero accidents, zero waste, zero breakdowns and zero inventories – the plant has systematically reduced losses and waste [all forms of loss and waste]. WCM provides the FCA-specific language for deployment of the concepts of lean, smart and digital across the Group’s manufacturing operations. The pilot experience at Melfi has been a success and the know-how and experience gained have come to represent best practices that can be shared with FCA plants around the world. FCA is already setting an example in facing the challenges of the so-called fourth industrial revolution. SPECIAL AWARD FOR SMART DIGITAL OPERATIONSIn 2016, Melfi received the Special Award OEM for SMART Digital Operations, which is awarded annually as part of a prestigious competition that assesses best-in-class performance and innovation among European OEMs. Selection was based on the assessment conducted by a commission of experts chosen by Agamus Consult and the German magazine Automobil Produktion. This award recognizes and confirms FCA’s belief that – through the execution of smart ideas in both products and processes – innovation and sustainability play a vital role in creating long-term value for all stakeholders. ■Above: Through significant improvements in energy, water, air, waste and logistics management, Melfi continues to deliver on its long-standing commitment to reduce the environmental impacts of its production processes.Left: Production processes are developed and refined using virtual analysis of workstation ergonomics, optimizing working conditions for operators and ensuring quality output.ABOUT FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILESFiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is a global automotive group that designs, engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles, as well as provides automotive services, parts and accessories worldwide. The Group operates in approximately 40 countries and has commercial relationships with customers in more than 150 countries. In 2016, the Group was recognized once again for another successive year as one of the most sustainable companies in the world by RobecoSAM, specialist in sustainable investment.