All articles by Christopher Ludwig
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VideoVideo: BMW’s Dr. Michael Nikolaides on AI, robotics, and resilience
BMW SVP Dr. Michael Nikolaides shares insights on AI, automation, robotics and global flexibility across BMW’s production and supply chain strategy.
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VideoVideo: Arno Güllering on transforming Dräxlmaier’s global production
Dräxlmaier COO Arno Güllering shares how the company is advancing smart factory strategies through cloud systems, AI-powered maintenance, and mindset shifts across its global operations.
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ArticleArno Guellering on harnessing shopfloor visualisation and genAI in Draexlmaier production
COO Arno Güllering wants to build on the tier-1 supplier’s highly connected production to ensure both plants and HQ have a mindset ready to embrace change.
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VideoGestamp’s Paul Belanger on cost reduction strategies through giga-stamping and collaboration
Reducing production costs and fostering early collaboration are essential for affordable EV production, says Gestamp’s Paul Belanger.
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VideoStellantis’ Jeremy Keating on embedding lean across the organisation for efficiency
Embedding lean practices across all departments and fostering early-stage collaboration are essential for Stellantis’ manufacturing efficiency, says Jeremy Keating.
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VideoStellantis’ Asif Khan on lean manufacturing for cost control and profitability
Implementing lean practices and combining digital tools with workforce engagement are essential for efficient automotive manufacturing, says Stellantis’ Asif Khan.
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VideoToyota’s Jaime Moore on the evolving role of engineers in automotive manufacturing
Building agile engineering teams and fostering early collaboration are vital for innovative automotive manufacturing, says Toyota’s Jaime Moore.
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InterviewFor Chris Glover, change is the only constant at VW’s Chattanooga plant
The Volkswagen US plant leader manages market and technology complexity through flexible facility design, digitalisation, training and engagement with workers
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NewsStellantis’ production absorbs supply chain and logistics
Stellantis shifts its supply chain and logistics under manufacturing to enhance collaboration and flexibility, marking a key leadership shake-up amidst a turbulent market.
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ArticleStellantis turns to AI tools and fast deployment to cut production costs and launch times
Stellantis manufacturing boss Arnaud Deboeuf reveals technologies in automation, factory planning and lineside logistics that reduce transition costs and time to market.
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NewsHow Farasis will bridge the battery gap in Europe
Farasis has appointed Marcel Brömlage to lead its European division and support the growth of its Siro joint venture gigafactory in Turkey, where it expects to produce battery cells by 2026.
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ArticleDesign and manufacturing integration, digitalisation key to cost and sustainability gains for BMW’s Neue Klasse
To realise large cost and emission savings on its EV architecture, BMW is redesigning vehicles and manufacturing in parallel, and rolling out rapid digital solutions.
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ArticleA class of its own: transforming BMW production for next-gen EVs
BMW’s home plant will produce only EVs by 2027, with much of the century-old factory rebuilt to meet new levels of efficiency and digitalisation, without missing a beat of ongoing production.
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ArticleThe future of Ford in a flash of lightning
The Ford Dearborn Truck Plant is a benchmark for managing complexity, quality and software. Plant manager Corey Williams shares learnings and lean principles across ICE and fast-growing EV output.
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InterviewPanasonic sparks scalable and sustainable US battery production
Panasonic Energy’s Abby Chitwood discusses maximising output and cutting emissions in battery cell production ahead of AMS Evolution North America.
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ArticleReady for the next generation in Spartanburg
As BMW prepares to build EVs and batteries in Spartanburg, it has expanded training programmes, with emphasis on safety, change management and youth outreach.
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ArticleMaster of complexity in Spartanburg
Dr Robert Engelhorn is leading transformation of BMW’s Plant Spartanburg for EVs whilst ensuring manufacturing remains flexible in managing vehicle variations.
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ArticleBMW Batteries blossoming in South Carolina
BMW’s battery assembly plant will use advanced automation and set global standards, whilst supporting a local-for-local production strategy, says Rich Everly.
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ArticleBMW’s aspirations to the X degree in Spartanburg: Special series
As the carmaker prepares for EV production in the US, leaders in manufacturing, battery, logistics and training outline BMW’s ambitions in the region.
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ArticleBMW batteries: made and trained in South Carolina
BMW’s battery plant in South Carolina will use regionally sourced cells to power EV production in Spartanburg, and help establish an electrification hub in the Americas.