Sienna Gibson’s Post

As we say at Ford, be curious! The weekend, how did it originate? Almost every industry benefits from the auto industry institutionalizing this concept. Though the idea originated in the clothing industry, Henry Ford stunned the American business world by introducing the five-day, 40-hour workweek. Before Henry, employees worked ten-hour days, six days a week. Enjoy your weekend! Go Leadership, Go Never Give Up, Go Ford, Go Engineering, Go EV Revolution, Go Customer Experience, Go Design and Software Teams, Go UAW, Go Strategy Team, Go Auto, Go All Industries! #innovationliveshere #trendsetter #aheadofthecurve #weareford #diversityandinclusion #careabouteachother #opportunities #strategy #manufacturing #EVs #Blueovalcity #professionalism #deliver #innovationneversleeps #changingthegame #relentleespursuitofperfection #newageautomotivehistory

Ford’s South African Operating Committee spent a morning working on the Silverton assembly line last week, joining operators at various parts of the line that builds the Ford Ranger. While I have been humbled many times this year, working (half) a shift fitting window regulators will go down as one of the most memorable. We met people that have worked that line for 40 years, others that have spent a decade in a particular station, repeating the same process 200+ times a day. In a chat with the wonderful operator that taught me the ropes last week, she asked what my day looks like and what we do. I told her that we have a lot of meetings, and that we sit for most of the day talking about things. Contrasted with her reality – where there is no sitting and there are no meetings, and she is producing a tangible output every day – it felt a little empty. But on reflection this kind of contrasting reality is one of the reasons the automotive industry is so fascinating to work in. Whether with our Dealers, Suppliers, Head Office or Assembly Line, the experience of working in an industry that produces a physical product alongside ideas that will shape the future is a privilege. It is complicated only by the fact that we don’t take the time to understand each other’s reality. Listening is the first step but doing the work to really understand – and then finding compromises underpinned by every individual taking full accountability for their part of the puzzle – is what’s building a winning team. #Gemba #Collaboration #Manufacturing #FordSouthAfrica

General Motors plans to eliminate about 200 engineering positions, though the employees in those roles will be able to move to other jobs. In a statement, a GM spokesperson said the automaker "is taking steps to rebalance our engineering resources to better align with our growth strategy. This will require a small number of engineers to move to other parts of the organization over the next several months. We will work with those who are affected and provide them with an opportunity to apply for open positions." CEO Mary Barra said on GM's second-quarter earnings call in July that the company is launching a strategy called "Winning with Simplicity," which is expected to lower design and engineering costs and reduce complexity in vehicle orders and manufacturing. GM is aiming to cut trim levels in half, which "results in fewer part numbers to simplify marketing, engineering, manufacturing, while maintaining the best features customers want," Barra said. About 5,000 salaried employees this year chose to take a voluntary buyout, which accounts for about $1 billion in cost reductions and also prevented layoffs, GM said at the time. The company also aims to cut sales and marketing spending by $800 million, Barra said, with "the remainder coming from significant reduction in all areas of the business, including engineering expense, travel and administrative costs." #automotiveindustry #automotivemanufacturing #generalmotors #simplicity #costreduction

Mark Fields, former President and CEO of Ford Motor Company, emphasizes the importance of developing our workforce for the future. It's all about nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals through tailored education and opportunities for growth. This approach is essential not just for attracting top-tier talent, but also for building a strong foundation, particularly within the manufacturing industry. Have you invested in your talent pipeline and provided education for your employees to acquire the necessary skills for your company's success? 💬 #InStride #NationalManufacturingWeek #Manufacturing #SkillsBasedHiring #Skills

Referring to a report by BILD about significant changes at #Ford's management level in Germany, leading to speculation about the company's #future in the country. The dissolution of the management team has raised concerns among #employees and the #public about potential job losses, not only within Ford but also among #suppliers. This situation is indeed #alarming if true, as it could indicate a shift in the #automotive industry in Germany, which has long been a stronghold for car #manufacturing. Ford Motor Company

As we say at Ford, be curious! Resilience is a trait that proves out over all others. If you have an idea that has merit, give it your all. Believe in yourself, persuade, persevere, and deliver. Transform your naysayers into votes of confidence! Go Leadership, Go Never Give Up, Go Ford, Go Engineering, Go EV Revolution, Go Customer Experience, Go Design and Software Teams, Go UAW, Go Strategy Team, Go Auto, Go All Industries! #innovationliveshere #trendsetter #aheadofthecurve #weareford #diversityandinclusion #careabouteachother #opportunities #strategy #manufacturing #EVs #Blueovalcity #professionalism #deliver #innovationneversleeps #changingthegame #relentleespursuitofperfection #newageautomotivehistory