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Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp.,
U.S.A. (KMM), Lincoln, Nebraska and Maryville, Missouri
Kawasaki was the first foreign vehicle
manufacturer to open a manufacturing plant in the U.S.A..
Several far-sighted Kawasaki executives germinated the idea way
back in 1974, and it was simple. If you're selling in America,
why not build there too -- save time, save shipping and employ
local labor. It worked, and years later firms like Nissan,
Toyota, VW and Honda followed Kawasaki's lead.
Since personnel are the most important part of any business, KMM
strives to make working conditions safe and comfortable.
Kawasaki employees, working as a team, insure that the same
quality standards are incorporated through all processes. Each
worker takes personal responsibility for quality and feels pride
in a job well done.
The consumer products manufacturing facility in Lincoln, located
on 335 acres of land, has grown since its opening in 1974 from
the original 286,000 square feet to nearly 1.3 million square
feet of manufacturing, office and warehouse space. In 2001, the
rail car plant was completed at the Lincoln site, adding 437,000
square feet for light rail car manufacturing. Over 1,000 people
work at the Lincoln facilities, making KMM a major employer in
the Lincoln area. In 1989 the Maryville Plant was opened for
production of general purpose engines. The Maryville facility
has grown to over 700,000 square feet on 113.7 acres of land
employing over 600 people. KMM Research and Development Centers
are located at the Lincoln and Maryville facilities to meet
customer demands as quickly as possible.
The plant operates on a "just in time" supply method which
eliminates expensive warehousing and over-ordering of parts.
Production methods combine the best of Japanese and American
techniques, resulting in the unique Kawasaki Production System,
of which we're quite proud. For instance, certain parts and
pieces are made on special presses located right on the assembly
line. This means no shortages or excess inventory on these items
for more efficiency and less cost. In many cases, it also means
the worker makes the part he assembles, and thus enjoys a full
sense of accomplishment.
-Text borrowed from
KAWASAKI.COM
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