The continuous improvement program that marries the line workers to the production process is working well, and there's every indication that this will continue. And the government is happy with the automaker, a situation it doesn't always get in its own country. Heck, there aren't this many happy couples in an episode of Oprah. They pretreat, electrocoat, paint, and inspect Dakota bodies. PPG handles everything from purchasing supplies to waste management.
Paint shop includes a mixing room and laboratory for checking paint quality and color match.
Crankshafts and blocks cast in Brazil, then zipped off to Italy for machining. Then back to Brazilian facility for assembly. Carousel-type assembly line maximizes flexibility of line so various versions and models can be built. Full capacity for plant is 31,000, with enough room available to double that number. Big crane lowers chassis onto truck that drives straight over to the Dakota plant.