Machines have eliminated many jobs where the Liberty first comes together. Orange robotic arms lift and weld the steel body parts into place. Driverless vehicles have replaced forklift operators. Even during full production, some areas of the plant seem deserted. You don't see a soul,'' said Rick Wawrzyniak, a 22-year employee.
Workers say they feel like the technology has taken over.
I almost feel we're not so important anymore because of the technology,'' said sheet-metal worker David Reese. The assembly plant has been making Liberty prototypes since July. Workers expect to make 117,000 in 2001, the debut year for the compact sport-utility vehicle. How well the Liberty sells could make or break everyone from Chrysler President Dieter Zetsche to the workers on the assembly line. Zetsche told workers before taking a silver Liberty for a test drive.