Etobicoke and Kokomo Casting Plants Earn Safety Awards

Two of Stellantis’ North American casting plants, the Etobicoke Casting Plant (ECP) in Ontario, Canada, and the Kokomo Casting Plant (KCP) in Kokomo, Indiana, have been recognized for their outstanding commitment to safety by the North American Die Casting Association (NADCA). The annual NADCA Safety Award Program acknowledges facilities across North America that prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees. ECP and KCP received prestigious accolades for their exemplary safety records in 2022.

ECP’s Consistent Safety Record Earns Perfect Award:

Etobicoke Casting Plant has been honored with the Perfect Award from NADCA for the second consecutive year. The Perfect Award is presented to companies that have maintained a flawless safety record throughout the year, with zero lost days, transfers, or restrictions. ECP’s commitment to employee safety and well-being has been exemplary, reflecting a strong safety culture within the facility.

KCP’s Ongoing Safety Achievements Recognized:

The Kokomo Casting Plant has been awarded the Outstanding Award for the ninth consecutive year. This recognition is bestowed upon companies that demonstrate an average of less than 2.1 employee days away from recordable injuries or illnesses. KCP’s consistent commitment to maintaining a safe working environment underscores their dedication to employee well-being.

Additionally, KCP has been honored with the Progress Award for Safety Improvements for the third time overall. This award acknowledges companies that have achieved a year-on-year safety improvement of 25% or more. KCP’s proactive approach to enhancing safety measures highlights its continuous efforts to prioritize employee protection.

Stellantis’ Emphasis on Employee Safety:

Mike Resha, Senior Vice President and Head of North America Manufacturing at Stellantis expressed his pride in the recognition received by the Etobicoke and Kokomo casting facilities. “I’m extremely proud of the recognition the teams at our Etobicoke and Kokomo casting facilities have received from NADCA for their sustained and ongoing efforts to keep everyone safe while making top-quality products,” Resha stated.

Investments in Manufacturing Facilities:

Stellantis has made substantial investments in its North American plants to support the production of innovative and sustainable automotive technologies. In August 2022, the company announced a $99 million investment in three plants for the manufacturing of a new 1.6-liter, I-4 turbocharged engine that is rumored to be going into the next-gen Jeep® Cherokee (KM). Etobicoke Casting Plant received nearly $2 million to enhance tooling and equipment for oil pan production, while Kokomo Casting Plant received over $14 million to convert existing machinery for engine block production.

Furthermore, in February 2023, Stellantis disclosed a $155 million investment in three Kokomo, Indiana, plants to produce new electric drive modules (EDM) for future electric vehicles assembled in North America. The Kokomo Casting Plant will play a role in this venture by casting the EDM gearbox cover. These investments highlight Stellantis’ commitment to advancing sustainable mobility and supporting the company’s goal of achieving 50% battery-electric sales in the U.S. by 2030.

Recognition and Future Events:

As recipients of the NADCA Safety Awards, the Etobicoke and Kokomo casting plants will be featured in Die Casting Engineer magazine. Moreover, they will be acknowledged at the upcoming Die Casting Congress & Tabletop Show, scheduled for September 19-21, 2023, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This recognition underscores the plants’ commitment to safety and serves as a testament to their achievements in creating secure work environments.