Stellantis Casting Plants Earn Top Safety Honors

Stellantis is once again celebrating significant safety achievements at two of its key North American casting plants. Both the Etobicoke Casting Plant (ECP) in Ontario, Canada, and the Kokomo Casting Plant (KCP) in Kokomo, Indiana, have been recognized for their exceptional commitment to workplace safety by the North American Die Casting Association (NADCA).

Etobicoke Casting Plant’s Hat Trick –

The Etobicoke Casting Plant has secured its third consecutive Perfect Award, a remarkable accomplishment that highlights the plant’s dedication to maintaining a safe working environment. The Perfect Award is granted to facilities that report zero lost days, transfers, or restrictions due to work-related injuries or illnesses. In 2023, ECP achieved this milestone once again, underscoring the effectiveness of its safety protocols.

Kokomo Casting Plant’s Decade of Safety –

Meanwhile, the Kokomo Casting Plant has extended its impressive streak by earning its 10th consecutive Outstanding Award. This award recognizes facilities that have consistently demonstrated a superior safety record over an extended period. KCP’s decade-long achievement is a testament to the plant’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the well-being of its employees.

Recognition and Commitment –

The NADCA Safety Awards Program honors facilities across North America that prioritize employee safety and well-being. The recognition of ECP and KCP in this program highlights Stellantis’ focus on maintaining a safe work environment while upholding high standards of quality in manufacturing.

“Earning prestigious awards like these from NADCA is a testament to our employees’ unwavering efforts toward safety,” said Mike Resha, Stellantis’ Senior Vice President, North America Manufacturing. “They go above and beyond to ensure a safe work environment while maintaining the highest quality standards. I’m proud of the dedication of everyone at both Etobicoke and Kokomo.”

Supporting Stellantis’ Electrification Goals – 

Both the Etobicoke and Kokomo Casting Plants are integral to Stellantis’ broader strategy to achieve 50% battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales in the U.S. and Canada by 2030. As part of a new three-year collective agreement with Unifor, Stellantis has committed to maximizing the use of existing equipment at ECP, with a focus on transitioning to electrification. This includes the production of battery tray cast beams, supported by a $34 million CAD investment.

Similarly, Kokomo Casting is set to play a vital role in the production of electric drive modules (EDMs) for future electric vehicles in North America. Stellantis has allocated $155 million USD across three Kokomo plants to support this initiative, with EDM gearbox cover production at KCP expected to begin in the third quarter of 2024.

Future Investments – 

In addition to these electrification efforts, Stellantis announced in August 2022 a $99 million USD investment in three North American plants for the production of a new 1.6-liter, I-4 turbocharged engine, which will also be used in hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs). This investment includes nearly $2 million for Etobicoke to develop and install new tooling and equipment for oil pan production, and more than $14 million for Kokomo Casting to convert existing machines for engine block production.

Recognition at Die Casting Congress & Exposition – 

As award winners, both ECP and KCP will be featured in Die Casting Engineer magazine and honored at the Die Casting Congress & Exposition, which will take place from September 30 to October 2, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana. This event will bring together industry leaders to celebrate advancements in die casting and recognize those who have made significant contributions to safety and innovation.