Talking About Automobiles

Hinrichs is presently leading the North America Manufacturing of Ford as vice-president. In his new job, the 40 year old automotive veteran will now be in charge of the worldwide integration of the company’s manufacturing operations and its engineering support for vehicle, powertrain and stamping. His additional duty would be to supervise the company’s Material Planning and Logistics, Ford Production system, and Manufacturing Business Offiec organizations.

“Joe has been successful in leading the restructuring of our North American manufacturing operations and was a key participant in the recent contract talks with the UAW,” Mulally said. “In his new role, Joe will focus on delivering a global manufacturing plan that allows us to improve our efficiency while leveraging our scale worldwide. A global manufacturing footprint supporting a global product plan that delivers the vehicles people want and value are key to creating an exciting and viable company – that delivers profitable growth for all.”
Since Hinrichs will be performing a global and a North American role, he will be reporting to two immediate supervisors. For his global duties, he will be reporting to Mullaly and to Mark Fields for his North American role.

“Our plants in North America are more competitive and our launches are stronger, thanks in large part to Joe’s leadership,” Fields said. “Integrating manufacturing around the world and aligning it with product development on a global scale will make the entire business stronger.”

Before joining Ford in year 2000, Hinrichs had been into major manufacturing works. His major contributions at Ford were basically on the relation of the automaker and the United Auto Workers, basically its Labor force.

“I am excited by the opportunity to bring our plants and engineering functions around the world together into one, cohesive manufacturing operation,” Hinrichs said. “Integrating a global process plan and combining it with our global product plan allow us to accelerate our ability to produce the vehicles customers want around the world while continuing to improve quality.”