While everyone was home enjoying their snow day we were off to visit the BMW plant in Leipzig. The plant was designed in 2002 by world renowned architect Zaha Hadid. It was built at a cost of 1.2 billion euros. This state of the art facility is fully integrated. Imagine working in your office looking out at the employees health club (pictured above us in the photo) in one direction and then, looking up to the assembly line moving over your head.
If this plant were in south eastern Pennsylvania many of our graduates would be qualified to work there. Students from the Robotics, Welding, Precision Machining, Drafting and Design, Auto Technology, Auto Collision Repair, Industrial Electricity, Health Occupations, Protective Services, Graphic Arts, and Horticulture all can apply to work at this plant.
We began our tour in the production area. It was interesting to see all the robotic welding arms. There literally must have been over hundred of these. We moved on to the painting assembly.
Here, we learned about the 4 coats of paint applied to each car. The next stop was the assemby line. Along the way we saw the company's cafeteria and kitchen. Their food service department provides over 1,000 meals each day. After the food service we saw their health suite. Doctors, nurses, and aides are on staff daily. Moving along to the assembly line we saw workers installing electronics , seats , side panels and air bags. Next, the drive train was added.Robotic arms were then used to install the windshields. Finally, the wheels were put on and the ignition was intalled. The completed cars were driven off for storage and delivery.
Today, our students had an excellent opportunity to observe a fully integrated system. They compared what was seen at the plant to what is taught in the different labs at North Montco.
Unfortunately, because of security regulations we were not permitted to take any pictures inside the plant. This was the only picture we could give you.
