The Hitachi Astemo plant in Rock Spring, Georgia, needed a change. It used pen and paper to track production, parts, and maintenance for over 20 years. The result: the plant was one of the lowest-producing facilities in the Hitachi Astemo group. So, it turned to a connected workforce software called L2L. And the facility immediately saw results.
Hitachi Astemo + L2L Testimonial Video
As they have for several years now, L2L turned to our Seattle video production and content creation company to capture Hitachi Astemo’s success story. We traveled to Rock Spring and spent a full day shooting interviews and b-roll around the Hitachi Astemo facility.
What we learned is L2L immediately pushed Hitachi Astemo into the digital age, changing employees’ jobs and lives. One woman used to stay for hours after work to do shift reports. Now, thanks to L2L and its real-time data, she gets to leave at the end of her shift, allowing her more time with her kids at home.
“I’m grateful to be able to just go and do my job and be done with it within a matter of a couple of seconds,” said assembly line lead Pauline Bradley. “And it makes everybody feel involved, and I think we should all be involved in the process of it.”
For others on the floor, they can quickly input information on a computer, tablet, or on their cellphone. It saves hours and provides accuracy like never before.
“Oh, it’s life changing,” said Katie Hornbrook, assistant manager of production, scheduling, and inventory control. “Being able to use our phones, use our technology the way it should be. It’s really exciting.”
Increased Production at Hitachi Astemo
Not only has L2L helped change people’s lives, but it has also reduced downtime and increased production at the Rock Spring facility. This year is the most successful year they’ve had in the plant’s 23 years of existence. And they only implemented L2L seven or eight months prior to our arrival.
And everyone within Hitachi Astemo is taking notice. The Rock Spring facility is receiving more visitors than ever before, including a visit from President and CEO Kohei Takeuchi. Everyone wants to see what they’ve done to become successful.
“Two to three times a week, I am hearing about Rock Spring,” said Maurice Henson, senior director of IT operations at Hitachi Astemo. “Rock Spring is showing itself to be one of the shining examples of what Astemo wants to be.”
A Bright Future Ahead in Rock Spring
With tremendous results in a very short period of time, the belief is that there is a bright future for the Hitachi Astemo plant in Rock Spring. They’re just scratching the surface of what is possible with L2L.
“We’re profitable. We’re doing a great job of our continuous improvement,” said site head Melissa Long. “It’s been a huge successful story, and I think even if you came back and spoke to us next year, we’ll just be a completely different plant.”
And there is more on the horizon for L2L, including AI tools to help advance manufacturing even further at Hitachi Astemo and beyond.
“I cannot wait for the AI tool,” said production control and logistics and operations department head Malissa Rolen. “That’s all I talk about. I am a big fan of the AI assistant.”
Manufacturing Testimonial Video Production
We are manufacturing video experts, traveling to plants across the country to capture their stories. Our Seattle video production and content creation company has traveled to Utah, Louisiana, and Kentucky to name just a few. It’s honestly some of the most fun work we get to do. And we do it safely, and quickly, making it as enjoyable as possible for all involved.
Be sure to contact us if you are creating manufacturing video in Seattle or beyond. You can call, text, email — whatever is easiest for you. And remember to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. And you can watch more of our manufacturing testimonial videos on YouTube and Vimeo.