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Marty Smets shared thisThis is what commitment to Ergonomics looks like at Ford Motor Co. 💪🏼 We brought 120+ Ergonomics Champions from our Production & Engineering teams to the Applied Ergonomics Conference this year. Incredible job by the Kentucky Truck Plant team who took home 2 Excellence awards in the prestigious Ergo Cup competition. We are so proud of your achievements ❤️ Jason Short Wendy Burkett, CSP Salima Ladha Patty Racco Julie Brazier Paradiso (T.) Alvin Fortaleza Adrian de Gouw Kyla Percy Nicholas Patrick Derrick Palma Christian Steingraber Owen Janisse, AE, AEP Michele Burton Jermaine Harris #FordErgonomics
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Marty Smets shared thisNothing better than comparing notes with industry peers! 🤝 It was a pleasure to host the Corporate Ergonomics & EHS Leaders from GE Aerospace here in Detroit. At Ford, we are incredibly proud of our Ergonomics Program - specifically how it bridges the gap between the virtual design world and our recently modernized current production Ergonomics toolset. Benchmarking our successes and discussing the future of workplace ergonomics with such a talented team was an honor. We’re already looking forward to visiting you at GE later this year! Oh and sorry we couldn't let you take that Heritage Edition Bronco with you Ben Zavitz, CPE! 😉 A huge thank you to the teams at Michigan Assembly Plant, Wayne Body & Stamping, Rawsonville Components Plant, and the UAW-Ford Joint Trust Center for your invaluable knowledge sharing. Ben Zavitz, CPE, Lauren Black, MBA, MSDA, ASP, Sam Pagliccia, ASP, and Allison Van Horn —thank you for the great visit! Great job Ford Team! Salima Ladha, Jason Short, Patty Racco, Julie Brazier, Alvin Fortaleza, Nicholas Curtis, Rob Otterman, Rob McLean, Siobhan Gaizutis, Wendy Burkett, CSP, Dale Maskill #Ford #GEAerospace #Ergonomics #EHS #ManufacturingInnovation
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Marty Smets shared thisOur new paper on the effective integration of Lift Assists will be published in the May 2026 issue of Applied Ergonomics. However, you can access it for free until Jan 31st! https://lnkd.in/grYyZ_vR Although critical to so many operations, Lift Assists can occasionally be rejected by Operators. How can this happen when their entire purpose is to reduce the overall physical demands of frequent load handling? This research paper investigates the factors influencing the effective integration and use of Lift Assists in automotive assembly. The study gathered diverse perspectives through semi-structured interviews with 16 UAW Operators, nine Ford Ergonomists, and six Lift Assists manufacturers from the automotive industry. This research will help us refine our Lift Assist integration strategy and improve operator user experience and vehicle quality. Special thanks to PhD Candidate Ahmad Raza Usmani, Dr. Maury Nussbaum, Dr. Sunwook Kim at Virginia Tech for their partnership on this important effort.
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Marty Smets shared thisWhat’s better than going and seeing? Going and doing. Another successful Ergo Day behind us as 42 Engineers worked the line for a day at our Kentucky Truck Plant. Incredible work by Alvin Fortaleza, AE, Rob McLean & Rob Otterman who organized the event and did their best to match the Engineers with line jobs involving the parts and processes they design. So many opportunities were identified! I had a memorable conversation with MFG Engineer Steven Smith who worked the Glass Run job on Door Line all day, a process design he owns. Glass Run install is a challenging job that requires finesse and skill. He shared with me number of process improvements he identified after only a few hours on the job. Fun fact - He told me that his Mom works a similar job on the door line at our Michigan Assembly Plant. No doubt a great experience for Steve that will help the wider Ford Family and maybe even his own! These Engineers were truly worked over by the end of the shift. Although they were not at risk of of developing an RSI after just a single day on the job, they were certainly at risk of developing a deeper empathy for the hard-working UAW Operators that show up day in and day out to produce high quality vehicles for our customers. Special thanks to Rex Spalding Buddy Stover Shawn Ottman Brandon Sparks & the entire KTP Team for supporting the effort 👊🏼 Wendy Burkett, CSP Jason Short Salima Ladha Robb Miller Seth Kuiper Josh Magill
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Marty Smets shared thisThank you Thomas Kendall and Andrea Maurer for hosting Wendy Burkett, CSP, Salima Ladha and I at the BlueOval Marshall Site this week. You’ve built an incredible team rich with experience. It was a pleasure to spend time together and discuss opportunities for support as you move towards production. There is nothing more energizing than seeing a new site come together! We look forward to extending our world class Ergonomics Program to this facility.Marty Smets shared thisThrilled to host our Ford Global Safety and Ergonomics team conduct a Health and Safety GEMBA walk at the BlueOval Marshall Site! It was an incredibly productive visit, underscored by the fantastic support and collaboration from our dedicated BlueOval Marshall Health and Safety Team. Together, we’re continuously working to build a world-class safety culture.
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Marty Smets shared thisManufacturing Friends: I'm looking to help my colleague Dr. Sunwook Kim with subject recruitment for this excellent research topic. Please see below for more information about the project: A new research collaboration between Virginia Tech, George Washington University, and the University of Notre Dame is working to develop smart industrial robots to assist autistic workers in manufacturing. Guided by Self-Determination Theory, this National Science Foundation-funded project aims to create technology that supports workers' autonomy and competence, fostering more inclusive and effective work environments. To ensure our technology is guided by the community it's designed to serve, we are seeking participants in two key areas: 1. Steering Committee Members: We are looking for individuals who self-identify as autistic and have current or past experience working in the manufacturing industry (e.g., assembly lines). Your insights will be invaluable in guiding the direction of this project. Compensation is available: Committee members will be compensated at $50 per hour for their time. To get involved: Email vtautismcenter@vt.edu with “NSF Robots” in the subject line or fill out our interest survey at https://lnkd.in/gSMRGn_J. 2. Research Study Participants (VT IRB 24-304): We are also seeking participants for a study to gather thoughts and opinions on the use of industrial robots in manufacturing settings. Manufacturing experience is not required, though preferred. This involves a set of questionnaires and one 2-hour interview. Compensation is available: Participants will be compensated at $20 per hour for their time. To participate: Please complete our brief screening survey at https://lnkd.in/gqNJqpsS.
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Marty Smets shared thisExcited to be giving the keynote at this years Applied Ergonomics Conference in Louisville KY. Looking forward to connecting with old friends and colleagues. See you all soon! #AppliedErgo2024Marty Smets shared thisKeynote Speaker Marty Smets brings his ergonomics expertise to #AppliedErgo2024 March 25-28 in Louisville. Here's a quick interview in which he talks future innovations and workplace safety initiatives at Ford Motor Co. Just a taste of what to expect at this year's conference! link.iise.org/aec-smets #workplacesafety #ergonomics #wearabletech
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Marty Smets shared thisMarty Smets shared this#Remotesupport, collaboration and training are understandably the most popular applications for #ARVR today, but there’s another #emergingtechnology that could help companies maintain productivity with fewer workers: #Exoskeletons. Read about how exoskeletons found their sweet spot in industry and discover the #industrialexoskeleton market in the article below. Interested in exoskeletons for your workforce? Want to hear from Fortune 500/1000 companies like Boeing, Toyota Motor Corporation Ford Motor Company and General Motors deploying these devices today? Don’t miss #EWTSEverywhere this October online: https://lnkd.in/dn8U-tW Marisol Barrero, CPE Christopher Reid Marty Smets Ryan Porto Check out this panel of exoskeleton users and experts from last year’s EWTS: https://lnkd.in/dJ8GhNh Lockheed Martin Bioservo Technologies noonee Laevo StrongArm Tech suitX Levitate Technologies, Inc. Sarcos Robotics Comau HeroWear LG Electronics Ottobock Lowe's Companies, Inc. Ekso Bionics
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Marty Smets shared thisMarty Smets shared thisThese are unprecedented times. We’re battling a global health crisis that does not discriminate by age, gender, race, income level, or borders. We have to work together and support each other during this time. Many of our friends, families and neighbors are directly impacted by this crisis. Their livelihoods and source of income are at risk. I’m so proud that Ford Motor Company is implementing this Lend A Hand program to defer new vehicle payments by 6 months. Ford will pay for 3 months and customers can defer for an additional 3 months. Hopefully this will help them prioritize their spending on most important things. https://lnkd.in/eeVAQGU
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Marty Smets liked thisMarty Smets liked thisExcited to share this milestone and the results of our hard work! 🚀 I recently had the honor of receiving an award for coordinating the incredible team from Ford Plant Irapuato during our participation in the Safety Bus Tour, hosted at the Cuautitlán Plant. Behind this recognition lies weeks of intense work, strategic planning, and immense dedication. And the effort was totally worth it! It was a total success, bringing together and connecting colleagues from plants in Mexico, the United States, Canada, and Argentina. One of the most rewarding moments was having the opportunity to share our best practices from Irapuato so they can be replicated in plants worldwide. This is especially meaningful today, as we currently stand as the number one plant in Safety regarding LTCR (Lost Time Case Rate), maintaining a record of zero accidents over the past few years. 🛡️📈 This achievement is an absolute reflection of the commitment, discipline, and preventive culture of every single member of our team. Safety is not just a process; it is a conviction we live by every day. Thank you to everyone who contributed their talent to make this happen. We continue moving forward with firm steps toward operational excellence! ⚙️🌍 #Ford #SafetyFirst #BusTour #IndustrialSafety #FordPride #LTCR #ZeroAccidents #WorkplaceSafety #FordIrapuato #Cuautitlan #GlobalLeadership Jorge Bucio CONNY MONTAÑO SANDOZEQUI Dimas Corral Korina Elías Caudillo Karla P��ramo Jesus Francisco Sarabia Zavala Carlos Silva
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Marty Smets liked thisMarty Smets liked thisJust returned from an incredible benchmarking trip to China and feeling super energized by everything our team experienced! Over the course of the visit, we toured six manufacturing plants, studying best practices in quality, craftsmanship, and cost competitiveness. We also had the opportunity to benchmark a wide range of vehicles, technologies, and customer-focused features being offered across the Chinese market. Trips like this are a great reminder of the value of getting out into the field, seeing different approaches firsthand, challenging our own assumptions and standard practices, and learning from the best ideas wherever they emerge. A huge thank you to everyone who hosted us and shared their insights. I’m returning with new perspectives, fresh ideas with a clear path to execution, and even more excitement about the opportunities ahead. John Mullins Jerry Lin Andrew Sahely Adrian Aguirre Todd Sokolowski Kevin Sabens Hennon, Paul (P.M.) Vamsi Ancha John Olson Seth Kuiper Aaron Fiala Samira Shaw Dr. Evangelos Liasi
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Marty Smets liked thisMarty Smets liked thisThis week I had the opportunity to visit the Amazon robotic facility in Orlando, Florida, representing our Ford Mexico team in a truly eye-opening benchmarking experience. Seeing firsthand their level of automation, the sophistication of their internal logistics, and their proprietary technology in action is not only visually impressive, but deeply inspiring from an operational standpoint. Beyond the cutting-edge technology, I took away two major insights: 1. Warmth in Knowledge Sharing: We were welcomed with open arms, impeccable hospitality, and a world-class tour program. 2. The Power of Learning from the Best: The true value of industrial leadership isn't just in perfecting what we do internally, but in stepping out to explore the world, challenging existing paradigms, and bringing top practices home to keep raising the bar at our manufacturing sites. A sincere thank you to the Amazon team for sharing their knowledge, experience, and vision. We return to Mexico energized, full of ideas, and fully committed to continuing the transformation of our operations. "Copy and share with pride" is the first step toward building the industry of the future. 💙🚗🤖 Clara Aguero Romo Amazon Alejandro Rosas #Benchmarking #FordMexico #Amazon #Innovation #Logistics #Manufacturing #IndustrialLeadership #Automation #Robotics
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Marty Smets liked thisMarty Smets liked thisWe talk a lot about what it takes to launch a new product: plans, milestones, long days, and solving the next problem before it reaches the line. At Oakville Assembly Complex this week, I was reminded of something else it takes. Many on the launch team have spent more than a year away from home, family, and friends. On Tuesday, they stepped away from the floor and gathered around three cheesecakes John Milkovich had made from scratch. People laughed. They shared stories. For a few minutes, the master schedule could wait. I thought about how much we ask of people during launch-and how easy it is to see only the work they do. Sitting around that table, I saw a team making time for one another. The Oakville launch team is making great progress on a major project. I’m proud of the work. I’m even more grateful for the people behind it. Jim Engle John Olson Paul Gerbi Lance Shockley Nick Rossi Mary-MaRae L. Baker Dwayne Moncrief Marc Foresi Richard Bauer Josh Magill Alex Nagler
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Marty Smets liked thisMarty Smets liked thisAs my time at Ford Hermosillo comes to an end, I’ve found myself reflecting on just how meaningful this experience has been. I came to Hermosillo to learn, but I’m leaving with so much more than a list of best practices. I’m leaving with a deeper appreciation for the people, culture, and mindset that make this team so special. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms. The willingness of the Hermosillo team to share their knowledge, open their doors, and let us see how they approach challenges was truly inspiring. What impressed me most was the sense of ownership and teamwork throughout the plant. Everyone plays a part, everyone contributes, and there is a genuine commitment to finding better ways to do things. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to teach us, answer our questions, challenge our thinking, and make us feel like part of the team during our time here. Now comes the exciting part, taking these lessons home to Louisville Assembly Plant. My hope is that we can bring back not only some of the practices and ideas we’ve seen, but also a little bit of the Hermosillo mindset and culture that makes those practices successful. Thank you to the entire Hermosillo team for the hospitality, the friendship, and the lessons. I’ll be taking a lot of great memories home with me, and hopefully bringing some of what makes this place special back to LAP. Until next time, Hermosillo. Gracias por todo. 🇲🇽🤝🇺🇸 #Ford #FordHermosillo #LouisvilleAssemblyPlant #LAP #Manufacturing #ContinuousImprovement #Culture #Teamwork #Benchmarking Ford Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly Plant
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Marty Smets liked thisMarty Smets liked this🎓 PhinisheD at Virginia Tech and joined Tesla! ⚡️ I’m incredibly excited to share two HUGE milestones in my journey: I successfully defended my Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech, and I’m starting my full time role with Tesla at Gigafactory Texas! Completing my Ph.D. marks the end of an unforgettable period in my life. My years at Virginia Tech Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering were filled with challenges, learning, great people, and experiences that shaped me both professionally and personally. None of this would have been possible without my advisor, Dr. Maury Nussbaum. Throughout my Ph.D., I always felt that I was in the best hands under his guidance, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had him as my advisor. I’m also sincerely grateful to my committee members, Dr. Michael Madigan, Dr. Sunwook Kim, and Dr. Aanuoluwapo Ojelade, for their feedback, encouragement, and support. It is bittersweet to see my time at Virginia Tech come to an end, but I could not be more excited about what comes next. ⚡️ Next stop: Tesla! Before moving into my full time role, I had the opportunity to intern with Tesla’s EHS team supporting battery cell manufacturing, which was an incredibly valuable learning experience. A special thank you to my internship manager, Hardy Patel. His depth of EHS knowledge always impressed me. No matter what EHS question I came to him with, he either knew the answer or knew exactly how to help me think through it. I learned a lot from him and truly appreciate how much he cared about my development. I’m now excited to continue with the EHS team at Gigafactory Texas. I’m thankful to Yan Zhang, for his trust and confidence in me, and to Brandon Freeman, who, no matter how busy he was, always made time to support and guide me. I also want to thank Cat Ward for making my onboarding process so smooth and welcoming. I’m looking forward to learning, contributing, and taking on new challenges at Tesla. ⚡️🚀 #PhD #VirginiaTech #Tesla #GigafactoryTexas #EHS #IndustrialEngineering
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Marty Smets liked thisMarty Smets liked thisThis week, my leadership team and I stepped away from our desks and rolled up our sleeves for a different kind of work - volunteering at the Detroit Zoo! From weed-pulling to landscaping, we ensured we applied a “quality first” mindset and applied lean principles to get the job done efficiently and effectively! Thank you to the Detroit Zoological Society for hosting us! It was great to give back to our community and having fun doing it! #weareford Katie Kratky Jacob Puckowitz Siobhan Gaizutis Andrew Abramouski Danielle Kehrig Rob McLean McKay Matheson
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Marty Smets liked thisMarty Smets liked thisSAP Safety and Quality Teams out reviewing potential tear down process. Great opportunity to review and collaborate together to protect our workforce and the product. Thank you to all that participated and special thanks to the Operator and Team Leader for sharing their experience and candid thoughts. Addressing risks prior to the work starting is paramount to creating a safe work environment.
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Kurt Metzger
EDUCATION AND THE MOBILITY INDUSTRY MichAuto, the association that is dedicated to promoting and growing the auto industry in the state, released its State of Mobility 2025 report on Dec. 10. Among its top findings were the following: Michigan's auto industry must innovate and attract new talent to maintain its global leadership position. The state faces intense competition from China, which is rapidly advancing in EV technology and production. Improving K-12 education, infrastructure, and affordable housing is crucial for attracting a skilled workforce. "Whether you work in the factory or on the connected vehicle, all jobs are requiring a higher degree of digital interface and skilled training," said Glenn Stevens, CEO of MichAuto. However, the industry faces a perception crisis among youth, with many indicating they would not consider it for a career. Many cite a lack of awareness of jobs beyond engineering and manufacturing, unclear educational pathways, and misunderstood working conditions as the reasons for not considering a career in the auto industry, the report said. Stevens said the industry must change those perceptions. While I found manufacturing and sales numbers quite interesting, I was shocked by how poorly we are preparing our students for the jobs of the future - both in autos and elsewhere. "We’re in a competition for technical talent at all levels with everyone," Stevens said. An area in the high schools that needs attention is with providing counselors to show young people the way into an autos job, that's especially important given that the current autos workforce, especially in the factories, are aging out. While the American School Counselors Association recommends a 250-to-1 ratio of students to school counselors, the national average is actually 376-to-1 for the 2023-24 school year (most recent available). MICHIGAN RANKS SECOND TO LAST AMONG STATES WITH A RATIO OF 573-to1! Once again, it is Michigan’s Educational Structure that is failing our students! https://lnkd.in/gj-cJRT9
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