Automakers Renault Samsung and GM Korea found themselves on opposite ends of the spectrum in a listing of manufacturing plants with the highest productivity, per the ’2016 Harbour Report’, derived by utilizing HPU figures (Hours Per Unit) provided by global consulting firm Oliver Wyman. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Korea Bizwire) – Automakers Renault Samsung and GM Korea found themselves on opposite ends of the spectrum in a listing of manufacturing plants with the highest productivity, per the ’2016 Harbour Report’, derived by utilizing HPU figures (Hours Per Unit) provided by global consulting firm Oliver Wyman.
Renault Samsung’s Busan-based manufacturing plant was listed as the eighth most productive among 148 global sites. The French Groupe Renault subsidiary’s superlative performance was also highlighted by having its D1 segment vehicles – the SM5 and the SM6 – take the top two spots respectively (select markets only) on a list of the productivity of different car segments.
Other Busan-manufactured models within the categories of D2, C1 and SUV-D were ranked either first or a rung or two below. The SM7 (D2) came in second while the SM3 (C1) ranked first. For the SUV-D segment, the Rogue, a Nissan-brand vehicle manufactured at the Busan plant, took the number one spot, followed by the Renault Samsung QM6 at second, with the now decommissioned QM5 rounding out the top three.
The Harbour Report delivered a stinging indictment of South Korea’s other foreign subsidiary, ranking GM Korea’s Gunsan Plant 130th, though the automaker’s Bupyeong and Changwon locations fared relatively well, placing 33rd and 41st, respectively. (Image: Yonhap)
On the ranking of Renault Samsung’s Busan plant, a company insider identified the twin factors of “sustained investment and the persistent efforts of the people involved” as the reasons behind the consistent high productivity.
The Harbour Report delivered a stinging indictment of South Korea’s other foreign subsidiary, ranking GM Korea’s Gunsan Plant 130th, though the automaker’s Bupyeong and Changwon locations fared relatively well, placing 33rd and 41st, respectively.
Manufacturing plants from South Korean firms Hyundai and Kia Motors also made appearances on the list. Hyundai’s plants located in Nošovice, Czech Republic and St. Petersburg, Russia were ranked 12th and 31st, while the Kia plant in Zilina, Slovakia came in one spot ahead of Hyundai’s at 11th.
S.B.W. (sbw266@koreabizwire.com)
