| Core Quality Administrative Assistant |
Right-brained dominated manufacturing environment with consistent high
ranking persons turning over (fired or resigning) 40% in Kalamazoo Plant
2001, only one Executive VP in place since 1996. New American President
in place for NAO since late 2000. German parent company; most American
business persons have little opportunity to ascertain 'best business
practices' with European, Asian and South American culture - viewed as
non-critical to company's success.
Engineering and manufacturing practices rewarded with President's
Award. Greatest upward mobility for engineers and mostly at the Auburn
Hills corporate facility - little movement within plants. Few
advancement opportunities for women and minorities. No hiring tests for
staff personnel. Diversity training non existent.
Soft skills viewed as critical for keeping out the union however company
does not tend to invest in persons acquiring soft skills /cultural
savvy. Hours are highly flexible: 40 - 80 per week - highly task /
project specific. Presently plant engages in "comprehensive time"
policy where one gets time off for overtime verses acquiring OT
compensation.
Dress code casual with possibility to acquire name on company dress
shirts. Women must be aware of 'dressing smart' as 85% male environment.
As automotive trends go, Benteler remains behind the Big 3 and
Transplants in bias / streotype and diversity awareness. Current
management supports this trend as not asking the right questions to the
right people at the right time to provide what is needed interpersonally
and with customers. Trend bucked with respective managers only.
Management unwilling to take risks to generate new positions. German
parent company board controls spending, thus do not always value needs
of respective plants and how these opportunites would assist morale,
manufacturing, ect.
German parent company enacted "Business Unit" format which is reverting
to traditional materials, quality, manufacturing, engineering, etc.
departments.
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Benteler Automotive Interview Surveys
