Since 2006, over 700 production plants in more than 15 different countries, including Germany, France, Spain, Benelux and Italy, have taken part in the selection process to win the sought-after trophy, which is one of the most significant on a European scale.

Every year, after the initial analysis of questionnaires originating from the plants in the various countries, a selection of candidates takes place in the various categories, which are five in total. The selection process also envisages on-site checks, specific meetings and interviews, to investigate and confirm the data collected in the questionnaires.

Specifically, the production system is analysed, along with its application in the plant, checking that the principles of Lean Production, especially in terms of quality, maintenance, logistics and personnel development are actually applied consistently and continuously, to create a work environment that supports in a structured and efficient manner the continuous improvement process and the systematic elimination of wastage. After this strict evaluation process, a specialised jury from Agamus Consult picks the winners.

“It is a major acknowledgement that pays homage to all the men and women who work in Pomigliano and who in recent years have contributed to re-establish the factory, accompanying it on an historic journey, which has been indispensable to support the plant's productive mission,” commented Stefan Ketter, Chief Manufacturing Officer of Fiat S.p.A. “Through World Class Manufacturing, the production system in use in Fiat and Chrysler plants, the most sophisticated modern production standards have been implemented in Pomigliano, and they have now become a model for the other plants in the Group. We are proud that the results achieved have been acknowledged by such internationally acclaimed experts.”

The awards ceremony is set to take place in Leipzig in Germany on 7 November on the occasion of the 7th congress organised by Automobil Produktion and Agamus Consult.