Details

28 mins, 2010

Globalisation means products are now put together using parts from all over the world. This film explains the complex global supply chain which produces the radiator cap for a US pickup truck – the Dodge Ram.

WHERE THE CAP IS MADE: The radiator cap is actually manufactured in India – at Sundram Fasteners. Cheaper labour has enabled them to steal a march on their competitors in more developed countries. Meanwhile British companies Berck and PCR supply parts to Sundram to make the radiator caps. Their answer to the cheaper labour in emerging markets is to use new technology to increase productivity.

FINAL ASSEMBLY: From India the radiator caps travel to Tenessee, US, where another company actually manufactures the radiator – Modine Radiator. Modine ships the radiator to a factory in Warren, Michigan, where the pickup truck is finally assembled. But constant competition means that supply chains are always changing and to stay in the game, companies off-shore work to lower cost countries, such as China, to keep their costs down.

CUTTING COSTS: Car-makers are trying to squeeze more and more out of their suppliers by the use of modules and platform sharing. But as their supply chains spread out across the world and become ever more complex, manufacturers face a growing array of problems – any of which could cost them dear if things go wrong.

DVD EXTRA: A British car worker describes what it’s like to work in a globalised industry and why he believes trade unions are so important.

Key Topics

• Manufacturing
• Supply Chains
• Competition
• Off-Shoring