Audi has invested EUR100m in improving the plant infrastructure at Brussels since it took over management responsibility for the plant from VW a year ago, and it will invest a further EUR100m to equip the body and paint shops and assembly plant ahead of production of the new A1 in 2010.
“We are making good progress. The general investment concept for
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Widuckel added that Audi is investing heavily in improving the working conditions and qualifications of its employees. Staff are being trained in the Audi Production System with 50 employees being transferred over the next few weeks to the pre-production centre at
Widuckel said that detailed negotiations have been completed to increase working time to 38 hours per week by 2009, but further discussions are needed to establish group work and flexible working hours using working time accounts. Audi says both of these are essential to ensure that
Widuckel also called on the workforce to embrace further changes and wholeheartedly support modernisation of the site: “Much is required of us; we cannot afford to rest on our laurels but must gain even more momentum. Many things must and will continue to change. This is the only way to safeguard productivity and quality, the only way we can work economically.”
Widuckel said the site is assuming exclusive production responsibility for a model for the first time in its history, where it previously played only a supporting role for the Volkswagen Group.
