Nissan's Smyrna Plant Hits Seven-Millionth Vehicle Mark

Strategic Insights -

Nissan's Smyrna Plant in Tennessee has produced its seven-millionth vehicle, a milestone that marks 22 years of quality manufacturing. The plant's production started with a white 1983 Nissan Pickup and has since grown to produce five models, including the Altima sedan, Maxima sedan, Pathfinder, Xterra SUV, and Frontier pickup truck. The plant has consistently earned top honors in the North American manufacturing efficiency study conducted by Harbour and Associates and operates under an ISO14001-certified Environmental Management System.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Smyrna Plant has produced 7 million vehicles, with the initial milestone unit being a white 1983 Nissan Pickup.
  • The plant has been in operation since June 16, 1983, and currently employs 6,700 people.
  • The plant has a capacity to assemble 550,000 vehicles a year and produces a new model every 28.5 seconds during full production.
  • Nissan aims to achieve global sales of 4.2 million units by fiscal year 2008 and maintain the top level of operating profit margin among global automakers.
  • The Smyrna Plant has earned its place at the top of the North American manufacturing efficiency study conducted by Harbour and Associates for the past 12 years.
  • The plant operates under an ISO14001-certified Environmental Management System and has produced its first million cars in 1989.

Statistics:

  • 7 million vehicles produced by the Smyrna Plant
  • 22 years of quality manufacturing at the plant
  • 550,000 vehicles assembled annually
  • 28.5 seconds: time it takes to produce a new model during full production
  • 1,300: initial number of employees at the plant
  • 6,700: current number of employees at the plant
  • 3.2 million square feet: initial plant size
  • 5.4 million square feet: current plant size
  • $4.2 million: Nissan's global sales target by fiscal year 2008
  • 293,000: units exceeding the prior record in fiscal year 2004

Sources:

  • "Nissan North America's Smyrna Plant Achieves Seven-Millionth Vehicle Milestone" (exact phrase from the original text)
  • www.NissanUSA.com
  • www.infiniti.com
  • Harbour and Associates
  • ISO (exact reference to the Environmental Management System certification)
  • Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. financial reports (exact reference to the business plan for fiscal years 2005-2007)