Industry Highlight |
Industry Highlight - TRW AutomotiveTRW Automotive U.S. LLC TRW is a global leader in Automotive Safety Systems and one of the top financial performers in the industry. The company supplies more than 40 major vehicle manufacturers and 250 nameplates and holds leading positions in all of its primary product categories. One of the most dominant technologies for today’s automotive applications is the rack and pinion steering system. TRW is among the world’s leading suppliers of rack and pinion steering systems. The conventional power rack and pinion steering gear assembly is composed of 45 or more individual components. The safety critical nature of automotive power steering demands strict adherence to engineering and production specifications and standards with respect to the parts, processes, and procedures utilized. In the spring of 1991, TRW opened a new rack and pinion assembly plant in the Mountain Empire Industrial Park in Atkins, Virginia. Since opening, the company has consistently been one of Smyth County’s largest employers. For over 17 years, the employees have provided millions of quality rack and pinion steering gears for customers such as Chrysler, Ford, GM, Nissan, Volkswagen, and BMW. In addition to meeting customer demands, plant personnel are consistently focused on principles of lean manufacturing, quality, and meeting the challenges associated with ever-changing technology. It requires an employee base of diverse skills to effectively satisfy the daily challenges experienced at TRW. In addition to skilled assembly technicians, the daily operations require input from personnel in engineering, administration, technical support, and logistics. Many of the employees involved with the plant start-up in 1991 are with the company today. The automotive industry has provided valuable employment opportunities to millions of workers over the decades. TRW’s rack and pinion assembly operation in Atkins, Va continues to present opportunities for those with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of this 21st century manufacturer. |
