16.12.2002
Opel plant in Rüsselsheim prepares for 2003 challenges

After the successful launch of the Vectra in the new RÜsselsheim plant, the facility now gears up for the start-up of three new models in 2003.

The Signum, Opel/Vauxhall's top-of-the-range "Business Class" vehicle will be launched early 2003 followed by the Vectra station wagon and the Vectra GTS completing the model range. The flexibility of the new Rüsselsheim plant allows the production of four different models on one production line.

As of the middle of 2003, the plant will operate in three shifts and employees working on the Omega will transfer into the new plant. An extensive training program has prepared the workers for their new challenges.

Focus on Quality
The full capacity of 270,000 units per year will not be reached before 2004, as the plant will only operate two shifts until the middle of 2003. Additionally, having three start-ups will result in a reduced initial output to ensure that high quality launch criteria are met.

In December 2002, the new plant will reach the final phases of the Vectra launch and now prepare for the start-up of Signum production. Prior to year-end, 135 Signum pre-production vehicles will have left the line. Daily maximum capacity in two-shift production is currently 850 vehicles – today the plant reaches 90 percent of its maximum capacity output.

Significant Investment
In 2002, 480 million Euros were invested in the new Rüsselsheim plant with two thirds allocated to product related measures focusing on the start-up of the new Vectra, Signum preparation, the Vectra station wagon and Vectra GTS, as well as the new 3-liter-V6-diesel engine. In addition infrastructure improvements, modernization in the paint shop as well as environmental and safety measures were implemented.

Production
As of year-end 2002, 136,375 Vectras will have left the production line in Rüsselsheim. An additional 54,000 Vectra units will have been produced in the course of 2002 in the Ellesmere Port plant, where the new Vectra production started in March. Europe-wide, 160,000 new Vectras were produced in 2002.

Safety
Adam Opel AG has achieved the highest Work Safety target within the German automotive industry. The company's commitment to reduce its Lost-work-day (LWD) rate in 2002 to 0,48 LWD cases per 200,000 worked hours has been an ambitious goal. Until end of November the LWD figure had decreased to 0,39 LWD.

ISO Certification
In October 2002, the Rüsselsheim plant was reviewed according to the new and stricter Quality Management System DIN ISO 9001:2000. All criteria were met. The Rüsselsheim plant, ISO certified since 1994, repeats the audit to guarantee a continuously high production quality as a consequence of standardized work processes.