Point Pelee Volunteer Work
As part of the Ford Volunteer program members of the PERDC group donated their time to clean up the beach at Point Pelee.
Grand Opening
On May 14, 2003 the Powertrain Engineering Research and Development Centre officially opened its doors. The grand celebration was awaited with much ado. The officiates included:
John Arnone, Public Affairs, Ford of Canada
Jimi Tjong, Staff Technical Specialist, EEP
Aaron McKey, Plant Manager, EEP
Frank Fsadni, Chief Engineer
Chris Bolen, Plant Manager, WEP
Mike Vince, CAW President, Local 200
Dr. Ross Paul, President, University of Windsor
Dr. Graham Reader, Dean of Engineering, University of Windsor
Jimi Tjong, Staff Technical Specialist, EEP
Aaron McKey, Plant Manager, EEP
Frank Fsadni, Chief Engineer
Chris Bolen, Plant Manager, WEP
Mike Vince, CAW President, Local 200
Dr. Ross Paul, President, University of Windsor
Dr. Graham Reader, Dean of Engineering, University of Windsor
The day began in Harrigan Auditorium where the officiates each gave a small speech. Jimi Tjong then gave an in-depth talk on the capabilities of the new Powertrain Engineering R&D Centre. The festivities soon moved to the test facility where a 5.4 litre V-8 engine from the new MVL line at EEP was pushed through a red ribbon to officially open the Centre. A tour of the testing facilities ensued where the graduate students and dyno technicians gave the visitors a small sample of the type of testing that goes on in the testing cells. The day concluded when the visitors returned to the Harrigan Auditorium for a brief question and answer period while enjoying sandwiches and refreshments.
FORD OPENS NEW R&D CENTRE IN WINDSOR FOR ENGINE & TRANSMISSION TESTING
Windsor, Ont., May 14, 2003- A new research and development facility in Windsor has the potential to become a testing laboratory for the engines that drive Ford Motor Company vehicles around the world. For of Canada's new Powertrain Engineering Research & Development Centre (PERDC) officially opened today with a customer-focused goal of continually improving the way Ford designs and manufactures engines and transmissions.
Located at Ford's bustling Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, the $13 million PERDC houses a dedicated team of Ford engineers – working with graduate students from the University of Windsor's Faculty of Engineering – to study engine performance variability in a dynamic research and manufacturing environment.
"In recent years, consumer research has indicated a growing demand for quieter, smoother automotive engines, particularly for trucks," said Ford's David Szczupak, Vice President, Powertrain Operations. "As a key source of the company's global engine production, Windsor was the natural choice for advanced research and development in this area."
The PERDC is an extension of the research labs at Ford's Advance Engineering Centre in Michigan where the company employs four advance dynamometer cells for NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) testing and research. In Windsor, the PERDC will perform computer-aided testing on engines and transmissions, with particular emphasis on NVH. Testing will initially focus on Windsor-produced 3.9- and 4.2-litre V-6 engines, and the Triton family of V-8 and V-10 engines. Engineering representatives from the five Ford and Nemak Corporation engine and casting plants in Windsor participate in the testing and data assessment. NVH, life cycle and road-load simulation tests will also be conducted on truck and car transmissions.
Data collected from testing performed at the PERDC will provide design engineers with a critical baseline to help determine the level of improvement in NVH that will result by redesigning certain components in future engines or transmissions. Work at the PERDC is coordinated through the Ford Advanced Engineering Centre and Product Engineering in Dearborn, Michigan. Ford Motor Company's research shows that its attention to powertrain refinement levels and engine sound quality is making a difference to customers.
"Our objective is to test engines and transmissions used on Ford products around the world. As a global operation, the Centre could make a strong contribution to customer satisfaction everywhere," said Jimi Tjong, Ford's Staff Technical Specialist and PERDC Founder.
The PERDC recruits "A" average Masters And PHD candidate engineering students from the University of Windsor. Up to eight graduate students work at the Centre at any given time for work terms of two to five years. Graduate students are directly involved in engine testing. In preparation for their graduate projects (the topics for which are typically related to the testing or development that occurs at the PERDC), they are exposed to digital signal processing, along with the collection and analysis of data. Each graduate is given an individual project to work on through the duration of his or her term.
Ford of Canada's operations include a national headquarters, six regional offices, six vehicle assembly and engine manufacturing plants, two parts distribution centres, and affiliates including Ford Credit, Jaguar, Volvo, Land Rover and Hertz. Ford employs more that 16,000 people, while an additional 21,000 are employed in 500 Ford and Ford-Lincoln dealerships across Canada. In 2002, revenues for Canadian operations were $23.3 billion, making Ford of Canada one of the country's largest privately-held companies. Since 1990, Ford has invested nearly $9.5 billion in its Canadian operations. For more information, please visitwww.ford.ca.
Ontario Gov't, Ford Invest In Essex Engine Plant & PERDC
On February 26, 2010, Sandra Pupatello, Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Trade, and Dwight
Duncan, Ontario Minister of Finance, visited Essex Engine Plant (EEP)to announce a provincial government investment of $81.2 million dollars into EEP and the Powertrain Engineering Research and Development Centre (PERDC). This investment, along with a $590 million investment by Ford Motor Company, will allow EEP to complete its new flexible manufacturing system, which will build the all-new 5.0-litre V-8 engine for the 2011 Ford Mustang GT. The investment also supports the expansion of the PERDC within EEP to become a hub for Ford's advanced powertrain research within Canada .
Ontario Spends $81M On Ford Engine Plant
February 26, 2010
money.canoe.ca
Ontario is investing more than $81 million in the Ford Essex engine plant with the hope of creating and or saving up to 757 jobs, Premier Dalton McGuinty’s government said Friday.
The initiative, called Project Renaissance, will see the existing facility revamped to produce a fuel-efficient 5.0L V8 engine that will be used in Ford’s 2011 Mustang models.
To date, Ford has announced $590 million to support the project, the government said.
Friday’s $81.2 million investment is on top of the $17 million announced in March 2008 by the provincial Liberals to help re-open the shuttered Southern Ontario plant.
Ford’s new North American Centre for Diesel and Advanced Powertrain Technology, Research and Innovation will partner with the University of Windsor’s forthcoming Centre for Engineering Innovation as well as other schools.
Ontario’s auto sector directly employs more than 87,000 people with thousands more in spin-off jobs.
FORD CELEBRATES $590 MILLION INVESTMENT IN WINDSOR
February 26, 2010
media.ford.com
WINDSOR, Ontario, Feb. 26, 2010 – After being idled in 2007, the Ford Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Ontario, is ramping up again to build one of the most exciting engines in Ford's lineup, thanks to a $590 million investment. With its new flexible manufacturing system, Essex Engine will soon be at full production of the all-new 5.0-litre V-8 engine for the 2011 Ford Mustang GT which is expected to deliver segment-leading fuel economy and 412 horsepower. "That's what today's customers demand – top performance, a fun-to-drive experience and great fuel economy, and this new V-8 for the 2011 Mustang delivers," said Jim Tetreault, vice president, North American Manufacturing, Ford Motor Company. "Ford is introducing an unprecedented number of new or upgraded powertrains this year as part of our 2011 vehicle launches." Including the new V-8 engine built at Essex Engine, Ford has already started producing six of the nine new engines and transmissions planned for the 2011 model year. These powertrains are being supported by a significant investment in powertrain engineering and facility upgrades across North America. The investment in Essex Engine will pay off for years to come considering that each auto manufacturing job creates seven additional jobs in the broader Canadian economy. For example, Ontario suppliers are manufacturing a variety of parts for the new V-8 engine – everything from automatic flywheels and oil filter adapters to thermostat housings. The Essex Engine investment is also supporting the expansion of Ford's North American Centre for Advanced Powertrain Research and Innovation located at the plant. The research centre will become a hub for powertrain research that will also involve Canadian universities and Canadian automotive parts suppliers. The centre will include 16 advanced dynamometer research and test cells capable of evaluating the emissions and performance of alternative fuel powertrains, including those powered by gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, ethanol blends, hybrid powertrains and hydrogen. |
Golf Tournaments
2010 Charity Golf Tournament
Community Living Windsor's deepest appreciation goes out to Dr. Jimi Tjong and his team at Ford Motor Company’s Powertrain Engineering Research & Development Centre. Best Buddies University of Windsor & St. Clair College Chapters, in partnership with Community Living Windsor, was selected as the recipient charity for its annual golf outing at Kingsville Golf and Country Club, held on May 20th, 2010 . The day of fun for the young and ‘older’ resulted in a donation of $9,800 to Community Living Windsor, Best Buddies Windsor Chapters. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
2009 Charity Golf Tournament
Community Living Windsor was once again very fortunate to be the 2009 charity recipient of the Ford Powertrain Engineering Research & Development Centre Charity Golf Tournament proceeds. Many individual and business donors sponsored and gave freely to Community Living Windsor. Their generosity is very much appreciated.
2008 Charity Golf Tournament
2008 saw Community Living Windsor as the charity recipient of the annual Ford Powertrain Engineering Research and Development Centre Charity Golf Tournament. Thank you, Jimi! Community Living Windsor continues to rely on the generosity of many individual donors and on community groups whose volunteers offer their time and talents to organize community fundraising events. PERDC's charity golf donation was greatly appreciated.
2006 Charity Golf Tournament
Jimi Tjong and the PERDC again chose Community Living Windsor as the recipient of the profits from its annual golf tournament at Kingsville Golf and Country Club. The event is popular amongst Windsor and Michigan engineering companies that deal with Ford Motor Company, with many of the players returning each year.
2005 Charity Golf Tournament
Our thanks go out to Ford Motor Company’s Powertrain Engineering Research & Development Centre. Community Living Windsor was again selected as the recipient charity for its annual golf outing at Kingsville Golf and Country Club on July 21st, 2005. The day of fun for the young and ‘older’ resulted in a donation of $8,500 to Community Living Windsor, $1000 to University of Windsor and $1000 to Kingsville High School.
2004 Charity Golf Tournament
Community Living Windsor was fortunate to have been selected by Powertrain Engineering Research & Development Centre of Ford Motor Company as the charity to receive funding from its golf outing held July 22nd, 2004. Although it was just a day of fun for the golfers at Kingsville Golf & Country Club, their participation resulted in over $11,000 being donated to CLW.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper Visits EEP
On September 3rd, 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited the Essex Engine Plant to confirm federal funding for the Essex Engine Plant. Under a program Ford calls the "Renaissance Project", its Windsor operations will also become its North American centre of research and development for the engines of the future -- diesel, hybrid and hydrogen powertrains, the company announced. 
Below is the article originally published in The Windsor Star:
757 Jobs Saved
Federal government, Ford to spend up to $730 million to retool, reopen Essex Engine Plant
Chris Vander Doelen
The Windsor Star
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Ford Motor Company and the federal government will spend up to $730 million retooling the Essex Engine Plant in Windsor so it can assemble every engine in the company portfolio, virtually assuring the long-term survival of 757 hourly jobs in the region.
Under a program Ford calls the Renaissance Project, its Windsor operations will also become its North American centre of research and development for the engines of the future -- diesel, hybrid and hydrogen powertrains, the company announced Wednesday.
With an election call expected within days, Prime Minister Stephen Harper flew to Windsor to confirm federal funding of up to $80 million for the four-year project under a new policy it calls its Automotive Innovation Fund. About 548 new jobs will be created in Windsor.
The key to Ford securing federal support for its Windsor project is its plan to build a new research and development centre in Windsor, said Industry Minister Jim Prentice -- that, and the fact Essex will be producing new high- tech, fuel-efficient engines which are "the most complex and value-added part of the automotive industry.
Harper said the federal contribution to the project -- which is repayable if portions of it do not materialize -- was only made after the federal government was able to determine Ford jobs would not disappear from Windsor in the future, after taxpayers' money had been spent.
"There is no future in shovelling money into status quo designs", Harper said. And Canada will not be able to remain one of the world's most successful jurisdictions for auto assembly if it clings to "old fashioned industrial subsidies", the prime minister said.
Sources said this week the announcement of federal aid for the Ford project was pulled together quickly so it could be announced ahead of an election call expected to come within days. But Harper said the timing was coincidental, since the funding was approved in the spring as part of the Conservative's 2008 federal budget.
"This is not money being thrown around on the eve of an election", Harper told reporters and a large number of the 140 hourly employees already called back to the plant since April, when the provincial Liberal government agreed to support the first phase of the project. "This is the kind of thing we'll continue doing if re-elected -- not imposing new carbon taxes."
The last reference was a jab at federal Liberal Leader Stephane Dion. Harper also accused Dion of making up Liberal policy -- such as his Green Shift carbon taxation scheme -- "on the backs of envelopes." In the coming election, he said, "we'll see which strategy voters prefer."
Harper was received politely by the hourly employees who attended a news conference in the midst of silent machinery on the plant floor. Some whistled their approval after the prime minister's introduction. They clapped louder for Mike Vince, president of CAW Local 200. But then they caught Harper by surprise by applauding spontaneously when he referred to federal funding of $300 million for new Windsor border infrastructure.
Despite Ford's reinvestment in Windsor and the federal aid package, Windsor is likely to still end up with at least one huge, closed Ford plant in the centre of the city -- Windsor Engine. The plant assembles a three-valve, 5.4-litre V-8 truck engine whose product life cycle is coming to an end as consumers turn away from the pickup trucks and SUVs it powers.
WEP will close when demand for the large, relatively thirsty engines falls below a certain point, which Ford has not revealed. But the plant is not expected to last past 2011.
Adrian Vido, Windsor site manager for Ford, said most of the 757 people who will end up working in the Renaissance project will be transferred over to Lauzon Road from Windsor Engine, which is located just east of Drouillard Road. Some of those currently on layoff from Ford will also be called back to work as a result of Wednesday's announcement, but Vido said it was too early to estimate how many.
The important message of Wednesday, Vido said, is that Ford Windsor has a future again. "We were in a very different situation a year ago."
Last November, when Essex closed, members of Local 200 were looking into the abyss because the clock had already started ticking on the future of Windsor Engine.
Without government financial support of the Renaissance Project and CAW support in the form of agreeing to a Modern Operating Agreement -- which saves Ford about $8 million per year in new labour efficiencies -- there was real chance Windsor could have ended up with no Ford operations at all, Vido agreed.
Neither Vido nor other company officials would confirm what the first product to be assembled in the reborn Essex Engine Plant will be. "We don't comment on future product plans", said Lauren More, vice-president of communications for Ford of Canada.
But members of Local 200 said they have been told the first product will be a 5.0-litre V-8 destined for five cars and trucks.
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© The Windsor Star 2008