The 2011 Assembly Plant of the Year boasts some of the healthiest employees any where and a 1,200-square-foot fitness center.

All continuous improvement activities at the 2011 Assembly Plant of the Year are tied to lean tools such as 5S, 5 Why and QEK.

The 2011 Assembly Plant of the Year was designed from the ground up to be an environmentally friendly facility. Even the carpets, paint and windows are “green” at the Philips Respironics plant in New Kensington, PA.

The 2011 Assembly Plant of the Year boasts a state-of-the-art warehouse that plays a key role upstream and downstream in the production process.

The 2011 Assembly Plant of the Year honors veterans with state-of-the-art technology. It recently installed a large digital photo frame in its atrium.

As Chevrolet celebrates its centennial this week, much of the hoopla is focusing on its unique contribution to pop culture. But, Chevy also deserves recognition for its manufacturing heritage.

What do metal water tanks, pickup trucks and RV chassis have in common? They’re all assembled in state-of-the-art facilities that were finalists for the 2011 Assembly Plant of the Year award.

During the past 100 years, Whirlpool has withstood labor unrest, mergers and acquisitions, product design changes, new technology, new materials, changing consumer tastes, globalization and restructurings. But, one thing has remained steady-its production prowess.

The University of Tennessee is home to the new Tennessee Solar Institute, a joint-venture with Oak Ridge National Laboratory.