Dec 15, 2023 Ford Motor Company of South Africa, Silverton Engine Plant, Cynthia Kgopana, Trim Chassis Final (TCF)
Cynthia Kgopana, Lead Process Coach, in TCF with 23years service at Ford's Silverton Assembly Plant
Ford's Silverton Assembly Plant proudly acknowledges Cynthia Kgopana's remarkable 23-year journey with the company, where she has ascended through various roles to her current position as Lead Process Coach in the Trim Chassis Final (TCF) area, overseeing End of Line (EOL) operations.
Kgopana's joined Ford in 2000 as an Operator on the Volvo line. Over the years, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, becoming the first woman to hold the position of Team Leader in 2002, Supervisor on the Bantam Line in 2006, and later achieving the role of Master Production Specialist in TCF in 2013. In 2018, she assumed the role of Lead Process Coach for Trim Line, showcasing her versatility and expertise across different areas of TCF.
Kgopana shared insights into her professional journey and the challenges and triumphs she has experienced throughout her career. As a holder of a BTech in Operations Management, who is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management through MANCOSA, Kgopana emphasised the values of strength and resilience that have guided her throughout her career. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, she highlighted the importance of developing strength during hardships.
As the Lead Process Coach for Trim Line, Cynthia oversees the production line, specifically Slat (Final Line), ensuring the team meets daily targets for Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People, Maintenance, and Environment (SQDCPME). Her main focus lies in ensuring quality and timely delivery, with a particular emphasis on achieving First Time Through (FTT) targets and meeting unit delivery goals per shift. Her favourite part of the job is witnessing the FTT at Slat exceed 95% and meeting the challenging target of 240 units per shift. Despite external factors impacting FTT performance, Cynthia collaborates with cross-functional teams to overcome challenges and ensure successful outcomes.
One of the most challenging aspects of Kgopana's role is balancing priorities between Quality and Delivery. She navigates the pressure to meet daily schedules while prioritising defect-free cars that align with customer expectations. In a reflective moment, Cynthia shared a challenging situation during the P375 Launch, where collaborative problem-solving involving Industrial Engineers, Manufacturing Engineering, Material Planning and Logistics led to a successful resolution. The implementation of rebalancing processes resulted in a significant improvement, allowing the team to meet daily schedules smoothly.
She also discussed her impactful Greenbelt Projects, addressing quality and cost issues. A notable project focused on HVAC failures, leading to a successful collaboration with the supplier to modify the design and eliminate root causes. The initiative not only improved FTT rates but also reduced costs associated with replacing components.
Beyond her professional duties, Kgopana's selflessness shines through her initiatives to support the growth and alignment of new team members after the seven-week shutdown in 2021. Her dedication to guiding and mentoring new Process Coaches and managers positively influenced their ability to run their shifts and departments successfully. Kgopana expressed her admiration for Lesego Madiba, MP&L Launch, SMF, and Packaging Engineering Manager, citing her strength, endurance, and leadership style as an inspiration.
Cynthia Kgopana's 23-year journey at Ford's Silverton Assembly Plant is a testament to her resilience, leadership, and commitment to excellence. As she continues to drive success in her role, her story stands as an inspiration for aspiring leaders within the automotive industry.
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