When International Truck and Engine Corp. decided to produce a new high-performance truck - the International 4300/4400 models - the manufacturing processes used for the existing models were improved to create operator-friendly jobs. Some of the worst positions in the Springfield, Ohio plant for force and posture had been near the beginning of the assembly process, where axles are attached to frames, prop shafts are installed, spring u-bolts are tightened and large bolt fasteners are used. These jobs resulted in many lost-time injuries, high job rotation and excessive cost.
In developing the new vehicle manufacturing processes, International took into account employee considerations for ergonomics and safety. Employees in United Auto Workers Locals 402 and 658 and their safety and ergonomics representatives participated in the process to ensure that diverse ideas from many perspectives were considered. A multi-functional team was assembled that included representatives from management and union, production, materials, plant engineering, industrial engineering, quality, health and safety, plant layout, materials handling and planning.