JaguarCreating world-class performance in a Jaguar assembly plantIntroductionIn recent years, many UK manufacturing and service industries have transformed their production methods and processes. Companies that have been at the forefront of change have thrived, leaving their competitors behind. The key ingredients of this process of change have been the emphasis on creating total quality systems which involve:• doing things right the first time at every stage of production• production to reduce waste and simplify systems of production• create environmental management systems that guarantee:• the highest levels of environmental performance within an organization• excellent relationships with the local community. This case study examines the ways in which Jaguar has transformed its new Halewood assembly plant to ensure world-class performance in its production systems. Today, the Halewood plant is dedicated to the production of the new Jaguar X'Type. This is a car for the 21st century. It was developed following feedback from a massive global consumer research program. The program ensured that the car's designers, engineers and marketers remained attuned to the needs and expectations of potential customers at every stage of the car's development. Site development In January 1960, Ford purchased the 1,390 hectare greenfield site at Halewood from the Liverpool company and the British Transport Commission. The Halewood site quickly established itself as a leading car manufacturing plant and was associated in particular with the production of the Ford Escort. When Ford acquired Jaguar in the early 1990s, Halewood also began producing body panels for Jaguar cars. In 1998, Halewood was announced as the production site for the all new Jaguar X' Type sports saloon. It would replace production of the Ford Escort, which was due to be phased out by 2000. Halewood was chosen to produce the abroad