![\"aldo-vw-trip\"](\"https:\/\/blogarchive.utc.edu\/engineering-computer-science\/files\/2015\/04\/aldo-vw-trip.jpg\")
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A group of twenty Engineering Technology Management, Industrial Engineering, and Master in Engineering Management students took a one-hour tour of Volkswagen Chattanooga on November 3, 2014, as part of the Facilities Management class taught by Dr. Aldo McLean. \u201cThe plant was designed with upmost consideration to the flow of materials, products, and people,\u201d Dr. McLean said, making it \u201ca great fit for the Facilities Management course.\u201d<\/p>\n
The opportunity to tour a state-of-the-art manufacturing and assembly facility, learning the history of the plant and details of the manufacturing and assembly process, allowed students to experience and interpret fresh information from the industry\u2014facilities planning, working conditions, etc.\u2014which helped to maximize their education.\u00a0 \u201cI believe all students in engineering should visit the assembly plant, experience, learn, and apply what they\u2019ve learned to their careers in engineering and management,\u201d said McLean.<\/p>\n
Volkswagen Chattanooga, the 1,400-acre facility that opened in May 2011, is the first and only LEED Platinum certified auto plant worldwide. Sustainability efforts include 33,000 solar panels, water conservation in excess of 950,000 gallons per month, significant energy savings and reduced light pollution with efficient light bulbs, and on-site protection of wildlife and vegetation.\u00a0 According to their website, Volkswagen Group plans to be the most environmentally sustainable automaker by 2018.<\/p>\n
Dr. McLean hopes to continue scheduling tours to Volkswagen Chattanooga every fall semester, as allowed by the facility, and is encouraging high school and middle school teachers to do the same. \u201cVolkswagen was great to allow us to tour the plant and learn from them,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Moving forward, Dr. McLean will also be considering other facilities that might be toured as well and could help enhance the information students are learning in class.<\/p>\n
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A group of twenty Engineering Technology Management, Industrial Engineering, and Master in Engineering Management students took a one-hour tour of Volkswagen Chattanooga on November 3, 2014, as part of the Facilities Management class taught by Dr. Aldo McLean. \u201cThe plant was designed with upmost consideration to the flow of materials, products, and people,\u201d Dr. McLean… <\/p>\n