Car workers raise the standard

Companies export quality control to Chinese operations

The two companies that comprise Jaguar and Land Rover have together poured more than a century of effort into building their reputations, so there is little surprise that maintaining standards is one of the joint company's top priorities as it expands into China.

One of those ensuring that happens is Du Keke, a manufacturing safety monitor, who says his job has taught him a lot about craftsmanship and following strict procedures.

"We have to maintain consistency and standards in our records, so someone from another department can immediately see what's going on here," he says, pointing to a board covered with charts next to his desk.

Behind Du, who is training at Jaguar Land Rover's factory in Liverpool, is a team busy working on engines for new cars. As the assembly belt inches its way past Du, workers accompanying the car parts nod to him with a smile.

"We very rarely have accidents or malfunctions, so we record 'safe' generally," he says.

Du is one of 50 workers recently taken on from Jaguar Land Rover's China joint venture with Chery who are now training with the UK manufacturer, a three-month stint that began in August.

Jaguar Land Rover says the training is particularly important in transferring technology to its Chinese partner because it allows Chinese workers to understand the quality, work ethic and dedication the heritage brand demands of its workers.