Innovation isn’t always about the biggest machines; sometimes, it’s about making the daily job easier for the people behind them. We are thrilled to share that the Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) Stamping Team has been recognized by the Ergonomics Society of Thailand with a 2025 Commendation Award (Outstanding Team Category) for their project, "Battery Power vs. Human Power: A Reduction in Ergonomics and Time. "
For years, loosening and tightening stamping dies was one of the most physically demanding tasks in the plant. Operators relied on manual clicker wrenches that required intense physical force to operate. This traditional method required significant time and physical effort, which the team saw as a key opportunity for ergonomic improvement to better support our people.
Rather than looking elsewhere for a fix, the team found the answer within their own ranks. Stamping Engineer Yoot Apinoptewan designed a custom locking mechanism that could be manufactured entirely in-house at FTM. This breakthrough allowed the department to ditch the heavy wrenches in favor of sleek, battery-powered tools, transitioning the task from manual labor to mechanical efficiency.
The change was felt immediately across the floor. What once required significant physical exertion is now completed effortlessly in just a few seconds. By effectively reducing ergonomic risk to zero, we’ve ensured that our frontline operators can perform their roles safely, knowing that their long-term health is our top priority.
This achievement reflects the team's ingenuity and our unwavering commitment to safety. By empowering engineers like Yoot to solve real-world challenges, the Local Ergonomic Committee (LEC) continues to foster a workplace that is both productive and sustainable for everyone.
Congratulations to Yoot and the entire Stamping Team for showing how safety and innovation work together at Ford to create a better working environment.
