These changes should be implemented in years 2 through 4. This should allow Firestone enough time to secure the capital required for this phase of the implementation process. The next step in the implementation process is to upgrade outdated machinery in existing plants. This will help to insure that problems with product quality do not arise in the future. This may also lead to a reduction in manufacturing costs and increased profitability.As plants are upgraded, an effort should be made to rewrite plant procedures from the bottom up. Using a "bottom up" process should help to increase employee morale and result in a higher quality finished product. This may also help Firestone avoid future labor relation problems.Year 5We feel that over the next five years the recall be forgotten by most US consumers and Firestone can begin to rebuild market share in the US. This will be done through a massive PR campaign. The campaign should focus on Firestone's ISO 9000 certification, product quality and safety. Educating consumers on the level of quality needed to attain an ISO 9000 certification should help to alleviate consumer doubts on Firestone's product quality. Other measures taken to increase product quality, such as plant remodeling, should also be focused on.Through out this "rebuilding" process a panel of executives from Firestone's financial, manufacturing, marketing, and engineering departments will be appointed to oversee and evaluate each stage. This team will make quarterly assessments of the plan's progress and results, which will be reported to the company's senior executives. They should also make recommendations as to any modifications that should be made to the plan....
