Stellantis executive Tim Fallon explains the benefits of a manufacturing career and where the future of the industry is heading.
Tim Fallon
Senior Vice President, North America Manufacturing, Stellantis
What can young people expect in terms of professional growth when they pursue a career in manufacturing?
Young people can expect to have a breadth of opportunities within manufacturing. At Stellantis, we have specific programs, like the Manufacturing Leadership Development Program, where participants go through six different divisions all in one program, so they get exposure to the many different divisions within manufacturing — assembly, stamping, powertrain, safety, and quality among them. We also have a more general leadership development program for people who want to further develop their leadership skills, whether they are in manufacturing or another organization within the company. We also have opportunities in every realm of business, from accounting to supply chain to manufacturing to engineering to HR. The wealth of opportunities and the number of opportunities are staggering, and you can always find something that piques your interest and that you’ll enjoy doing.
What are some of the key reasons someone should consider a career in manufacturing?
There is always an opportunity to put your best skills to work, to be able to be successful, and to be able to put your energy and effort into something that is truly making a difference in the world. Our innovative products are on the road. They are delivering not only the ability for people to get from one place to the other, but also delivering passion, spirit, drive, enthusiasm, and joy to people’s lives. Not only do you get to have a great time at work and really enjoy what you’re doing, but you also get to bring joy and happiness into other people’s lives as well.
How can manufacturers meet the needs of both seasoned professionals and the next generation of talent that they’re trying to cultivate?
We work very hard to meet the needs of both the seasoned professionals plus the next generation. We are at the forefront of new technology, and much of that new technology goes into our new vehicles. We also have a very close and collaborative relationship with all of our represented employees. We’re all one team working toward one goal. It’s also a very hands-on career. No matter what job you’re in, in the automotive industry, it’s very hands-on, and it’s a very rewarding profession.
Where will manufacturing be 10 years from now?
I think manufacturing is going to continue to evolve. Many areas are going to look different, but many areas are going to look the same. The need for skilled labor, the need for people who have a very technical background, will continue to increase as we continue to utilize AI, machine learning, and automation controls with the expertise and skills of our existing workforce and new employees that join the team. That will definitely continue to push our industry forward. I think it will push the entire mobility space forward, but also allow us to do it with greater technology, which will empower greater quality and also greater efficiency. I say, much of it will look exactly the same, and some of it will look vastly different, where we can incorporate the great technologies that are coming.
