My wife and I just returned from a two hour tour through Subaru's vast factory in Lafayette, Indiana. We own a 2024 Subaru Outback which has been great, and we were curious about how it was made. The tour is free, but needs to be reserved in advance. The factory was more colossal than even I had imagined, and the production process even more complex.
You walk on catwalks around twenty to thirty feet or so above the floor, on different levels, going up and down stairs. Forty foot high steel presses that were really buildings within the building press steel with many tons of pressure. Overhead conveyors of a size almost beyond belief move across the ceiling above you transporting heavy machinery. Sometimes things are somewhat enclosed, while other times the factory goes on pretty much as far as the eye can see.
Synchronized welding robots make sparks that go up thirty feet or so. Workers ride bikes in the factory, as well as operate a variety of electric vehicles carrying parts. Blue light and infrared for inspection of car bodies looked surreal and science fictional.
Ten thousand workers a day work at the factory in two shifts. It has been expanded many times since it first opened in 1989, and the total cost for the facility is in the billions. They've made about eight million vehicles at that plant since it opened. The workers were working hard and took pride in their work. A few waved and smiled at us as we did our tour. Maybe around a third of the workers are women. Saw workers installing headliners, working on Boxer engines, assembling all sorts of parts, quality control, etc.
We all wore headphones so that everyone could hear our knowledgeable tour guide Kayla above the considerable but not unpleasant sounds of cars being made.
When I was ten someone gave me a book on the Model T and the factory pictures in it interested me. Now half a century later I've finally seen an actual car factory in operation, and it exceeded expectations. My wife thought it was very interesting too. None of the individual pix or videos I've seen quite convey the jaw-dropping size and multilayered complexity of these facilities, with parts being moved up and down many levels by robots.
Delivered some stabilizers here on an expedited truck i had an awesome experience i was in and out in an hr much better than that Ford plant in Louisville KY receiving door is on gate 1 expedited truck dock N32 good friendly professional stuff
I have been to 48 states over the last 12 years of CDL driving, and the Subaru plant Check in is as quick, professional and helpful as you'll ever find— 11 stars.
I had a great tour of the facility from Kayla. The only downside of the tour is you are understandably not allowed to bring your cell phone on the tour and take pictures. Walking the catwalk and seeing and hearing about all the phases of Subaru vehicle creation sprinkled with some history and Kaizens was informative and impressive. It was a treat to see how and where many Subarus are born. I highly recommend the tour to any Subaru owner or anyone interested in manufacturing, vehicle or otherwise. I was so energized after the tour I wanted to get down on the floor and help build one! I will be back after they start production of the 6th generation Forester and Forester hybrid in 2026.
I am so Proud to own a 2023 Outback wilderness ,i want to commend all who built my baby. You did a fabulous job.this is the first New automobile that has NOT HAD to go back to dealership FOR SOME DEFECT or a loose part. Thank you from the heart Arigatou Gozaimasu Love Mary and Miyuki
Fantastic orientation! Taylor and Elizabeth were great. Best and most informative orientation I have ever been a part of. Can't wait to see what lies ahead
I always come here .. mostly they unload me very fast in 20mins .. but sometimes it depends on people some lazy people work here takes 4hours to unload
Huge plant. Go to gate 1 for receiving which is the second light after exiting I65. Quick unloading. There’s a Circle K truck stop less than a mile east of i65
I just bought a 2023 Outback manufactured at this plant and the color coat did not cover the A pillar on the door jambs. Contacted Subaru of America and they want me to take it to a local paint shop to have it repaired. How the quality control department didn't catch this shows the incompetency of the workers at this plant. Thanks SIA for ruining my new car. Thanks Subaru of America for not standing behind your product. I can't give no stars so I'm giving 1 star.
So my 5 star rating is only for the truck/sprinter van receiving department. I’ve been to this place three times now and every time they have gotten me out really fast. Even if I had other drivers in front of me, the wait is very minimal. Whoever is running the show in the transportation dept kudos, you have excellent employees they definitely value drivers time.
Took a tour yesterday, and it was great, I highly recommend it if you have an interest in automotive technology. Breathtaking display of how intricate and sophisticated modern car making process is. It seems like Subaru is also taking great care of their employees and the environment.
Was a very good unload. Unloaded in less than 20 minutes. Kyle and his crew and the receiving area at dock door N32 were great! Very good customer service and they work hard. One of the best places to unload in Indiana. Friendly staff, fast service, would recommend for ALL truckers 10/10!
Signed up at the rec center and they were so nice and helpful to my wife. They set up appt for her to have a evaluation done to have a personal trainer to help with some issues she has with her knees and shoulders. Amy was great and very kind.
Calling in to the plant first my phone call was answered i was sent to the wrong department got rerouted to a voicemail i called back only for the phone to ring ring until the after hours answering machine picks up. This is 1315 by the way. So i call back only for some one to pick up and quickly hang back up disconnecting me call back again no answer sent to after hours again .. Just pretty rude you shouldn't show your workers who's calling if they are going to be selective of who they choose to assist
An absolute must for anyone who is interested in automobiles of any kind. Even if you have no interest in buying a Subaru go check this place out. Who knows maybe you'll end up wanting to buy a Subaru after the tour.
What an amazing place that is a technological and industrial experience. While it is not open for public tours, I was lucky enough to get one, as a member of the automotive media. Working on several stories about how this American business sucess story came to be.
I 65 North or South ext 168 turn right at the light...first driveway is south tower...they have 2 hr limit on the staging area ...dont have to go by your appointment opens sunday for recieving at 10pm n week days 6 am 24hr facility. Fast unloading easy ... very nice people ...from the guard to the forklift driver the only thing i wish they had overnight parking we truckers have bad as it is with parking please consider putting overnight parking for us. There is a tiny truck stop if your turn left at the ramp has about 6 to 8 spaces u might get lucky n can cram yourself in a corner there. Good luck
SIA tour includes almost the entire factory. From stamping the sheat metal to a full functional Subaru. Tour lasts about 1-2 hours. No pictures allowed inside the factory.
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