Having a zero landfill plant is great for automakers, but it isn’t something they can achieve on their own. Tier 1 suppliers, waste-retrieval companies and vendors all play an important supporting role. One such vendor is Orbis Corp. which, for the past several decades, has helped various automakers become zero landfill by supplying their Tier 1 suppliers with reusable containers.

Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. became the first zero landfill auto plant in the United States in 2004, but it wasn’t long before many other automakers followed SIA’s example, including General Motors. Other automakers, like BMW MC in Greer, SC, are on the path to becoming zero landfill.

Lasers are used extensively by medical professionals to surgically remove tumors or repair skin, eyes and hair. Interestingly, these types of lasers are also being used by medical device manufacturers to mark codes directly on their products as a way to improve traceability.

Late in 2009, the Raymond Corp. decided to enhance the material-handling capabilities of its 9000 Series Swing-Reach lift truck. The unit now features a multiturn angle sensor that tracks the position of the truck’s mast to ensure consistent and efficient operation.

Janda Co. Inc. recently upgraded the control system on its welding machinery. No longer are the company’s machines based on relay logic and cam timers. Rather, the company’s machines use either a programmable logic controller or programmable automation controller.

The Boeing Co. knows that assemblers need the right tools to build high-quality aircraft. The company also knows that some tools have user interfaces that require the latest hardware upgrades to perform their best. Joining tools used in the assembly of C-17 military transport aircraft are one example.

InterControl manufactures a full range of products for controlling and monitoring temperature in household appliances. Recently, one of the company’s temperature controllers needed to undergo a 100 percent quality inspection. The goals of inspection were to detect all faults in each controller and ensure that each component’s ceramic base is crack-free.

As a global leader in the supply of mounted tire and balanced wheel assemblies, T&WA works with many of the world’s major automakers. Not surprisingly, T&WA knows the importance of effective supply chain management.

Coleman Tool specified air curtains at its new 60,000-square-foot plant in early 2010 to eliminate outdoor air infiltration and save energy. However, smoke rising up and out of the welding area  created an indoor air quality problem. So the air curtains also served as air cleaners.

For many years, the fasteners used by Figeac Aero’s assemblers were purchased on a per-piece basis, stored in a central warehouse and brought to the assembly line as needed. This approach often led to work stoppages on the assembly line.