Assembly in Action: Eaton Conveys Efficiency Throughout its Nebraska Plant
Eaton Corp. produces more than 1 million engine valves per day for nearly every automaker and engine manufacturer in the world. One of the company’s largest manufacturing facilities, located in Kearney, NE, supplies highly engineered valves that increase fuel economy, improve efficiency and boost performance. With the exception of summer and winter maintenance periods, the plant runs its just-in-time production 24-7.
The heart of the manufacturing operation is an overhead monorail conveyor system consisting of six lines, each of which features more than 2,000 feet of track and chain (with 6-inch pitch). Made by Richards-Wilcox Inc., the conveyor system incorporates several curves and loops in a limited amount of space.