automated guided vehicles

Electric vehicle makers rethink assembly processes

November 6, 2019

One of the main issues in the recent strike against General Motors revolved around the increasing electrification of automobiles. The shift to electric- and hybrid-powered vehicles is expected to radically alter the shape of the auto industry in the decade ahead. It will also change the look of assembly lines.

2019 Assembly Plant of the Year: Refrigerator Production Heats Up at GE Appliances

Lean manufacturing and vertical integration thrive in Decatur, AL.

Austin Weber

October 1, 2019

Refrigerators are one of the only appliances found in nearly every type of home, whether it's an apartment in suburban Atlanta, a high-rise condominium in downtown Chicago, a beach house in Hawaii or a trailer in Texas. The humble refrigerator is also the hardest working household appliance. Day and night, it's constantly running to keep all types of food and beverages cool, fresh or frozen.

Self-Driving Robot Makes Life Easier for Ford Employees

May 14, 2019

VALENCIA, Spain—Autonomous vehicles from Ford are still a few years away, but one little robot is already showing what’s possible.

Manufacturing Is Cool at GE Appliances' Refrigerator Factory

John Sprovieri

November 6, 2018

In June, GE Appliances, a Haier company, announced plans to invest $115 million to expand its refrigerator assembly plant in Decatur, AL. The investment will add 255 new jobs to the plant, bringing the total number of full-time employees there to nearly 1,300.

2018 Assembly Plant of the Year: Ford Shifts Flexible Assembly Into High Gear

The Van Dyke transmission plant excels at high-volume, high-mix production.

Austin Weber

October 2, 2018

One of the top transmission assembly plants in the world is Ford Motor Co.'s Van Dyke facility in Sterling Heights, MI. It's part of a network of Ford factories that mass-produce axles, engines and other power train components used in the company's cars and trucks.

AGCs Provide Material Support to Honda Assemblers

Jim Camillo

June 13, 2018

Numbers, like words, need context to be properly understood. Year-to-year production rates, for example, provide lots of insight into a facility"s past, but little about its future survival or success. A better indicator of that is how much money has been invested in the plant for new equipment and expansion.

AGVs Aid Assembly at Spanish Automotive Assembly Plant

January 16, 2018

MARTORELL, Spain—Some 125 automated guided vehicles share the workspace every day with 7,000 employees at SEAT’s assembly plant here. The AGVs transport 23,800 parts daily and cover a distance of 436,000 kilometers every year, equivalent to the distance between Earth and the Moon.

Automation Gives Medical Device Manufacturer a Shot in the Arm

Collaborative robots help improve productivity and reduce costs.

Austin Weber

January 3, 2018

Needles are one of the most basic and least glamorous types of medical devices. But, every day, doctors and nurses rely on "sharps" to administer medicine, draw blood, conduct biopsies and perform many other vital medical procedures.

Automatic Guided Carts Boost Productivity at Ariens

Jim Camillo

December 11, 2017

In Brillion, WI, every season is a good season to care about lawn mowers. The reason is because Brillion is home to Ariens Co., a leading manufacturer of walk-behind, stand-on and riding mowers.

Autocraft to Supply Automated Guided Carts to Honda

April 26, 2017

ALGONAC, MI—Autocraft will supply American Honda Motor Co. with autonomous guided carts for material delivery at the automaker’s assembly plant in Marysville, OH.