Before the launch of the S80 model, Swedish car manufacturer Volvo decided on a completely new vehicle assembly strategy. A company in the Constructor Group specialising in materials handling, MTH Constructor, was selected as a partner in setting up the production process. 'It proved a real challenge for us, with exceptional demands', says Sales Manager Lars Mila. 

The need for speed, flexibility, and tailored solutions has forced the automobile industry to change its working methods. There is now a continual attempt to locate module suppliers as closely as possible to the assembly plant, so as to attain a more rational production process.
To meet this requirement in the context of S80 production, Volvo sought the assistance of MTH Constructor. One of the tasks was to design a materials-handling system that could receive and provide intermediate storage for bare engines, and supply finished engines automatically.

After that, automatic transport to the production line would be provided, where the engines would be fitted out for specific applications.
'Considering that the factory deals with three thousand variants of the powerpack, this task was a challenge' says Lars Mila. 'The advantage was that we had already worked on materials handling in one of Volvo's factories, although times were now shorter and demands higher'.
The new idea was to move component assembly to a satellite factory nearer the main plant, so that manufacture could be faster and more flexible than previously.
In the new factory, there is an automated engine store with 2,700 locations, where MTH Constructor cranes, transporters, and electronic control equipment ensures that the right engine gets to the right place at the right time. Because time margins are extremely tight, demands on system reliability are very high.
Fortunately, MTH also has contracts from other Swedish companies, including SKF and Eriksson, so the fundamental handling technology already existed in a number of basic products and systems. However, many of the solutions have to be tailored. In Volvo's case, this meant a number of specially designed products because the demands were so exceptional.
'We aren't just a supplier, however', claims Lars Mila. 'Our strength is that we can also act as a sounding board for our customers. We often help to optimise the designs that they themselves have done'.

Caption:
High demands on materials handling have persuaded Volvo to choose MTH Constructor as a development partner before the assembly of a new vehicle model.

For further information, please contact:
Constructor UK Ltd.
Commercial Manager Brian Penn
Pembroke Road, Stocklake
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire HP20 1DG
Tel: 01296 395 081
Fax: 01296 486 807

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