Keywords
Citation
(1999), "Canadian and British co-operation develops new technology for pioneering factory", Assembly Automation, Vol. 19 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1999.03319dab.014
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1999, MCB UP Limited
Canadian and British co-operation develops new technology for pioneering factory
Keywords Assembly, Automotive
Modular Automation has worked with Multimatic of Toronto to develop a new manufacturing system for the company's new Coventry factory.
Multimatic is North America's largest manufacturer of automotive door hinges and door checks. When the company set up its new factory in Coventry it went to Modular Automation to source the assembly equipment it would need. The new factory will make products exclusively for the European market.
Similar components are already being made in Canada so Multimatic already had considerable experience in the relevant assembly techniques. However, rather than simply import the Canadian technology, Multimatic contracted Modular Automation to develop entirely new equipment, working in partnership to develop and improve on the existing methods (Plate 4). This fitted with the company's policy of buying locally while using corporate experience.
Plate 4
Modular Automation equipment assembles this door hinge for Multimatic in its new
Coventry factory
The new factory will supply the door hinges for the latest Ford Transit. The assembly system designed by Modular Automation uses one machine to make the hinges for the side doors and a different machine to assemble the cargo door hinges. Although both products are similar, the machines have been designed completely differently.
Multimatic has invested heavily in the new UK production plant which is set up to deal easily with present demand and that expected well into the future.
For further information, please contact: William Bourn, Modular Automation Ltd, Talbot Way, Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham B10 0HS. Tel: +44 (0) 121 766 7979; Fax: +44 (0) 121 766 6385.