Jaguar lifts XF robot total to 179

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how Jaguar Cars in the UK has increased the number of industrial robots at its XF body‐in‐white (BIW) facility at its Castle Bromwich site in the UK. This site has three BIW shops – one each for the XK sports car, the XF sports saloon and the XJ saloon. Both XK and XJ use aluminium‐intensive BIW structures. Castle Bromwich is Jaguar's principal manufacturing site alongside Halewood on Merseyside where the X‐Type continues to be built.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes the major production line techniques that are used in the manufacture of the BIW structure of the XF vehicle, Jaguar's latest car. The BIW techniques include spot‐welding and ultrasonic weld inspection for parts assembly.

Findings

Over the space of the last three or four years, Jaguar has increased significantly the stature of its UK manufacturing units with the aim of increasing productivity.

Research limitations/implications

Jaguar Cars, part of the Indian conglomerate TATA, continually assesses all of the functions involved in the manufacture of a motor vehicle, and in this context is working both with its own plants as well as with suppliers of equipment and components to enhance production and quality processes. This includes all of the processes of joining steel and other materials using spot welding and adhesives. There is also much to be gained from the interchange of information between the various plants in the Jaguar/LandRover group with a view to implementing continuous improvement. The benefits achieved from one process in one particular plant are communicated to other facilities, again with the object of improving quality and productivity.

Practical implications

Arising out of greater plant integration and utilization, it is likely the management of Jaguar Cars can further increase manufacturing efficiency at the Castle Bromwich site.

Originality/value

Jaguar Cars continues to rationalise its manufacturing processes, further integrating these production facilities with those of major component suppliers to produce a finished vehicle. There is a heavy concentration of robots within the BIW manufacturing facilities.

Citation

Mortimer, J. (2009), "Jaguar lifts XF robot total to 179", Industrial Robot, Vol. 36 No. 2, pp. 114-120. https://doi.org/10.1108/01439910910932559