Vertical Lift Modules Regain Floor Space and Increase Productivity
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 | | Features/Benefits Provided: - 22% Increase in Productivity
- Eliminated Building Expansion
- Improved Worker Ergonomics
- Helps Meet Lean Initiatives
- Regained 5,000 sq. ft. of Floor Space
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To meet with ever changing market demands a hardware manufacturer decided to review and improve their manufacturing processes. By installing five Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) in multiple areas, they were able to meet their customers’ needs. The VLMs have allowed them to regain floor space and increase productivity.
22% Increase in Productivity
The company manufactures and distributes 13,000 different types of products to over 4,000 customers. They began a Lean Manufacturing initiative to provide their customers with shorter lead times. The replacement of pallet rack with five VLMs provided them with a 22% increase in productivity.
Regained 5,000 square feet of Floor Space
The company focused on three storage areas for improvement: a 1,000 square foot area of rack storing mold bases; a 4,000 square foot area of rack holding semi-finished inventory; and a 1,000 square foot area of shelving storing sample stock. The VLMs have allowed them to utilize overhead space rather than just floor space. “I’d say we’ve gained a net 5,000 square feet of floor space by going up” reported the plan manager.
Improved Worker Ergonomics
The plant’s 150 mold bases used in the plastic injection molding machines weigh up to 500 pounds each. When the molds are not in use the company previously stored them in heavy duty racks with diamond plate shelving. “We realized that we needed an ergonomic solution so assemblers no longer had to slide the 500 to 600 mold bases around,” acknowledged the plan manager. Now the mold bases are stored in two 21 foot tall VLMs. “Assembly technicians store and retrieve bases by simply pushing a button,” says the manager.
Overall the VLMs have been a key part in this manufacturer meeting their Lean initiative. “The plant is turning out more product and manufacturing costs have fallen since implementing the VLMs,” reported the plan manager. He continued, “The use of Vertical Lift Modules eliminated the need for a bricks-and-mortar expansion.”
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