Maxi live storage efficiency at new MINI plant

Citation

(2002), "Maxi live storage efficiency at new MINI plant", Assembly Automation, Vol. 22 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2002.03322baf.001

Maxi live storage efficiency at new MINI plant

Keywords: Storage, Parts handling, Automotive

Dynamic storage solutions from Bito help BMW group achieve world market targets

Carton live storage has been shown to be reduce space requirements, improve pick efficiency and minimise pick errors in the quality critical just-in-time automotive environment (Plate 1).

Over 120 mobile lineside carton live storage units have been deployed at Oxford, which has been extensively refitted with state-of-the art systems for the production of the new MINI.

Dawson Wilkins, Lineside Logistics co-ordinator for the MINI project, is an enthusiastic ambassador for the MINI and for the Bito solutions which have helped bring the MINI to market on time.

"The Bito units are ideal for handling 'small-fix' components and the standard BMW 'KLT' containers which are prevalent in the latter stages of assembly through to Final Finish."

"Specifically, we have also found the units ideal alongside our door trim lines; rear axle fitment and under-chassis assembly where the entire vehicle is turned on its side for quicker, easier fitment."

Plate 1 Bito live storage units supplied to BMW'S new MINI plant at Oxford support nearly every stage of manufacture, particularly as the painted chassis moves into final assembly and trim.

The MINI is being launched with two 1600 cc derivatives, the MINI One and the sportier MINI Cooper. Dawson is confident that the Bito units will easily accommodate increased complexity and volume in the refurbished plant, which was previously a Rover saloon manufacturing facility.

"The mobility of the units and the ease with which they can be reconfigured was a decisive feature for us. They support the underlying philosophy at the plant which is 100 per cent geared to just-in-time production, minimal inventory and immaculate cleanliness."

The braked, mobile Bito units supplied to BMW Group feature readily adjusted plain, universal, or KLT container dividers for four, five or six lane cranked flow shelf configurations. Each shelf will carry as much as 500 kilograms and are fitted with Bito's durable plastic rollers which have been proven in the toughest carton live storage applications.

Standard boltless bays are 2500 mm high, 2500 mm deep and 2820 wide. Four specially supplied units provide deeper carton live storage for final left- and right-hand drive finish as each MINI leaves the assembly line. All units are epoxy coated and can be customer specified to RAL colours.

BMW Group has also chosen Bito Storage Systems for their extensive pallet live and carton lineside live solutions at their new green-field manufacturing site at Hams Hall, Birmingham. At full capacity BMW Plant Hams Hall will build 400,000 petrol engines annually for BMW Group assembly facilities around the world.

In Europe, Bito live storage systems are operational at other BMW Group manufacturing sites and have been introduced at other international corporations including Porsche, Siemens, Philips, Johnson Controls, Polygram, Phoenix Pharmaceuticals and L'Oreal cosmetics.

All live storage structural components and assemblies supplied by Bito Storage Systems, including heavy-duty steel rollers for pallet live and medium duty plastic rollers for carton live storage, carry a five-year warranty.

For sales information or advice on BITO carton live and pallet live storage, contact BITO UK at Nuneaton on telephone 02476-388850.

Enquiries: Edward Hutchison, BITO Storage Systems Limited, 88 Albion Court Attleborough Road Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 4JJ. Telephone: 024 7638 8850; info@BITO.co.uk http://www.BITO.co.uk