The origin story many people tell about the rise of the automobile is actually one about custom material handling equipment.
As is often repeated, many give credit to Henry Ford for the production of the first automobile. But it was, in fact, Karl Benz. Benz invented the first stationary gasoline engine, a one-cylinder two-stroke unit that first ran on New Year’s Eve of 1879. His first Motorwagen was built in 1885 in Mannheim, Germany.
While Ford’s first automobile, an ethanol-powered one, was built in mid-1896, it was what he created years later in 1913 that revolutionized the automobile industry — the moving assembly line. Since then, how parts are moved and cars are assembled has been a tale of material handling as much as anything else.
Custom material handling equipment is a critical part of automobile manufacturing. Today, more attention than ever is being paid to creating systems and equipment that are safe, efficient, ergonomic, and easy to use.
Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why automobile manufacturers are turning to custom material handling equipment to achieve their goals.
Safety
In the manufacturing sector, safety is a high priority. It is particularly important in the automotive industry where heavy metal parts with rough edges are frequently encountered.
Automotive material handling equipment must first be safe and that is one of the main reasons why many manufacturers prefer custom material handling equipment that is designed for their specific uses. For example, special attention must be taken to ensure material handling equipment won’t snag a worker’s clothes. And edges are often rounded to reduce damage from any impacts.
Efficiency
One of the biggest returns on investment in custom material handling equipment is the potential for greater efficiency. Small efficiency gains in one area of a production line can multiply as the process moves along. While safety is always the primary concern, efficiency also provides a valuable ROI and a strong justification for choosing custom material handling equipment.
Ergonomics
Material handling equipment that is ergonomic reduces worker fatigue and can improve productivity. Ergonomic design is an important consideration when choosing custom material handling equipment in the automotive industry. Ergonomics engineered into your custom material handling equipment can pay dividends for years by reducing injuries and absenteeism.
Ease of Use
When you purchase custom material handling equipment, it provides the opportunity to build in ease of use. Even small design changes or adjustments can make material handling equipment easier to use. These changes will usually lead to equipment that is safer and more efficient.
Metal Totes in Automobile Manufacturing
Metal totes are one of the primary ways auto manufacturers transport parts through their facilities. These containers may be used when receiving parts, storing and picking parts, as well as moving them on an assembly line via tow motors or carts. They can be used for shipments between suppliers and even for managing scrap or waste.
The design for custom material handling equipment like totes starts with a full understanding of where and how a particular tote or bin will be used. At Southern Metal Fabricators, we have over a quarter century of experience in producing various metal products for industrial use, including carts, totes, and bins, and our engineers can design these products to best suit your specific application.
We can create large-capacity totes and ones specifically designed to carry heavy automobile parts and components. We can manufacture totes designed for use on an assembly line and built with the strength and durability to withstand harsh industrial use. We can engineer totes that can be more easily carried or moved on carts, depending on their particular use.
Once we fully understand your goals, we will work with you to create the custom material handling equipment you need.
At Southern Metal Fabricators, we are thankful for each and every product we are trusted with and won’t ship it until we are 100-percent sure it is built the way you want it to be.
If you are in search of custom material handling equipment for automotive manufacturing, we invite you to learn more about our capabilities. Our goal is to meet or exceed your requirements with respect to quality, budget, and delivery. To get started, please contact us today.
