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Increased productivity from tugs
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September 2007
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Powerscreen International has recently taken delivery of its first Nu-Star Super Pusher at its manufacturing facility in Dungannon, Northern Ireland in addition to the existing two Power Pushers in use on the site, improving productivity and saving on floor space.
John McGrane, Powerscreen lean manufacturing promotion officer, say; “During the manufacturing process, 6500kg screen box assemblies were manufactured and brought to final assembly using overhead gantry cranes. By assembling the screen boxes on carrier bogies, overhead cranes were eliminated for transporting screen boxes, and by using a Nu-Star Super Pusher to move the carrier bogies around the manufacturing area, it has been possible to consolidate screen box production.”
As a result the floor space required for screen box assembly has been reduced by 664m². This valuable manufacturing space has been used to increase production.
The tug is more manoeuvrable and requires much less aisle way and turning circle space as compared to forklifts or full sized ride-on tugs. Its size and price and capability means that it can be kept available in the area and used to move the screen boxes through the screen box assembly area and out side for transport to final assembly.
Powerscreen had previously purchased two Nu-Star Pushers for moving 2000kg – 3000kg conveyors through their conveyor assembly process and the step up to Super Pusher was due to the weight of the screen boxes.
The Nu-Star Pusher and Super Pusher combined with carrier bogies are a safe and efficient means of moving major components through sub and final assembly processes.
Matthew Smith, Nu-Star’s MD says: “We are delighted that such a prestigious company as Powerscreen have identified the proven benefits of our zero emission, electric tugs and been able to realise such tangible benefits in their Lean Manufacturing processes in Dungannon.”
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Author
Chris Rowlands
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