MechChem Africa September-October 2021

Container and component handling for automotive assembly Ken Mouritzen, managing director of BLT World, describes the range of material and container handling equipment distributed by his company for optimum efficiency, reduced operational costs, enhanced safety and minimal maintenance in automotive assembly plants.

steel plates of up to 32 000 kg. By combining the strength of these coil handling attachments and the extended reaching ability of these reach trucks, handling operations during automotive assembly are safer, faster and cost-efficient. Another important lifting attachment is the double fork system that enhances the flexibility and performance of goods handling. This double fork attachment offers many benefits when loading and unloading automotive components. For example, four pallets or a similar load, can be easily handled at the same time and it is pos- sible to fully load a 20 ft container with only two lifts. The weight of the load is not a problem because these double forks can handle the same maximum load of 18 t. Double forks use the same fixing points as normal forks, which means switching between the two is effortless. Fork positioning can be altered from inside the cabin, without the operator having to get out to manually adjust the gap between the forks. With features such as hydraulic cab raising, forward and revers- ing cameras, and hydraulic side shift for accurate and effortless positioning, safety on site is improved. BLTWorld’s Mobicon mobile straddle carriers are also designed for efficient, safe and versatile container and product handling in and around automotive assembly plants. An important advantage of this container handler is that it utilises all parts of the yard and operates on pavements and in restrictive areas where conventional equipment cannot go. This mobile con- tainer handler turns in tight spaces and is also able to travel inside warehouses and under awnings. The Mobicon ensures the efficient movement and supply of components, engines and completed ve- hicles to and from each plant and line – in containers, on flat beds or in specialised racking systems. By having only one container or product supplymovement during automotive assembly, time savings are significant and there is no longer the need to run a fleet of conventional forklifts. Other advantages for the Mobicon in automotive assembly include easy handling of ramps and speed bumps, reduced on-site congestion and minimal damage to stock normally caused by long forklift and container handling truck runs. Loads are no longer handled outside in wet weather conditions and container handling schedules are more efficient. TheMobicon unit requires minimal maintenance, unlike conven- tional container handling equipment, where ongoing maintenance is necessary and costly. The units also eliminate the need for costly yard repairs. One of the biggest problems associated with using conventional equipment to load and unload containers is damage caused to yards and pave- ments that are not suitable for carrying heavy weights. Enhanced safety has also been critical in the design of this ma- chine. The operator has a clear view of the working area and does not have to travel with a container hanging 3.0 m in the air, as with conventional systems. Instead of staff having to work at a trailer height of 1.5 m, they are able to work safely at ground level. www.bltworld.com

“A utomotive manufacturers are continually looking for ways to improve efficiencies within their operations andone areawhere costs canbe significantly reduced is well-organised materials handling,” says Ken Mou- ritzen, managing director, BLTWorld. “In automotive assembly plants, containers, components, engines and completed vehicles are moved from plant to plant and the distances involved often mean extensive time in transport. This results in assembly delays and wear and tear on conventional equipment, which negatively affects productivity. “By introducing a well organised materials handling system for each automotive plant, the supply to production lines and warehouses is more efficient, there is less damage to goods, re- duced losses and enhanced safety for workers. All of these factors contribute to improved productivity and significant savings in manufacturing costs.” BLT World’s Meclift heavy duty variable reach trucks increase efficiency and safety during materials handling procedures in auto- motive plants. Unlike conventional forklift trucks, Meclift machines are able to go into a container for efficient, swift and safe container stuffing/de-stuffing and are also designed for handling all types, sizes and shapes of components. This series has a lifting capacity from 16 to 42 t. Various lifting attachments are available for Meclift variable reach trucks that enhance the performance, efficiency and safety of these multipurpose machines. For example, aMeclift fitted with a coil ram or coil clamp, can efficiently and safely handle steel coils or Mobicon mobile straddle carriers are designed for versatile container and product handling in and around automotive assembly plants.

24 ¦ MechChem Africa • September-October 2021