The challenge
At one of Xandor Automotive’s factories in the UK, plastic parts are manufactured for the automotive industry, such as spoilers, doors, handles, panels and battery boxes.
“We had a number of challenges in our production and made a so-called automation map, where we described our problems and what we want to achieve in the future. It then became clear to us that we had very little standardization in our production and many different ways of doing things. Our machines required hand-laying, we lacked Lean processes and the work made us re-invent the wheel, over and over again. It was difficult for us to update our machines and reuse solutions. The production became far too expensive and difficult to manage,” says Peter Andersson, Technical Director at Xandor Automotive.
Xandor Automotive produced a list of requirements and criteria for what a solution to the problem had to include. In addition, a separate proposal was made regarding modular automation within the operation. This was based on standard components to easily switch in the development of new products.
Solution
“Of course, we asked the majority of suppliers from different parts of the world, but in the selection process we felt that TechTribe understood our business and vision. In the car industry, many changes are taking place, where products are discontinued and new ones are added, and it must go quickly. Their system for modular automation met all our requirements – and they have the necessary experience,” says Peter.
Modular automation means that automated production is broken down into several smaller modules, which contributes to fewer post-constructions and more efficient conversions. Prior to the construction of the modular automation, Xandor Automotive and TechTribe had several design reviews and discussions about details to ultimately create a well-functioning overall solution.
Results
The result was a system of modular automation for a total of four cells, where each cell consists of plastic and a number of processes before it becomes a finished product. In each product, details are also cast into the plastic so that the end product will fulfill its function. The system includes robotic assembly and adjustment at the beginning and end of production. Through modular automation, the cell is broken down into various modules that enable Xandor Automotive to handle the conversion and change of products quicker than before.
“Our collaboration has worked very well. They are good at ticking off our wishlist, they show understanding and want, just like us, this to be our best cell ever. This is our largest and most important investment in many years in automation. Even before final delivery, we had achieved what we wanted, according to our automation map. It’s fantastic,” says Peter.
About Xandor Automotive
Xandor Automotive is an established designer and manufacturer of precision components and devices for the automotive industry. The company was previously called Rosti Automotive. The company’s history in plastic manufacturing can be traced back to the 1930s. Since 2020, it has been part of the Xandor Group, which has operations in several locations around the world. Xandor Automotive is based in the UK and has around 1300 employees and manufactures plastic parts, mainly for Jaguar Land Rover.
Contact:
Peter Andersson, Technical Director, Xandor Automotive
