Locomotive
Assembly Line
CASE STUDY
THE SITUATION
General Electric is the largest North American manufacturer of diesel locomotives and wanted to reduce assembly times and decrease work-in-process inventories at its Erie, Penn., facility. In the past, GE had used overhead cranes to move locomotives from one workstation to the next.
THE SOLUTION
High Capacity
The air caster transporters are capable of bearing the weight of the 300,000 lb. locomotives. The locomotives can be easily moved across the facility floor, replacing the function of overhead cranes.
Custom Designed
We designed and custom-built air caster transporters to be used in the assembly line for locomotives. The air caster platforms float the 75-foot structures on air.
Maximize Worker Safety
The transporter’s low-profile design makes movements safer by not allowing workers to go underneath the locomotives.
The Result
After implementing air caster transporters, Airfloat equipment helped General Electric boost its output from 17 to 22 locomotives per month – a 29% gain. Take General Electric as an example of how air caster technology can increase productivity in your own facility. Contact us and talk to an Applications Engineer to find a solution for you.
