Call us!
To discuss your sortation system needs.
(704)525-1749
616 Pressley Road
Charlotte, NC 28217
ph (704) 525-1749
fax (704) 525-6129
Sortation System Case Study: Bridgestone/Firestone
Bridgestone / Firestone, Inc.
Joliette, Quebec - Canada
Wilson, NC - USA
Graniteville, SC - USA
Bridgestone / Firestone, Inc., is an international manufacturer of tires with facilities worldwide.
The Challenge
Tire manufacturers have traditionally manufactured “in-line” - a process which causes an equipment malfunction to have a “backup” effect upstream and a “domino” effect on all downstream processes. Traditionally, a breakdown would require all workers to be idle or even sent home while the machine was being repaired.
The challenge was to avoid these kinds of problems, and achieve greater efficiency by more effectively managing distribution of tires from multiple upstream machines to downstream units in three of the tire manufacturing locations.
The Mantissa Solution
A tilt-tray sorter with a custom designed tire tray was installed in each of three manufacturing facilities, each serving the same function as a “roundabout” or traffic circle. An automatic induction unit was placed at the discharge end of each upstream machine. Each automatic inductor then fed work-in-process to an individual tray on the sorter. While traveling on the sorter, all tires were merged into a continuous stream. The sorter then disbursed the product to the downstream equipment as determined by need or availability.
By applying proven sortation technology traditionally used in distribution to Bridgestone’s manufacturing environment, a conversion was successfully made from a rigid assembly line to a system of flexible manufacturing.
In need of a customized sortation solution?
Developing a sortation system for your organization can seem like an overwhelming task. There are a seemingly infinite amount of variables to consider.
Let us put our years of experience and innovation in the material handling industry to work for you.
Give us a call to get started today. When you call, one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members will evaluate your needs and help get the ball rolling.
Call (704)525-1749
to get started.
Want to see one of our sortation systems in person?
Sure, we've provided lots of photos and videos of our sortation systems here on our website, but you'd certainly like to see one in person.
You are more than welcome to schedule a visit to our facility in Charlotte, NC.
We've got two operational on-site demos at our facility. And there are several local client installations that we can tour as well.
