The news of ManuLine

ManuLine, a French company specializing in intralogistics solutions, particularly tugger trains, is dedicated to improving the efficiency and flexibility of production environments, aligning with lean manufacturing principles. These solutions expedite the transportation of raw materials, semi-finished, and finished products, while minimizing wait times and waste. Below, we present a case study of a ManuLine client seeking to enhance the supply of 600 x 400-mm plastic boxes at their industrial site.
 
CLIENT'S INTRALOGISTICS NEEDS

Our client, a global leader in optical solutions, faced challenges at their industrial site, prompting the adoption of a tugger train.

• Material Flows: The site dealt with a substantial daily volume of 400 x 600-mm plastic boxes, previously laboriously moved one by one on conveyors. Introducing a tugger train enabled efficient transportation of multiple boxes between locations.
• Safety: Given the inherent risks in industrial settings, a tugger train with customized trolleys improved ergonomics and eased manual loading, reducing the risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) and repetitive strain injuries for operators.
• Efficiency: Manual transport of plastic boxes was slow and inefficient, particularly on large industrial sites. A tugger train optimized material flows, minimizing downtime and empty forklift returns during load transfers.
• Distance: The client's site spanned extensive distances, making manual box transport taxing. A tugger train swiftly and efficiently covered these distances, enhancing productivity.

In summary, the tugger train bolstered the site's efficiency, safety, and productivity while addressing logistical challenges. Its implementation improved both the supply chain and internal logistics.
 
CONSTRAINTS IN IMPLEMENTING THE TUGGER TRAIN

Designing a tugger train for the client's site required considering several constraints. ManuLine collaborated with the client and conveyor manufacturer to adapt to existing infrastructure and ensure safe stacking of plastic boxes. A specialized trolley was designed, compatible with the "Crossing Storci" train model.
 
CUSTOM-BUILT TUGGER TRAIN BY MANULINE

A tugger train is a lean manufacturing transport solution that streamlines material supply over short distances in production environments. It adapts to tight spaces and various container types.
To meet the client's needs, ManuLine recommended the "Crossing Storci" tugger train, ideal for swiftly and efficiently transporting small containers, such as 600 x 400-mm plastic boxes, along the production line.
The "Crossing Storci" tugger train transported 610 x 410-mm trolleys, each capable of carrying a stack of 600 x 400-mm plastic boxes up to 1,500 mm high. These boxes were secured on the trolleys with 3 fixed edges and a retractable latch.
 
Operators filled boxes with parts at their workstations and stacked them on trolleys positioned on electric lifting devices for ergonomic handling.
When a stack of 5 boxes was achieved, operators placed the full trolley on the aisle side.
Upon the tugger train's arrival, the driver swapped the full trolley for an empty one, ensuring operators always had an available trolley for efficient work.
The train continued its journey, and at the logistics area, the driver removed trolleys one by one, docking them at a roller conveyor for stack transfer.
 
ADVANTAGES OF THE "CROSSING STORCI" TUGGER TRAIN

This tugger train offered numerous benefits:

• Reduced waiting times between production stages.
• Adaptability to various containers and materials, enhancing flexibility.
• Minimized waste through reduced transport trips.
• Efficient use of space, suitable for tight work areas.
• Cost reduction by lowering production expenses.
• Enhanced safety with fewer forklifts on the production line and additional safety features.
• Fast operation.
• Flexibility in unloading trolleys.
• Ergonomic and user-friendly design.
• Reduced maintenance due to the 100% mechanical operation of the "Crossing Storci" tugger train.

In summary, adopting the tugger train led to improved efficiency, productivity, and profitability for the client by minimizing waste, optimizing space, and maximizing value.
 
CHOOSE MANULINE FOR OPTIMAL INTERNAL LOGISTICS

ManuLine offers innovative intralogistics solutions tailored to specific company needs, including flexible, modular tugger trains aligned with lean manufacturing principles. Explore our range of custom-built solutions for internal load and container transportation, including lean tugger trains, trolleys, electric tow tractors, and industrial trailers. If you require a tailored solution for moving loads within your industrial site, our design team is ready to collaborate with you to develop the ideal tugger train solution for your requirements.