Case / Ponsse

Ponsse chooses FlexQube to help provide flexible & smooth production

Challenge

As a part of Ponsse’s factory extension (2016-2018) projects within internal logistics, were launched for the transport process and material storage. The old process required a lot of manual transports and forklift operations. The pace of production needed to be increased and the time for transport needed to be decreased.

Achievement

FlexQube was able to help Ponsse create better ergonomics for the operators, both in the warehouse and in the assembly process. Having better overall control of the process made it possible to do just-in-time deliveries. There was a reduced amount of manual handling of the parts, and our carts help increase the capacity for the number of product variants at each station.

Solution

Three different variants of Kit carts were designed to integrate with a tugger train system. This helped improve the overall material process and reduced the number of forklifts needed within the facility. This allowed Ponsse to have a demand-based sequence delivery of their components to the assembly stations.

“The aim was to ensure smooth and flexible production as well as occupational safety and well-being, while improving productivity. The guiding principle was that quality would under no circumstances be compromised”

With the goal to become the world’s most modern forest machine factory

In order to achieve a smoother and more flexible production, three different kit carts were implemented on the shop floor. Flexibility was created by having the option to integrate the kit carts with a tugger train system. The flexibility, customization, and certainty a tugger train systems bring to manufacturing could not be overlooked and was, therefore, the right option for Ponsse in this case.

Overall, Ponsse implemented over 300 carts from FlexQube. All carts are equipped with high-quality polyurethane casters and rubber carpets for a more secure and trouble-free transportation and material handling.

The road forward

Inspiration was taken from the automotive industry to have a high pace sequence delivery. The materials are now managed through the automated warehouse to improve the ergonomics and efficiency in delivery significantly. Allowing the parts to move swiftly through the warehouse and then be kitted on our FlexQube carts that are parked nearby. The tugger train then picks up 2-6 demanded carts and delivers the parts to the assembly station.

“The flexibility and modularity of FlexQube’s product concept, the vision of the company and proactive methods and attitude in design and collaboration convinced us that FlexQube is the correct partner choice”

– Project Manager at Ponsse Vieremä