Robots and the latest technology: This is how the Ford factory is changing

a. with the execution of investment of US$580 million focused on the production of The new generation of Ranger medium pick-up from 2023Ford moved on with two years ago Massive modernization of its historic General Pacheco plantwhich will become one of The most advanced automotive factory in South America, depending on the company,

What the automaker is improving is major transformation process Suffered by the factory in its 60-year history, he insisted. Through a statement, Ford revealed the details of the changes it will be implementing in Pacheco to prepare for the production of the new generation of Ranger.

Out of an investment of US$580 million, 30% will be used for the development of national origin auto parts for new model, While the rest is being put in the plant. The transformation will take place in various phases, some of which have already been completed.

During the months of April and May, the second phase was completed, for which they stop production processes (from the current generation of Ranger) for a period of six weeks. focuses on areas of improvement stamping, bodywork and assembly, Which is already operating today with a level of technology comparable to most modern Ford production centers in the world.

in the industry of bodywork they joined more than 300 automatic welding robots, which work in sync to make the ranger’s bed and cab. Thus, Ford’s plan to install robotic cells was accomplished to achieve the goal of Zero manual welding in main operationwhich allows Expand up to 90% of the installed capacity of the region.

On the other hand, in the area of samples -Where production begins and the panels that make up the skeleton of the truck are molded, tests were started to put New line of high-speed press: An installation 59 meters long and 12 meters wide, for which earthworks were carried out and the foundation was laid, and the roof was raised by more than six meters. This structure will allow Expand up to four times the number of finished parts per hour, Given its simultaneous hitting and stamping capabilities.

in the plant mounting change of lines chassis and upholstery, also for the purpose of increase production capacity, With this correction, now these lines are made Personal and Autonomous Air Transporters that move the Ranger’s pieces from place to place: the motor moves along a rail; chassis for the second; And the same happens with the cabin and the box; until they reach meeting pointand the assembly of all parts is done, or Ornament,

Infrastructure renovation was also considered in the Ford plan. lighting equipment being replaced with technology low consumption led You automatic control, already installed in 120.000 m2 of plant. In this order Compressed air equipment refurbished, and they settled new state-of-the-art compressors Which can ensure more efficiency in operation.

New system allows greater programming FLEXIBILITY In addition, production as per demand Automatically adjust line height At each stage of the production process, so that the employee can complete his task more comfortably and easily, reducing the need to move from place to place, highlighted the automaker.

On the other hand, New line of flat plates 250 meters long Incorporated technologies that allow less physical exertion in manual tasks, and allow greater accuracy, The work was installed throughout the plant, in line with the comfort of the crew. new room air conditioning system,

Employee training is also an aspect considered by the automaker. Ford Argentina shared that, from the first stage of modernization to the present, Work teams received 25,000 hours of training to achieve tool Being able to take advantage of and efficiently utilize the innovations implemented in the plant is essential.

Data science has become a major asset to acquire Integration between people, machines and hyperconnected monitoring systemsincrease the parameters of ability, management resource smart, and tracing operated in real time.

In the supply phase, for example, the implementation of new software allowed Automate the internal logistics of the plant -Both with supply chain and with own production lines-, stock process optimization You distribution of parts To build the Ranger.

Based on the investment plan, Ford increased its production by 38% compared to a pre-pandemic record; Hired 400 new associates and added new export destinations for the Ranger.