Components worth up to 25% by value of Ford Australia’s new BA Falcon are now made within 500 metres of the Broadmeadows assembly line in Victoria, producing big savings for the car maker, the website drive.com.au reported.
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Drive.com.au said that several parts suppliers have co-located on the site in what Ford Australia president Geoff Polites calls a “cutting edge” system.
Polites hopes to have a supplier locate its operations under Ford’s roof, next to the production line, within 12 months, the website said.
Drive.com.au said the “externally sequenced parts delivery” system is a step beyond the just-in-time method as suppliers send small trucks into the plant and Ford workers take the parts and install them on the Falcons gliding past.
The website said the parts are not identical units. Instrument panels, for example, vary from model to model and are delivered in sequence with cars of different specification and trim level coming down the line.
Drive.com.au said the system virtually eliminates inventory and slashes transport costs plus there is no damage or packaging.
