Massimo expects its new automated vehicle assembly line will increase assembly efficiency by 50 percent by minimizing manual handling, decreasing labor, and enhancing safety for assembly line workers. (Photo: Massimo/PRNewswire)
Massimo expects its robotic assembly line to improve efficiency by 50 percent while enhancing safety in the production of ATVs and UTVs.
GARLAND, Texas—To what extent can a new automated vehicle assembly robot line help a vehicle manufacturer increase its operating efficiency?
Massimo Group, a manufacturer and distributor of powersports vehicles and pontoon boats, was preparing to install such a production line at its 376,000-foot factory in Garland at the time of this writing. The company appears confident that the robot line, purpose-built to support production of its all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility terrain vehicle (UTV) lines, will have a significantly positive impact.
According to a release from Massimo, the production line integrates an automated, flexible conveyance system that uses automated guided robots (AGRs) to move vehicles along the assembly line, guided through the facility along pre-determined pathways. The AGRs replace the traditional fixed workstations for work-in-process movement during manufacturing operations. Each robot can be individually controlled, enabling de-coupling from the assembly line when needed, such as when smoothing station-to-station timing imbalances.
Massimo said in the release that it expects the new process will “increase assembly efficiency by 50 percent by minimizing manual handling, decreasing labor, and enhancing safety for assembly line workers.”
“The completion of the new automated assembly line and vehicle manufacturing capabilities adds to our recent 90,000-square-foot expansion to support increased production across our Motor product vertical,” said David Shan, founder, chairman, and CEO of Massimo, in a statement. “By implementing this industry leading automated manufacturing infrastructure, we hope to ensure Massimo can continue to deliver the same uncompromising quality, reliability, durability, and performance our customers have come to expect, while simultaneously adding significant efficiencies and safety advantages to the production process. After assembly, accessorizing, and inspection on the new production line, our facility will be outfitted to efficiently palletize and shrink-wrap ATVs and UTVs, enabling the shipment of most orders to stores or distributors within three days.
“Our recent expansion efforts are aimed at enhancing manufacturing flexibility and increasing annual production,” Shan continued. “We believe with the increased operating efficiencies from the new automated assembly robot line, we can further enhance margins while continuing to grow our revenue and expand our product line with new models and capabilities.”
Massimo Group’s product lines include farm- and ranch-tested utility terrain vehicles, recreational ATVs, and Americana style mini-bikes. The company also reported that it is developing electric versions of UTVs, golf carts, and pontoon boats. Massimo Marine manufactures and sells Pontoon and Tritoon boats, the company said.