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Product Focus /
Turret Stockpicker Moves from the Warehouse to the Manufacturing Floor
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Crown Develops Revolutionary Patent Pending Process
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 In order to significantly reduce costs and increase efficiencies at its manufacturing facilities, Crown Equipment Corporation successfully applied a concept that has long been used in warehouses and distribution centers – to build up rather than spread out. Doing so saves space and contributes to a more efficient system while increasing the bottom line. The configuration is so unique, Crown has a pending patent application on the system.
Crown’s TSP 6000 Series Turret Stockpicker was the crucial element in achieving this success. Utilizing the TSP 6000, Crown was able to consolidate welding, brake press operations, warehousing and material handling functions for its lift truck door and cover production into one cell. This cell handles more than 190 parts in a little over 20,000 square feet. Previously, the functions were spread throughout the entire plant.
In addition to saving floor space, Crown was able to reduce inventory by 33 percent, increase productivity and safety, reallocate labor and significantly improve on-time delivery.
 “The TSP 6000 gave us the ability to stack jobs on the line and to work in a very narrow aisle environment,” said Vice President of Manufacturing Dave Beddow. “While it’s common to see a turret stockpicker among distribution center aisles, you don’t see it on the manufacturing floor. This process of production line consolidation is something that could be beneficial to manufacturing facilities across the country.”
The new process employs the concept of cube utilization, a common space maximization configuration found in distribution centers. By stacking parts and product, the welders and their work are within a few feet of each other. Parts to be welded and those completed are moved to their proper place in the narrow aisle configuration by the TSP 6000 Series Turret Stockpicker. The 180 degree turning radius of the TSP also helps maximize space. Multi-task controls on the TSP 6000 blend multiple load handling tasks simultaneously, saving valuable positioning time. The truck’s powerful AC lift and traction motors provide industry-leading travel speeds – 25% faster than typical trucks – with smooth and precise acceleration. The main lift speeds are more than 40% faster than industry standards. In addition, the TSP 6000 is QuickCharge compatible, which also contributes to uptime.
 Communication also needs to be quick. Interaction between the TSP 6000 operator and the welders is based on sight cues much like traffic lights. The lights – green, yellow or red – tell the TSP operator what production stage the welder and product is in. A change in light signals the TSP operator to deliver parts, pick up completed work or start picking the next order. With only one TSP 6000 dedicated to the welding cell, uptime and reliability are critical. “Our welders depend on the TSP to keep the process flowing,” said Beddow.
“Utilizing the TSP 6000 Series allows for uninterrupted productivity so we don’t have to worry about shutting down the weld cell. The TSP 6000 Series has allowed us to rethink the process, providing increased efficiency.”
About the TSP 6000 Series
Crown introduced the TSP 6000 Series Turret Stockpicker Series in 2005. Designed to maximize cube utilization and navigate very-narrow aisles, the TSP 6000 is equipped with features setting new standards in operator comfort and confidence. Its three-point design offers tight turning radiuses. Productivity is enhanced through Crown’s exclusive multi-task controls which allow the TSP 6000 operator to blend multiple load handling tasks simultaneously. In addition, Crown incorporated ergonomic features such as its MoveControlTM seat that swivels to four different positions, a revolutionary platform design, multi-task controls and adjustable, cushioned armrests.
About Crown Equipment Corporation
Crown is the number one brand of electric lift trucks in the United States and the sixth largest lift truck manufacturer in the world. Crown’s award-winning line of lift trucks has earned a reputation for exceptional product design, engineering and manufacturing. From the smallest hand pallet truck to the highest lifting turret truck, Crown seeks to provide users with safe, efficient and ergonomic lift trucks that lower total cost of ownership and maximize uptime. Headquartered in New Bremen, Ohio, Crown lift trucks are manufactured and sold throughout the world.
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