File Photo from CBC News of Chrysler’s Windsor Plant

Recently, Chrysler announced a plan to invest $2 billion on retooling its Windsor, Ontario assembly plant. This major expansion aims to boost production of one of the brand’s most popular models, the Town and Country minivan. And more importantly, it will facilitate the development of a planned hybrid minivan. The modern shift toward greening production and creating more energy efficient vehicles has played a major role in Chrysler’s announcement, as the expanded plant and capabilities will allow the company to create more sustainable car models. This should increase the company’s market share with evermore eco-conscious consumers.

Shifting public demands aren’t the only reasons for automotive industry growth. In fact, newer technologies are playing a large role in factory expansion. As automated systems continue to get more advanced, the prices of many industrial robots are actually coming down. And as the market becomes more saturated with these products, the playing field is leveled for manufacturing plants of all sizes. As automation on the shop floor increases, production cost decreases. In Canada, by the year 2025 industrial robots are expected to cut costs by about 24%, and in the United States, costs are expected to be cut by 22% thanks to robotic systems.

Robotic manufacturing systems offer a number of benefits for automotive companies, not least of which is their ability to “learn” new processes quickly. Once a robot is programmed to perform a certain task, it is able to do that task right away – unlike human workers who must receive adequate training in order to pick up a new skill. This allows manufacturers to maximize productivity by incorporating robotics where they make sense, while retaining high-skilled workers who can work alongside and program the robots. And by improving productivity, robots reduce manufacturing costs, enabling companies to continue making products here in North America rather than losing business to lower cost offshore competition.

And once automotive parts are manufactured, an additional layer of quality assurance can be added by incorporating an automated inspection and marking system. These systems can perform a wide range of tests, including leak and flow testing among other applications. All together, these systems create a comprehensive automated process that increases efficiency in automotive manufacturing.

To learn how TCA Technologies can improve your automotive manufacturing process, please feel free to contact us for more information and provide us with details about your current production needs.