PRESS INFORMATION REF: SSS014

When invited to implement a tools storage solution in BMW's new Hams Hall Plant that was better than the tool management centre in BMW's plant in Steyr, Austria, System Store Solutions Ltd rose to the challenge Released April 2003

When invited to implement a tools storage solution in BMW's new Hams Hall Plant that was better than the tool management centre in BMW's plant in Steyr, Austria, System Store Solutions Ltd rose to the challenge by providing a storage solution that ensured the smooth and efficient running of the plant.

The Hams Hall plant builds BMW's new family of four-cylinder petrol engines, known as Valvetronic. The new Valvetronic technology enables the conventional function of the throttle butterfly to be replaced by fully variable valve control thus eliminating throttle losses, and giving a 10% better fuel economy. Due to the high level of automation in the plant, an efficient storage solution was needed to provide the manufacturing lines with controlled sets of tooling which were set to the necessary levels of accuracy required.

Three basic functions are performed from the tool management centre; The strip down and wash down of all used tools, a tool stores for the storage and control of all consumables and durables, and a pre-set centre for assembly and setting of all tool types, together with a line transportation area for tool distribution to the line-side storage systems.

The tool store area contains a Kardex automated tool dispensing system. From here individually numbered tools are dispatched to a tool management centre where they are assembled and calibrated prior being transferred to Fami `line-side' tool storage cabinets.

The beauty of the System Store Solutions Limited system is its simplicity. Tools for a particular operation stored in dedicated tool cribs within the line-side tool stores, which have individual locations for each tool. Every tool crib is numbered, ensuring that the right tool is put in the right location on the shop floor. Accompanying the tools in the line-side cabinets is a complete set of equipment that is needed to perform a tool change, including pre-set torque wrenches along with a drawer for fixture wear parts. The tool cribs enable tool operators to check what tools have been used and they ensure replacements are delivered to the machine before they are required. This process has been simplified by the use of 'white paint' in the flute of tools, which disappears when the cutter is in contact with the component.

"While the value of the tool storage contract is small compared to the £400 million BMW has spent on the plant, the result of that spend is crucial to the efficient and smooth running of the factory" said Dr. Norbert Reithofer, member of the board of management of BMW. "System Store Solutions has produced a state-of-the art facility that is in keeping with one of the most modern engine production plants in the world, Hams Hall Plant"

As production increases at Ham Hall the intention is to link tool usage to the factory SAP and MMS management systems. This will allow the machine control to report directly to the tool management centre.

About System Store Solutions: System Store Solutions supplies high quality workshop and industrial storage equipment for the engineering, aerospace, motorsport, museum and warehousing sectors. The company is the exclusive UK distributor of the Fami Industrial storage, workshop and transportation systems product range. Its success is founded on the expertise of its consultants and based on project management, consultation and technical advice.

For further information contact: David Price,
System Store Solutions Ltd,
Ham Lane, Lenham,
Maidstone, Kent, ME17 2LH

Telephone: 01622 859522
Fax: 01622 858746
e-mail: sales@systemstoresolutions.com

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