Author : Prashant Uttam Bagal and Rahul Desai

This paper adopts a multifarious approach combining lean manufacturing, line balancing and layout improvement to effective improvements in the productivity on the HVAC (Heating, ventilating and air conditioning) AUDI B8 Cable assembly line of cable assembly manufacturing company for automobile industry. A comprehensive methodology is adopted to systematically analyses and effect productivity improvements. A pilot study of the assembly line is done to estimate line imbalance. This is followed by waste (MUDA) identification and elimination and de-bottlenecking to balance the line and optimize utilization of resources. Modification in layout is effected to switch over from batch and queue system to single piece flow. The results of implementation are summarized in the conclusion part of the paper.

Keywords: Line Balancing, Wire Harness Assembly

Article published in International Journal of Advance Industrial Engineering, Vol.3, No.1 (March-2015)