Automotive

Automotive manufacturers rely on lifting solutions for everyday tasks, installing engines, moving chassis down an assembly line or moving and turning dies in a stamping facility. With production lines often running around the clock, any downtime caused by unplanned maintenance needs can be extremely costly. Hoists and cranes enable operators to move components such as chassis, engines and body panels, allowing workers to concentrate on accuracy and speed throughout the assembly or maintenance process.

Cranes are used in metal stamping processes to transfer stamped metal parts to different workstations, ensuring a smooth flow of materials in preparation for body fabrication. Prior to entering into the automotive manufacturing facility, cranes are used in stamping and dyeing processes. They are also often used to move parts from one station to another as they go down the assembly line. This simplifies the process of maneuvering and installing large components, reducing the risk of manual handling injuries. Overhead cranes help position frames, body parts and sub-assemblies with precision.

We can provide wire rope hoists, synthetic rope hoists or electric chain hoists that work within a workstation crane, such as the LK and LR electric chain hoists or the Spacemaster® SX wire rope hoist. For example, the LR electric chain hoists' unique mounting bracket makes it a great choice for workstation cranes, because it is both a lug mount and a top hook and is compatible with below-the-hook devices such as custom spreaders or slings used to handle large car body parts.

R&M’s LR electric chain hoist is designed to lift and maneuver smaller components within the parts and assembly cells alongside the main assembly line. The LR electric chain hoist’s unique mounting bracket makes it an excellent choice for workstation cranes, as it serves as both a lug mount and a top hook, making it a flexible choice for ever-changing assembly lines.

While overhead cranes are ideal for moving heavy components, such as chassis frames and body panels, with minimal use of floor space. Cranes equipped with our Spacemaster SX wire rope hoist offer near true vertical lift and can be configured to meet your precise needs. The hooks we provide on our crane and overhead hoist products can integrate with a range of specialty below-the-hook devices. Load turning features are also available for the SX hoist, making die flipping applications faster and safer.

Our crane packages can be customized to a broad range of load capacities for assembly lines and workstation requirements. Our hoists integrate seamlessly into automated environments, working alongside conveyors, robotic arms and other systems to move components efficiently and precisely - reducing manual labor and errors. You can also select special features such as quick load/ unload, load stabilization, inverter controls and more.

• Anti-Sway Technology: Stabilizes loads to prevent swing that can damage parts or injure personnel.
• Load Monitoring Systems: Track load weights and conditions in real time to predict maintenance needs, leading to minimized downtime and safer operations—a critical feature in busy automotive plants.

Load Turning Features: Particularly useful in metal stamping and building sub-assemblies, allowing for precise rotation and flipping of dies while improving operator safety and reducing equipment wear.

Over 40 cranes and hoists were installed in GILLIG LLC’s new Livermore, California, facility as the bus manufacturer relocated from Hayward to the Oaks Business Park. Our distributor supplied Spacemaster SX wire rope hoists (ranging from 1 to 10 ton capacities) and their LK electric chain hoists (ranging from ¼ to 2 ton capacities). The hoists were chosen for reliability, flexibility of options, efficiency of operation and availability of parts, should future maintenance requirements arise.

Read the full case study: GILLIG | Bus Manufacturing | R&M Materials Handling

Interested in a customized hoisting solution for your automotive manufacturing or assembly plant? Let us know your unique lifting requirements and our team will help you find or design the perfect crane or hoisting system to keep your operations at peak efficiency. Contact us online or call 800-955-9967 to talk with an expert.