The production team at OHC recently upgraded their precision end trim production line or “PET” to an automated system. The new PET system utilizes bar-code technology to load trimming specifications into the production process. The production folks nicknamed their new PET saw “Sasquatch.” Sasquatch got his name because the design team worked for so long on this customized concept that the production team started to believe he wasn’t real. Sasquatch replaced a Newman PET saw that was manually adjusted with wrenches to cut different lengths, a time-consuming and difficult job for the machine operator. Sasquatch is fully automated and controlled by a PLC system which understands 2D bar-codes. This coding directs Sasquatch to cut the lengths and piece counts required for each order. One operator supervises Sasquatch. Sasquatch has reduced the operator’s set-up time dramatically. The opportunity for set-up mistakes was reduced ten-fold. The best improvements are that the operator’s job has been made much safer and easier. Sasquatch now enables OHC to cut orders more precisely, quickly, safely and effectively, so that customers’ orders are delivered on time and to exact specifications. The maintenance crew installed Sasquatch over the weekend of June 1st and 2nd so that the production team did not miss a day of production. Sasquatch is one of many plant upgrades that will ensure OHC maintains its position as the leading Flatbed Trailer floor manufacturer in the United States.
