The Challenge: Hazardous bottlenecks in heavy material handling
Lewisville Motor Company in Winston-Salem, NC, needed to find a faster method to transport engines around their facility. The existing process relied on a bulky forklift and required multiple people to complete the task.
Austin Millirons, the Core Motors Processer, noted that using a forklift for every lift took about 25 to 30 minutes. This duration caused the cores to back up quickly within the production line. General Manager Justin Myers added that trying to manage the engines with a forklift was "really difficult" for one person to handle alone.
The Solution: Gorbel® Work Station Crane & GS Series Hoist
The company investigated several hoist systems before making a decision. They ultimately selected a Gorbel® Work Station Crane and a GS Series Electric Chain Hoist. Myers explained that Gorbel was the "best fit for our needs, the best price point, and we felt it was more structurally stable" compared to other quotes.
The Execution: Precision lifting and single-operator control
Installation of the crane and hoist allowed the facility to move engines without the bulky forklift. The system allows for more precise positioning. Millirons stated that he can "slide it over an extra six inches and lower it right where it needs to be" rather than repositioning a forklift. This precision allows workers to maximize the number of cores shipped per load.
The Result: 50% reduction in cycle time
The facility saw an immediate increase in productivity. Millirons reported that the process now takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This cut production time in half.
Safety and labor allocation also improved. The operation now requires just one person with a controller. Workers have more time to assist in other departments, take on new tasks, and learn more about their jobs. Myers summarized the impact by noting that the crane system made the work "a whole lot easier all around".