Space craft

An automotive supplier has used advanced automated-handling systems to make the most of the limited space available in its production facilities and create a storage area that it said helps it to meet a 'just in time' contract with

.

The integrated conveyor and order-picking system is claimed to be a key element of

's facility in Redditch, where it manufactures 255,000 unique cockpits (fully assembled dashboards) each year for the Mini.

Due to space constraints, the automated storage area for buffer stock was created next to the assembly line.

The solution devised for the storage facility is fully integrated with the assembly line and consists of two automated stacker cranes from

, able to pick up and place to either side of two beamless drive-in racking aisles. Despite the limited space available it is able to store 140 cockpits.

Bob Clifford, Intier production manager, said: 'Our contract with BMW is for "just in time" deliveries of Mini cockpits, so we need to ensure that every one of the 255,000 unique cockpits leaving Redditch every year is united line-side with its unique Mini, 40 miles away on the assembly line in Oxford.