Honda eyes efficiency with new assembly line format in Thailand

1 min readApr 22, 20167:06 AM

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Honda Motor has installed a new type of production line that is about 10% more efficient at an automobile plant in Thailand, the company said Thursday.

Until now, each worker was typically responsible for adding one type of part to a vehicle, and had to walk between the conveyor and the parts shelf whenever work on one vehicle was completed. With the new system, four workers ride a unit that moves on a conveyor, with boxes of parts at the ready, allowing them to continuously install multiple parts. This reduces walking to get parts.

Known as an ARC line, the new format was introduced at a plant in the eastern Thai province of Prachinburi that began turning out finished autos in March and makes some 60,000 Civic sedans annually. It is being applied to about 20% of total assembly procedures, including the attaching of wiring and interior parts after the body has been painted.

Layout changes for conventional production lines required considerable time and investment, whereas with the new method the conveyor that moves the line can be flexibly lengthened or shortened as needed. Production is easily raised or lowered by adjusting the number of units, and a smaller investment is required when adding vehicle models or changing production volumes.

After monitoring performance under the new approach, Honda will consider expanding its use.

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Questions & Answers

What is the primary benefit of the new production line format for Honda?

The new production line, known as an ARC line, is approximately 10% more efficient than previous methods. This improvement comes from reducing the need for workers to walk to get parts, allowing continuous installation of multiple components.

Where has this new production line format been implemented?

The ARC line has been introduced at Honda's plant in Prachinburi, an eastern Thai province. This facility began producing finished vehicles in March and manufactures around 60,000 Civic sedans each year.

What advantages does the new method offer regarding production flexibility?

The new method allows the conveyor line to be flexibly lengthened or shortened, making it easier to adjust production volumes up or down. It also requires less investment when adding new vehicle models.

What specific assembly tasks are currently utilising this new system?

The ARC line is applied to about 20% of the total assembly procedures at the plant. These tasks include the attaching of wiring and various interior parts, which occur after the vehicle body has been painted.

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