Has anyone worked for a firm building cars? be it directly or indirectly.
Turbo Mini Forums

For my final year dissertation at university, I have chosen a subject based on automotive manufacture.

I just want to ask some people a few questions and try to establish whether computer integrated manufacture increased production.
The overall answer will be yes in large firms, but I want to get the workers perspective, i'm also targeting small modern firms to see if their manufacturing process can be completed more efficiently.


So have any of you worked in the car building firm? be it on a production line, or making parts to go on them.
This is for production vehicles, so if you make parts to go on our minis, unfortunately your not going to be much help to me, Unless you where producing them for rover at the time of production.


I believe Paul Wigniton on here used to work for Aston martin?

I will stress that all information about process will be kept in strict confidence, only me and my marking tutor will be able to see the information, and I can offer anonymity for anyone who does not wish to be named.


Thanks
Ben

Edited by mini_mad69 on 22nd Mar, 2011.

Turbo parts collector at the moment, almost ready.

I currently work for honda uk at the swindon plant fuck loads of computer controlled machines what do you want to know, i can only say centain things but im aure they would be happy to help

Drives
-Ford S-max Mk2 Ecoboost
-Rover 100 VVC #2 - track project

Searching is all you need on TurboMinis

That would be great cheers, im going to draw up a questionnaire/survey for people to complete online, I understand that it can be hard to answer some questions due to confidentiality reasons. But If I build my questionnaire and give you a link could you be able to answer for it?

Everything will be kept confidential, and anything you don't want to ask, you can just leave out.

Cheers
Ben

Turbo parts collector at the moment, almost ready.

Yeah thats cool, i would contact hum directly as they are quite a friendly bunch.

Drives
-Ford S-max Mk2 Ecoboost
-Rover 100 VVC #2 - track project

Searching is all you need on TurboMinis

I did work for Astons. Will answer any questions if I can, give us a PM

Paul

I seriously doubt it!

Brilliant, thanks for the response guys. I'll get this questionnaire drawn up and get back to you.


Thanks
Ben

Turbo parts collector at the moment, almost ready.

I worked for a few years at Ford Transmissions Halewood (Getrag) indirectly as a contractor on the Mechanical maintence side of the business. I took a week to walk the entire Escort production line from raw materials to the finished product, to the rail yard, scrap yard and waste effluent plant, exploring every office and machine room in an effort to put forward a bid for a maintenance contract

That sounds great sprocket, im trying to gain an understanding, of whether a fully automated manufacturing process would benefit a small automotive firm. Such as arial for example. Obviously people are bound by business secrets and I will respect that. So anyone who has exposure to the manufacturing process would be greatly appreciated.

I'll get a questionnaire drawn up in the next few days, and those who want to and feel they could be of benefit to my research could answer it. That'd be great, I'd be willing to get the beers in at a show ofcourse.


I will also add, that anyone who works in vehicle components supply might be good, im investigating whether computer integrated manufacturing is viable. So that includes supply of the raw materials, up too delivery of the end product all controlled by computers.

Edited by mini_mad69 on 22nd Mar, 2011.

Turbo parts collector at the moment, almost ready.

I worked 2 years for a company that builds electro hydraulics for convertibles and tailgates.
In this job I was responcible for quality of products being in devellopment, finished goods and production lines (new and in use).
We built assemblies for many cars; A3, TT, EOS, Focus, X150, Colt, etcetc
Most interesting project must have been Gallardo Spyder, all emotions have been present in that one.....

Not sure how much I can actually tell you because of confidentiality but if I can support, I will.

Dazed and Confused....

I have finished my questionnaire now, if you could complete it I'd greatly appreciate it.



Comments on the questionnaire are welcome as well.



Thanks
Ben

Turbo parts collector at the moment, almost ready.

I used to be a production/quality engineer at Vauxhall working on there doors and interiors then into there V6plant for a bit, will do your survey later.

Thanks for that, that'd be a great help.

I don't know who has replied or when. But I've had a few responses now, so if you've taken part so far that's great!!!

If you know anyone in the trade and feel the survey might be appropriate that'd be great, thanks again.


Ben

Turbo parts collector at the moment, almost ready.

I worked for Rover at Longbridge in 1996 for 4 months as a MoD Graduate on Secondment to Industry.

4 of the best Mini related months of my life as I worked on Mini's, Rover 100's, 200's, 400's, MGF and Tomcat in the CAB1 and CAB2 assembly lines, Body in White and Quality Control.

Was great putting fixes in place on production cars and seeing the changes made on the lines. A great sense of satisfaction.

Bloody fat lot of good computer aided manufacturing did for Rover though - probably not a good example tbh !

Richard.

Minivanless, but reluctantly happy living with the decision. There'll be another one day.
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=minimadmotorman#p/u

any input is welcome for my research, looking at the pros and cons of the system.

Thanks
Ben

Turbo parts collector at the moment, almost ready.

just need a couple more responses if anyone has a couple of spare minutes.

Turbo parts collector at the moment, almost ready.

Hey Ben were you interested in OEM size production or would after market motorsport companies be suitable.

Chris

1972 998 TURBO SLEEPER

Aftermarket motorsport would be ok, anything to do with manufacturing at the moment. Just need to get some more responses now.


Thanks
Ben

Turbo parts collector at the moment, almost ready.