The London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) is the leading global manufacturer and retailer of purpose-built commercial electric vehicles. Their iconic black cabs are famous across the world. As part of their commitment to deliver zero-emissions capable technology across a range of electric commercial vehicles, they introduced a new product: the VN5. It is a zero emissions-capable light electric van with a battery range extender.
This presented many opportunities, but also several challenges in the manufacturing facility, and necessitated an analysis of potential changes in part flows, as LEVC wanted to make sure that the integration of the VN5 to its production lines would be as seamless as possible.
HSSMI were brought in to use simulation tools to model the body assembly area. By doing so, the flow parts could be developed and optimised, without the need to disrupt the line and the ongoing production of the TX5 (Taxi). Many vital decisions needed to be made for the area, such as what investment is needed, where stations should be placed, and when and how parts should feed into the system. HSSMI included these factors into the simulated model to provide clarity to LEVC decision makers before any choices were made.