Volvo Cars, Ghent

Volvo Cars, Ghent

2020
EvoltaProjectsVolvo Cars, Ghent
Client
Volvo Cars
Location
Ghent
Architect
Consultancy Services Team

Supporting logistics transformation for the first all-electric Volvo

Optimum goods flows get XC40 Recharge off to a flying start

By 2025, Volvo Cars aims to reduce its carbon footprint per car by 40 percent. So the car manufacturer is fully committed to electric and hybrid. Our team Consultancy services supported the factory in Ghent with the start-up of a new production line for the fully electric XC40 Recharge – the first fully electric Volvo.

Our on-site engineer optimized together with his temporary colleagues from ‘Plant Supply Chain Engineering’ the new flow of goods to the assembly line.

During the intensive preparation period, every step in the supply process was carefully coordinated: the right packaging for each piece, an uninterrupted flow from trailer to the line without intermediate stocks, combined transports by train for different packaging types, and cyclic delivery according to a standard model. Every detail was crucial – the slightest variation would disrupt the process.

Meanwhile, the production of the Volvo XC40 Recharge is running smoothly, and the orders keep coming.

ArcelorMittal, Ghent

ArcelorMittal, Ghent

2016
EvoltaProjectsArcelorMittal, Ghent
Client
ArcelorMittal
Location
Ghent
Architect
Consultancy Services Team

Renovation for final rolling group at Ghent hot-rolling mill

ArcelorMittal saves automotive sector tons of CO2 with ultra-thin steel

With increasing pressure on the automotive industry to reduce CO2 emissions from cars, demand is growing for thinner steel plates with higher strength and good formability. The Consultancy Services Team helped ArcelorMittal with the step-by-step introduction of a new final rolling group that can roll 36mm slabs into steel sheets with final thicknesses of between 1.25 and 13mm.

Our on-site consultant was responsible for drafting the specifications, selecting and negotiating with suppliers, monitoring the engineering and communications, project planning and training the production crews.

Stronger steel types require greater rolling forces in the hot-rolling mill, and thus modification of existing rolling machines. ArcelorMittal’s new final rolling line had to meet several requirements: higher rolling forces, primarily in the first two rolling mills, higher drive torques and power of the rolling machines, and better control of the rolling process to ensure continued quality. That means faster basic automation and additional actuators to improve rollability.

Step by step over four years, a new final rolling group with seven coupled rolling machines was built. For 2014, new main engines were installed for four rolling machines. In November 2014, the main engine and gearboxes for the first rolling machine were replaced, and one year later the main engine for the sixth machine had its turn. The two middle rolling machines were also rebuilt, and in November 2016, their roller power was increased. In that same year, we dismantled the first two old rolling machines, and new rolling line was put into use.