In August 2016 KME, in collaboration with the REV Group, established a project team, led by Terry Baughn (ME/IE Supervisor | Production Manager) to evaluate KME’s multi-building production floor layout and inefficiencies. By November 2016 work began on the multi-phase, 1.6 million dollar upgrade moving a previously five building truck assembly into one. The overall goal is to standardize the work process allowing more control in production and eliminating excessive parts and assembly movement.
Phase One consisted of relocating Custom Chassis Production from Plant 3, Cab Assembly from Plant 1, Cab Mounting from Plant 3, and Pump Module Build from Plant 7, including Front Discharge Piping/Bumper Install, into Plant 21. Currently, the process is entering Phase 2 which introduces the Commercial Chassis into Plant 21. The chassis/cab including the bumper assembly is assembled in one location adding the pump module before exiting. In the Plant 21 assembly, cranes replace with Floor Lifting Devices which reduced on-going safety concerns in mounting cabs/modules and eventually bodies in the assembly process.
Phase 3 of the Project will consist of Body Assembly and Body Mounting to move from Plants 3 and 4 to Plant 21 for both Custom and Commercial Pumpers. Once implemented over 90% of the truck will be complete, and Final Assembly will be faced with Tank Mounting and some final trim assembly, to make the truck complete. By July 2017 product standardization for efficient product flow will occur in the remaining buildings.
The Plant 21 Project is an example of how KME and the REV Group are working together to be more effective and efficient to better serve our customers. KME has experienced consistent growth over the years by focusing on what’s important to our customers: Safe, quality apparatus, personal attention and low cost of operation. We believe our history, philosophy, and passion make a difference to first responders around the globe. Thank you for choosing KME to be your fire apparatus manufacturer, KME WORKS FOR YOU.
