Continental A.G.’s ContiTech division has completed a project at its hose factory in Granby, Quebec, that makes production there largely automated. The firm’s Industrial Fluid Solutions business unit has also launched an enhancement to its distributor program in North America that offers “unique opportunities for better collaboration, commitment and growth,” according to Guy Enta, vice president and head of the Americas region for the IFS business.
The Granby investment is described as a “several million dollar” project to drive improvements in quality and productivity. The factory produces large bore industrial hose that is used in such applications as petrochemicals, mining and resource markets that require heavier duty, heavier gauge products with higher working pressure.
Enta said, “To have those processes connected within the plant using this technology ultimately will allow us to have that transparency to our customer.”
The monitoring technology also helps enhance the safety of the plant’s operators, as well as areas like material handling. “With the newest automation we’ve been able to put in state-of-the-art material handling and robotics to No. 1 enhance the safety for our people within the facility, and No. 2 to improve productivity and quality.” Enta added: “It is really a change from a product-driven industry to a more solutions-based industry. And the solution can be mechanical, but it’s more and more also a digital, smart solution.”
Image credit: Continental