SAS Automotive

SAS is manufacturer of completely assembled dashboards and supplies these from a new production facility in Ghent to the close by factory of Volvo. The new factory of SAS has been built to meet the increased capacity demand of Volvo. For the automated truck loading and unloading systems, SAS was looking for a supplier that was capable to deliver a turn key solution in a very short period of time.

Because of the short time line, Ancra entered into a close cooperation with CSi from Raamsdonksveer, The Netherlands. By creating one project team, they succeeded in engineering, building and installing the complete system within 4 months. The system is designed to automatically unload empty skids (2.2 meters wide) at two levels that come from Volvo and automatically transfer these skids to the assembly line. Meanwhile, full skids are taken from the assembly line and loaded in two levels in trailers in the exact right sequence. To meet these functional requirements, multiple chain conveyors, turn tables, elevators and a shuttle car are part of the overall design.

This advanced type of automation saves the customer substantial labour cost, decreases product damage and increases the supply chain reliability. Furthermore, much less trailers are needed to shuttle the same amount of cargo to Volvo, due to a highly reduced ‘truck turn around time’ at the dock door. Ancra Systems BV is proud to deliver such a comprehensive project, in close cooperation with CSi, in a record breaking time.