East Manufacturing has opened a new high-tech manufacturing facility at its headquarters in Randolph, Ohio. After the redesign of its Aftermarket Parts Center last year, East now opens this 73,000-sq. ft. building, which will accelerate its trailer production capability for its customers, will have the capacity to produce 2,000 trailers annually and require up to 75 more employees per shift when fully operational.
East says they designed the new facility for production efficiency and quality by streamlining the manufacturing process and incorporating the latest technologies, including robotic equipment, an automated production process and material handling system. To increase productivity and decrease material waste, the robotic equipment will serve as part placers, while robotic welders in both beam and side rail construction areas will ensure maximum output with consistent results for improved weld quality.
In addition to increased manufacturing capacity, the new building will also house parts inventory, allowing more accessibility to frequently needed trailer parts as well as provide material storage for oversized flat steel and aluminum material that is typically housed outside, exposed to the elements. By providing 10,000 sq. ft. of inside accommodations for these oversized materials, East improves quality by reducing material corrosion, rusting and pitting.