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BAE Systems Hägglunds in Örnsköldsvik already has a reputaion for expertise, but the development of several new variants of the CV90 family will create a new skills base. “The Norwegian order will help the company in similar negotiations for CV90s that are currently on-going with Canada and Denmark,” says Gustafsson- Rask. “It is difficult to put a precise value on it, but we believe there are only a few competitors who are able to point to continuous production of tracked vehicles – our ability to do so is a major plus point.”
Peaks and troughs
Four years ago GCS Vehicles Programmes in Örnsköldsvik decided to restructure their production, which meant greater flexibility in responding to variations in the order book.
“The restructuring was necessary because we operate in an industry characterised by major fluctuations in workshop occupancy,” explains Peter Sedin, production manager in Örnsköldsvik. “We wanted to find a way of dealing with periods of low occupancy without building up sizeable deficits, while also improving manufacturing efficiency during periods of high occupancy.”
The company concentrated on improving manufacturing efficiency for its two existing platforms: the all-terrain tracked vehicle and the CV90. “Much of the restructuring consisted of combining all series production in the Loket area. Outsourcing our cutting operations and much of our former assembly work also made a major contribution to our success.” Assembly operations were transferred to the new premises after completion of the final CV90s for the Netherlands. At the same time the production area
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was reduced from 78,000 to 39,000 square metres. Production now takes place in two continuous lines which can be adapted to produce any of the company’s vehicle variants.
There was more to restructuring than just the move. There has also been investment in the final control system, for example, plus an automated high bay storage system and in the premises themselves – all of which has resulted in increased efficiency. “We have also invested in more training for our workforce,” says Sedin. “This involves every work group taking greater responsibility for its own workplace, and it has resulted in improvements in safety as well as creating a good atmosphere in the workplace.” The French order for BvS10 all-terrain tracked vehicles is the first project to have been completed on this new production line, while the order from Norway, with production due to start some time in 2014, will be the acid test for the new structure.
“We can already see that a more flexible production system will work out,” says Sedin. “As more orders come in, we can run several projects in the same space – which is a major change from how things were before.” The only kind of production left in the old premises is the development workshop. The ultimate aim however is to consolidate all production at the new site.
A good atmosphere
With a project such as the Norway CV90 order, there will always be a need for someone who can make a difference - in this case, Roy Werner Russ is getting the plaudits. As the Sales Director for GCS Vehicles in Norway, he has been working flat out on the order. Contact with what is now BAE Systems in Örnsköldsvik
globaldefencemedia.com | winter 2012_13
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