Designing an assembly line for modular house manufacturing : Increased efficiency of the manufacturing process

Abstract: Having an efficient production is vital for companies that are facing highly demanding customers along with tough competition. In addition, the production layout has a significant impact on the production efficiency hence it the choice of production layout is an important question to consider. A common production layout is the assembly line whereas companies with products that are not adequate for assembly line production; are seeing advantages of working with assembly lines. An example is the modular house manufacturing industry. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate how an assembly line for modular house manufacturing and the related material supply may be designed in order to increase the overall efficiency of the manufacturing process. A single case study has been conducted at Zenergy AB, Skillingaryd. Empirical data has been collected through various sources; interviews, observations and document studies. In addition, a literature review has been conducted. The theoretical framework and empirical data has been established by the means of pattern matching and further on data analysis was done thus the results of the study were acquired. To conclude, it is shown in the results that implementation of an assembly line for modular house manufacturing can be beneficial despite the fact that its products are not adequate for assembly line production. Further on, there are three main critical factors to consider during the assembly line design process for modular house manufacturing. The critical factors are; line balancing, dry time and bulky materials. The critical factors will in turn have a significant impact on the choice of the assembly line production layout and the related material supply.