Caterpillar of Sanford Successfully Transitions to New Model Series

Company Profile:
Caterpillar, Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines. Caterpillar is a technology leader in construction, transportation, mining, forestry, energy, logistics, electronics, financing, and electric power generation. Caterpillar products and components are manufactured in 50 U.S. facilities and in 65 other locations around the globe. The Caterpillar equipment product line currently consists of more than 300 machines, and sets the standard for the industry.

Situation:
Caterpillar’s manufacturing facility in Sanford, N.C. is the company’s sole location for the production of skid steer loaders. Effective Dec. 1, 2003, Cat Sanford began production on the new B series line of skid steer loaders. In order to make this transition to the new model series smoothly, the Logistic Planning Department required additional assistance.

Headlining Projects:

1. Compilation of shipping data for specific material flow paths. Data to be used in statistical analysis to pinpoint problematic portion of shipment. Completed 11/13/03.
2. Collection of master parts list for all B series and carryover parts. Part list includes information on workstation, containerization, order quantities, and pull trigger suppliers. Part list completed 11/26/03.
3. Printing and placement of magnetic bar codes for pull trigger suppliers. Different formats for various suppliers include information such as part number, supplier, order quantity, and lead time. Bar codes completed 12/18/03.
4. Mapping of raw material part storage. Maps depict part number and supplier, as a visual aid to the logistics department. Maps completed 01/06/04.

Results:
Projects have been completed on schedule and accepted as successful. Project work will continue until May of 2004.

Testimonial:
"The Caterpillar Sanford facility recently executed an NPI program that simultaneously introduced fifteen (15) new vehicle models into production - over a four day holiday weekend. The logistics of preparing the facility for the phase out of the previous models and the introduction of the new models was a daunting task requiring additional skilled resources. We contacted Dr. Joe Davis and Linda Taylor of the NCSU Industrial Extension Service and they immediately provided us with qualified individuals who possessed the specific experience and skills we needed. The individual we selected was able to 'hit the ground running' and provided valuable support to the success of the new model introduction. The capability, customer focus, and responsiveness of the NCSU Industrial Extension Service provided tangible benefits to our facility during a critical transition period."
    Clyde M. Crider,
    Logistics Planning Supervisor
    Caterpillar, Inc. – Sanford, N.C.
    January 6, 2004




April 2004