CASE / Proterra

Proterra built two new plants with a focus on flexible material handling.

FlexQube developed material handling carts designed explicitly for Proterra’s needs. One of the key factors was to have the design harmonize with the Proterra brand.

Challenge

Proterra is the largest manufacturer of electric buses in the U.S. When developing and planning for two new plants, they wanted to create both a sustainable yet effective material handling flow.

Achievement

In order to create a more efficient and sustainable manufacturing process in the new facilities, Proterra saw the benefits of leaving welded and unflexible carts behind. The FlexQube concept made it possible for Proterra to achieve this.

Solution

Through FlexQube's unique web-based DesignOnDemand™, over 25 different applications were designed for Proterra! This included applications to improve the presentation and transportation of components throughout the two facilities. The ability to harmonize these more efficient and more ergonomic designs to match their branding created a winning formula.

FlexQube created what Proterra needed — a flexible fleet of material handling carts.

Reducing the number of forklifts paved the way for a more efficient assembly process

FlexQube developed 25 different applications for transportation and presentation of components for the assembling of Proterra’s buses. The size of the initial project made the use of FlexQube’s unique, web-based DesignOnDemand™ a vital tool throughout the process. Within these online meetings, the client is deeply involved in the creation of the carts and this created a very smooth design process throughout the project. In the end, carts were designed for tires, batteries, windshields, tools, hoses, and cables. In the end, reducing the number of forklifts used in the facilities in favor of cart-based material handling paved the way for a much more efficient assembly process.

“SEAMLESS AND TRANSPARENT PROCESS FROM DESIGN TO IMPLEMENTATION”

– Lalit Savalia, Proterra

Modification of carts

Shortly after the delivery of the initial carts, Proterra realized they already needed to modify the carts. It was a bonus that modification is in the very DNA of the FlexQube concept. Again using our DesignOnDemand™, Proterra was able to alter their carts on-site with new building blocks swiftly.