Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the introduction of mixed model production on the engine parts machining line at its engine plant located near Mazda's headquarters in Hiroshima. The move will make operations more flexible while increasing production. The engine plant manufactures cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, crankshafts, camshafts and tie rods for the new 3.7-liter V6 engine (to be fitted under the hood of the 2008 CX-9) as well as for the current in-line four-cylinder 1.8- to 2.3-liter MZR series engines.
The new engine machining line was designed to achieve the diversification and high efficiency necessary for flexible production by applying Mazda's latest production and manufacturing technologies to various engine parts as they move along the line. Jigs and tools that were previously specific to each engine model have been replaced with generic equipment. The new process requires less investment for equipment while maximizing the capacity. Mazda now plans on revising its entire engine manufacturing operations and introducing these new techniques everywhere in the world. Japan will be first, followed by overseas markets shortly after.
photo:Mazda
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The new engine machining line was designed to achieve the diversification and high efficiency necessary for flexible production by applying Mazda's latest production and manufacturing technologies to various engine parts as they move along the line. Jigs and tools that were previously specific to each engine model have been replaced with generic equipment. The new process requires less investment for equipment while maximizing the capacity. Mazda now plans on revising its entire engine manufacturing operations and introducing these new techniques everywhere in the world. Japan will be first, followed by overseas markets shortly after.
photo:Mazda