#Rockwell Automation #Slovakia #Bratislava #Kia Slovakia #Servo Technology

Kia Slovakia Enhances Production Line Resilience

Kia Slovakia has taken significant steps to modernize its body shop, addressing the pressing need to enhance production line resilience and efficiency. The company has announced plans to introduce advanced servo technologies from Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. This endeavor is set to take place during the upcoming summer shutdown, as Kia aims to replace outdated equipment that has reached the end of its operational life.

The existing lifters in the body shop, responsible for elevating and orienting essential car body components during the assembly of models such as the Ceed and Sportage, have been flagged by Kia engineers as requiring upgrades. By implementing the latest Allen-Bradley® Kinetix® 5700 servo drives and MPL servo motors, Kia Slovakia is not only enhancing the reliability of its production processes, but also reaping the benefits of modern digitalized hardware and communication networks.

Mark Bottomley, regional vice president for strategic accounts and sales specialists at Rockwell Automation, highlighted the importance of this modernization initiative. He stated, “End-of-life and obsolete components elevate risk levels and the possibility of downtime in any manufacturing operation. In sectors like automotive, where just-in-time production is critical, maintaining operational efficiency is paramount. Companies utilizing outdated equipment miss out on the advantages provided by digitally capable technologies.”

For Kia Slovakia, this modernization represents a pivotal upgrade in its manufacturing process. Peter Holubčík, the assistant manager overseeing body maintenance, emphasized the necessity for both accuracy and reliability in operations. He articulated the need to minimize downtime during configuration adjustments, stating that the integration of the new servo technology combined with Rockwell Automation’s programmable logic controllers (PLCs) will facilitate swift changes, thereby supporting uninterrupted production schedules.

Incorporating the latest servo technology allows Kia Slovakia to streamline various behind-the-scenes processes, such as software migrations and component changes, ensuring that the production line operates smoothly and efficiently.

Aside from increasing uptime, the significant investment in modern technologies is also anticipated to bolster the long-term sustainability of the production environment, aligning with the global trend of prioritizing digital transformation in manufacturing. By embracing these new capabilities, Kia Slovakia positions itself as a forward-thinking entity in the competitive automotive market, setting a benchmark for other manufacturers to follow.

Rockwell Automation, the firm leading this venture, is dedicated to interlinking human ingenuity with technological potential to enhance industrial productivity. With a workforce of approximately 27,000 professionals and a presence in over 100 countries, Rockwell continues to showcase its commitment to innovation and sustainability.

In conclusion, Kia Slovakia’s proactive approach to updating its production line with cutting-edge servo technologies not only enhances operational efficiency but also illustrates the significance of digital transformation in the present manufacturing landscape. The company's commitment to continuous improvement and strategic modernization will likely yield fruitful results, further solidifying Kia's presence in the ever-evolving automotive industry.