Major order from Ford

KUKA Systems has received a major order from Ford in Europe. Under the terms of the contract, the division will automate a body-in-white line for the successor to the Ford KUGA at the company’s plant in Valencia, Spain.

As part of this order, KUKA Systems will deliver manufacturing systems for components such as doors, fenders, engine hoods and tailgates. The parts will be welded, glued or folded at upstream manufacturing cells and then automatically sent to the body-in-white assembly line for the new Ford KUGA, thereby improving the line’s efficiency. After the upgrade has been completed in the first half of 2012, the line will be capable of producing a considerably higher number of vehicles. The value of the order, which was booked in the third and fourth quarters of 2011, is in the lower double-digit million euro range.

Especially impressive is the fact that the systems and tools are being installed without shutting down the existing line. "This technically challenging project order from a long-standing and important automotive customer demonstrates that KUKA Systems earns high marks for quality,” said KUKA AG’s CEO Dr. Till Reuter.