No holes in Nissan’s pockets
February 1st 2005

Nissan is using LINPAC hammock dunnage systems and folding large containers to transport interior trim parts to lineside at its Sunderland assembly plant.

The new, fully re-usable system is being employed on the Primera production line, holding parts securely in nylon pockets to protect them from damage and presenting them to vehicle assembly operatives in an easily accessed format.

The hammock dunnage replaces a system of vacuum formed layer trays that were previously used to protect parts delivered within the folding large containers.

Whilst trays provided an adequate level of protection, their use was confined to the specific part for which they had been moulded and therefore they could become obsolete should car model or part design change. Nissan Logistics Engineer, Ben Riley explains: “The hammock dunnage offers greater versatility and the flexibility of the pocket system means that different parts can be accommodated if required. This gives the system a much longer potential lifespan than the vacuum formed trays and the opportunity for costs to be spread over a greater period of time, as it can be re-used on different parts of similar size and specification.

“The system is also able to accommodate up to 30% more parts per box, compared to more bulky vacuum formed trays. This results in less container movement around the factory contributing to better health and safety practices.” Such is the versatility of the system that Nissan are currently looking into applying it in other areas of their parts logistics and delivery systems.

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