In order to ensure the long-term consolidation of its 4750 workstations at its Belgian site in Gosselies, the American manufacturer of construction machinery, Caterpillar, is doing everything it can to optimise the efficiency of its assembly lines.

The Gosselies site (near Charleroi) was selected from all of the Group's sites to launch a new high-technology line for the assembly of large hydraulic shovels (65 to 85 tonnes).
The Hainaut plant is a "unique source" in the world for the production of this category of hydraulic shovel.

In the last few weeks, this line, which was the result of a new investment of 12 million euros, has allowed the factory to double its manufacturing capacity while maintaining the same number of staff (130 operators).

"We have fitted out the line and optimised all of the upstream production tools primarily by listening to our operators’ ergonomic and safety requirements", explained Jean-Paul Faure, Managing Director of Caterpillar Belgium.

Therefore, between 2005 and 2007 at least 24 million euros have been invested in improving the mechanised welding equipment.

CATERPILLAR BELGIUM

L'ECHO -28/04/2008