GM Arlington: expansion and inspection on the Texas SUV lines
By Gareth Price2020-01-13T15:05:00
Upgrades at the home of GM’s full-size SUV production help to launch the new Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban models for 2020
With manufacturing efficiency and quality control technology at the forefront, the Arlington Assembly plant in Texas has seen significant investment in the run up to GM’s latest model SUV launches. A $1.4 billion upgrade programme has funded major expansions to the bodyshop and paintshop at Arlington, aimed at improving production efficiency and build quality of the latest generation Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban models.
Bill Kulhanek, plant executive director at Arlington Assembly said: “This strategic expansion brings the latest in manufacturing and inspection technologies, while adding procedures designed to improve the quality and durability of the Tahoe and Suburban.”
“More than the physical changes, the Arlington upgrades increase assembly flexibility in the plant, allowing for more model and trim variations,” Kulhanek added.
Bodyshop
The largest phase of the Arlington upgrade is an all-new, 1 million sq.ft bodyshop fitted-out with 1,450 new robots, almost doubling the number from the previous facility.
The upgrade was prompted in part by new body structures that the 2021 Tahoe and Suburban incorporate…