BMW uses JIS delivery to boost Debrecen plant ramp-up

No comments

BMW’s Debrecen plant is using digitalisation and just-in-sequence delivery to speed towards series production of the iX3.

BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary is quickly moving towards series production of the BMW iX3, set to begin late this year. The OEM is adopting in-plant logistics innovations including digital tools and just-in-sequence delivery to develop the plant and reach assembly launch.

BMW Group Plant Debrecen

BMW Group Plant Debrecen is set to reach series production of the iX3 by the end of this year

Source: BMW Group

Using the so-called finger structure, or comb structure, which was developed specifically for Plant Leipzig, BMW will allow supply parts and preassembled modules to be transported directly to the assembly lines. Up to 80% of parts can be delivered directly in Debrecen – a record proportion, and the highest ratio in BMW’s production network.

The structure allows subsequent extension and the integration of further assembly steps, reflecting the OEM’s flexible approach.

The plant has also been developed using digital tools to simulate its operations ahead of its completion. BMW said that Plant Lydia in China was an inspiration for this. Having opened in 2022, the Chinese plant was the first BMW site to be completely planned and simulated in the virtual world from the outset. The shop floor for the assembly line and complete conveyor system in Debrecen are set up identically, so that the technology was available quickly and already tried and tested.

“Our highly efficient and ergonomic assembly line immediately started running without any issues,” said Hans-Peter Kemser, managing director of BMW Group Plant Debrecen. “We achieved this thanks to virtual planning and tests, as well as the outstanding collaboration between our new, highly motivated employees in Debrecen and our experts within the BMW Group’s global production network.”

BMW has been ramping up its use of digital tools, with its Plant Dingolfing having recently improved packaging efficiency through AI-powered container management.