Briggs & Stratton Boosts Investment in Battery Manufacturing
Briggs & Stratton has announced a ample investment of $6 million aimed at enhancing its Advanced Battery Manufacturing facility located in tucker, Georgia.
Enhancing Production with Automation
The primary goal of this investment is to elevate the safety, efficiency, adn production capabilities of its Vanguard Lithium-Ion Battery Packs by integrating advanced automated equipment into the manufacturing workflow.
Established in 2020,the 78,000-square-foot facility plays a crucial role in a strategic supply agreement with Ingersoll Rand,providing power for Club Car vehicles using Vanguard Lithium-Ion Battery Packs. The Tucker site is equipped with four production lines, designed to support future expansion as the demand for battery solutions surges in the off-highway sector.
Adapting to Market Demands
In light of the expanding Vanguard battery lineup, the Tucker facility is set to enhance its manufacturing processes to produce various battery packs and configurations. The introduction of automated systems will allow all assembly lines to manufacture different models and specifications of battery packs.
“This important investment reinforces our dedication to delivering the most reliable and robust battery packs to the market. By incorporating automation into our manufacturing processes, we aim to streamline production while ensuring the safety of our assembly line workers,” stated Chris Davison, Marketing Director — Electrification at Briggs & Stratton. “These strategic automation upgrades will enhance the level of service and expertise we provide to our OEM partners as they integrate battery power into their products.”
Prioritizing Safety in manufacturing
Safety remains a paramount concern for Vanguard. The integration of automation is a testament to the company’s commitment to safety throughout the entire lifecycle of its battery and commercial engine products, from advancement and testing to manufacturing and application.
Briggs & Stratton believes that automation will introduce an additional layer of safety in the manufacturing process by reducing ergonomic strain on workers, minimizing exposure to hazardous materials, and ensuring compliance with material handling standards.
“We will implement advanced safety devices and controls to guarantee that we not only produce high-quality products but also protect our operators and technicians during the process,” remarked Christopher Bonham,plant Manager at Briggs & Stratton.
Improving Quality and efficiency
With the introduction of automated equipment,Bonham anticipates enhancements in both product quality and production efficiency by reducing variability in the manufacturing process.
“Automation helps us mitigate the risk of human error during assembly. The best way to address potential quality and safety concerns associated with sensitive battery cells is to eliminate risks. This is one effective approach to achieving that,” Bonham explained.“It also streamlines our processes,improves scheduling,and allows us to respond more swiftly to customer demands. We expect efficiency gains ranging from three to ten times.”
Diverse Battery solutions
Vanguard provides a competitive array of battery power solutions, available in both fixed (Fi Series) and swappable (Si Series) configurations.This includes a 1.5kWh option in the Si series and various options in the Fi Series,such as 3.5kWh,3.8kWh, 5kWh, 7kWh, and 10kWh (total energy measured using a 0.2C discharge per IEC 61960-3:2017).
Investing in Workforce Development
As Briggs & Stratton continues to expand its electrification initiatives, the addition of automated systems in its manufacturing processes will create opportunities for employees to acquire knowledge and training in high-demand technical roles as the Tucker facility grows.
“This investment underscores Briggs & stratton’s commitment to electrification, the Tucker facility, and our workforce,” Bonham added. “It represents a significant investment and a vote of confidence in the products we manufacture. We have a promising future ahead as both our team and product offerings continue to evolve.”
The new automated systems are expected to commence operations in early spring 2023.
