Constant optimisation of production flows at Renault Group's Spanish plants

The profound transformation of Renault's production plants in Spain has posed a challenge for its supply chain. Two of them offer their vision of how they have responded to the manufacturer's requirements.

J3D Vision designs, develops and integrates automotive inspection solutions focused on 100% in-line inspection of paint and sheet metal defects in the different stages of full body coating such as primer, cataphoresis and top coat as well as inspection operations in sealant application. J3D Vision is currently involved in three inspection tunnel projects at the Valladolid plant.

Jorge Santolaria, co-founder of the company, points out that ‘Renault's requirements in these areas are very high. The introduction of the latest generation of full body inspection systems is aimed at a clear improvement through technologically advanced systems that allow an improvement in vehicle quality, as well as an improvement in process traceability based on the digitalisation of information, while allowing the adoption of more sustainable work systems. All this, together with the joint exploitation of process data, constitutes a very powerful tool for the early detection of the causes of potential problems in manufacturing, drastically increasing control over production’.

Body inspection is a very powerful tool for early detection of the causes of potential problems in manufacturing, drastically increasing control over production (Jorge Santolaria, J3D Vision)

Santolaria believes that ‘the introduction of technological improvements in a plant is always the door to opportunities to implement the facilities in other plants or at a global level. In the case of J3D Vision, a company with a consolidated international presence, the work with the Valladolid plant allows the evaluation of the facilities and the launch of case studies for implementation in other plants of the group which, based on the accumulated experience, naturally leads to the extension of the technologies to other plants in the group".

From the work of the Valladolid plant and the close collaboration between J3D Vision and those responsible for the processes, the J3D Vision manager states that "this dynamic allows to personalise the operating tools, explore new inspection needs and materialise improvements in existing processes through new automatic inspection or repair facilities. The electric vehicle has very high quality requirements and makes it necessary to reinforce this trend in the optimisation of processes based on intelligent systems to support manufacturing, inspection and repair, so the future prospects in this area are considered very good from J3D Vision in collaboration with the Renault group’.

Customised solutions

Víctor Escuredo, Commercial Director of Synersight, comments that ‘since our inception, Synersight has worked closely with the Renault Group in Spain, offering advanced technological solutions designed to improve the efficiency of its plants. Our contributions include the implementation of Autonomous Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), which optimise intralogistics flows and reduce production cycle times. We excel at developing customised solutions that adapt to the Renault Group's specific needs, improving materials management and increasing operational efficiency. In addition, we provide ongoing technical support and maintenance services to ensure the optimal operation of the implemented systems’.

Escuredo corroborates the Renault Group's key guidelines in terms of "demanding high quality standards in all components and systems used in its plants. Our solutions are designed to ensure precision and consistency, reducing errors and guaranteeing high quality products. On the other hand, Groupe Renault is at the forefront of industrial digitalisation. They require advanced solutions that integrate IoT and automated management systems to optimise production’. In addition to these vectors, Escuredo adds that ‘for Renault Group, sustainability is a priority. They are looking for solutions that improve the energy efficiency of operations and minimise environmental impact. Our practices and technologies are aligned with these objectives, promoting more responsible production".

We provide continuous technical support and maintenance services to guarantee the optimal functioning of the implemented systems (Víctor Escuredo, Synersight)

Synersight's executive states that ‘collaborating with Groupe Renault offers us the opportunity to expand our global presence by bringing our automation solutions to Groupe Renault and its partners’ plants in various international locations. This partnership not only opens up new markets for Synersight, but also strengthens our reputation worldwide. Participating in projects with these large entities allows us to contribute our expertise, consolidating our position in the global automotive industry”.

Looking ahead to the coming years. Víctor Escuredo believes that ‘Renault Group's Iberian hub is well positioned for the transition to the production of electric vehicles. This evolution will mean a comprehensive modernisation of the plants, with investments in advanced infrastructure and the adoption of state-of-the-art technologies. This transition will not only improve vehicle production efficiency, but will also strengthen the local economy and create new employment opportunities, contributing to global sustainability goals and promoting economic growth. At Synersight, we are excited about the opportunity to continue our collaboration with Groupe Renault and contribute to the development of innovative solutions that drive efficiency, sustainability and modernisation in the automotive industry”.

Lea este artículo en castellano.

Article published in AutoRevista 2.394