Mazda remodels Hofu plant for flexible production

Mazda Motor Corporation has unveiled a newly remodelled H2 production line at the Hofu plant in Japan.

The H2 production line, which is currently manufacturing the Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5, has been upgraded to become capable of building models of the Large Product group, offering a variety of choices of electrified powertrains.

This is made possible by an enhanced production system that utilises a traverse dolly line. The system relies on 'rootless' equipment, meaning that the plant does not use fixed conveyor belts or hangers. Instead, the vehicles are moved on palette platforms that are level with the ground and skate on dolly rollers.

These can be arranged more flexibly than a fixed system - if demand increases, production capacity can easily be extended by adding more sections to the production line. The new system will allow Mazda to adjust its production more easily to new models or shifting demands, making it the latest example of Mazda's unique 'Monotsukuri' innovation approach.

As a result of the remodelling, vehicles with different platforms (large or small), powertrains (internal combustion or electric) and engine layouts (vertical or transverse) can be produced on the same line in the future if needed. This mixed production approach is an important step towards fulfilling the brand's plans going forward under Mazda's unique multi-solution strategy. Mazda recently announced the expansion of its SUV lineup starting from 2022.