Since its launch in 2012, the XBC has remained one of the UK's most popular packaged heat recovery ranges, and in order to match customer demand with quicker build times, Nuaire has made a substantial investment with the introduction of a flow-line manufacturing facility at its factory in Caerphilly, Wales.

Managing director Wayne Glover explained: “Traditionally, production operators have made XBC units by bench build, where each unit is built by hand from start to finish by one individual. With the new flow-line process, we can greatly reduce the build time for each unit, making a 30 percent improvement in productivity whilst retaining the same high quality that our products are known for.”

In order to achieve the ambitious build-time reductions, the manufacturing team has split production into 10 balanced operations, based on the tried and tested ‘Takt’ time principle. The new layout sits within the XBC cell’s existing footprint, and includes the introduction of workplace organisation, standard work and visual management to maintain an efficient working environment.

With powered rollers throughout the system, height-adjustable lift tables, and manual turntables which reduce operator movement, the new XBC flow line will deliver quicker build times and allow Nuaire to react faster to customer needs.