Stop Losing Production Time
Why Overhead Conveyors is your Modern Manufacturing
Most manufacturing facilities use less than 30% of their available space. The other 70%? It’s floating unused above their heads. That’s where overhead conveyors shine, transforming dead air into productive storage and processing space.
The Space-Saving Revolution
Overhead conveyors utilize the most underutilized real estate in your facility the ceiling space. While your competitors are expanding their facilities or renting additional warehouse space, you can multiply your storage capacity without adding a single square foot to your footprint.
Working with an automotive parts manufacturer who was facing a dilemma: expand their facility or find a better way to manage their growing inventory. We installed an overhead conveyor system that increased their parts storage capacity by 400% while actually freeing up floor space for additional production equipment. Their ROI? Just 14 months.
Parts Storage That Actually Makes Sense
Traditional parts storage often means parts sitting in bins, on shelves, or worse on the floor. Overhead conveyors keep parts moving in an organized, trackable flow. Whether you’re dealing with automotive components, plastic parts, electronic assemblies or any other manufactured goods, overhead systems provide:
Continuous organization: Parts stay in sequence and maintain their production flow
Easy accessibility: Components arrive exactly when and where needed
Damage reduction: Parts hang safely above floor traffic and contamination
Inventory visibility: You can see your entire work-in-process at a glance
Mastering Accumulation and Buffering
Here’s where things get really interesting. Production rarely runs at perfectly matched speeds one process might outpace another, creating bottlenecks and idle time. Overhead conveyors solve this with sophisticated accumulation and buffering capabilities.
Accumulation collects parts for temporary holding when production outpaces assembly, while buffering acts as a flexible intermediary, storing parts until the next stage is ready. Think of it as a traffic management system for your production line.
Our systems can operate continuously, with parts loaded and unloaded on the move, or they can be indexed for precise accumulation. This flexibility means your manufacturing processes run efficiently regardless of production rate variations.
Work-in-Process (WIP) Management Made Simple
Work-in-process inventory is often a manufacturer’s biggest headache. Too little, and production stops. Too much, and you tie up capital and space. Overhead conveyors provide the perfect solution by creating a visible, manageable flow of WIP throughout your facility.
When production rates fluctuate and they always do overhead conveyors store excess parts until needed, acting as an intelligent buffer. Assembly operations continue smoothly even when production shifts create temporary imbalances.
The Technology That's Changing Everything
Automated Storage and Retrieval Integration
The real magic happens when you integrate advanced systems like The Statfield with your overhead conveyor network. This isn’t just conveying it’s intelligent parts management.
The human-machine interface (HMI) accepts a part number, finds an ideal storage location across multiple conveyors, and enables retrieval exactly when desired. Imagine having a librarian who knows the location of every part in your facility and can deliver it to any workstation on demand.
Continuous vs. Indexed Operation
Modern overhead conveyor systems offer remarkable flexibility in operation modes:
Continuous Operation: Parts flow constantly, with loading and unloading happening on the move. Perfect for high-volume, steady-state production.
Indexed Operation: The system moves in precise increments, stopping at predetermined positions. Ideal for processes requiring exact positioning or automated operations.
Real-World Applications That Deliver Results
Over the decades, I’ve seen overhead conveyors transform operations across virtually every industry. Here are some applications that consistently deliver impressive results:
Automotive Manufacturing
Automotive parts are heavy, numerous, and require precise sequencing. Overhead conveyors handle everything from engine blocks to delicate electronic components, maintaining proper flow from stamping through final assembly.
Electronics and Technology
Circuit boards, housings, and sub-assemblies need protection from contamination and static. Overhead systems keep these sensitive components clean and organized while maintaining ESD protocols.
General Manufacturing
From appliance components to industrial equipment parts, overhead conveyors adapt to virtually any manufacturing environment, providing scalable solutions that grow with your operation.
Continuous vs. Indexed Operation
Modern overhead conveyor systems offer remarkable flexibility in operation modes:
Continuous Operation: Parts flow constantly, with loading and unloading happening on the move. Perfect for high-volume, steady-state production.
Indexed Operation: The system moves in precise increments, stopping at predetermined positions. Ideal for processes requiring exact positioning or automated operations.
Why Choose Statfield for Your Overhead Conveyor Solution
When you’re investing in an overhead conveyor system, you’re not just buying equipment you’re partnering with a team that understands manufacturing inside and out. Here’s what sets Statfield apart:
Proven Expertise
With over five decades in the business, we’ve seen every challenge, solved every problem, and refined our solutions through thousands of successful installations. Our experience isn’t just impressive – it’s insurance for your investment.
Custom Solutions, Not Cookie-Cutter Systems
Every manufacturing operation is unique, and your conveyor solution should be too. We design systems that fit your specific needs, space constraints, and production requirements. No compromises, no “almost-right” solutions.
Complete System Integration
Ongoing Support and Service
Training and Optimization
Contact Statfield now to schedule your free consultation. Let’s discuss how overhead conveyors can solve your parts storage and work-in-process challenges and start building your competitive advantage.
