Degree Name

MS (Master of Science)

Program

Technology

Date of Award

8-2004

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Carroll R. Hyder

Committee Members

William K. Hemphill, Robert May, Hugh W. Broome

Abstract

This investigation examines the bottle packaging conveyor system and its impact on the overall efficiency at a bottle packaging plant in Anderson, South Carolina. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the existing opportunity to reduce bottle unit cost, increase productivity, decrease the risk of work related injuries, and improve line reliability along with employee moral with the conveying system alone.

Data was gathered for this study in three ways: One, bottle packaging line lead operators were required to document the start and stop times of the conveyor system on their respective lines for six weeks. Two, a conveyor machine operator was required to document the start and stops of the conveyor system itself along with the cause for the same six weeks. Three, a packaging conveyor system project form was randomly submitted to 51 employees, soliciting their opinions and suggestions for the conveyor system. Conclusions of the study show opportunities for improvement and an overwhelming disapproval (88%) of the current system. Three improvement proposals were determined based on all the data collected.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

Included in

Engineering Commons

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