General Motor’s has a problem that not many automakers have right now – the Buick LaCrosse and Chevy Malibu are selling so well they are being forced to switch the plant to run around-the-clock. GM says the plant is set to switch to a three-shift, around-the-clock operation in two weeks.
Currently GM is producing some 4,500 vehicles on a weekly basis out of its Fairfax assembly plant, but that is set t change starting in two weeks. GM said it plans to increase output to 6,300 units per week in order to keep up with increasing demand for its popular sedans.
GM’s announcement to switch to constant production is not unheard of, but it is fairly rare in modern automotive assembly plants. In order for plants to run properly they require constant maintenance, cleaning, restocking and of course downtime to perform these tasks. Without breaks between shifts there is not enough time for traditional upkeep of the assembly line, but GM says it found a way to “overspeed” certain portions of the assembly line – giving them the ability to later temporarily slow sections for repair.
GM plans to run Fairfax with a three-shift assembly line which will be active for approximately 21.5 hours each day – compared to only 14.5 hours with a two-shift schedule.
