Abstract

SANTAMARIA-PIEDRAHITA, Juan Carlos; CARRENO-AVENDANO, Luis Augusto  and  TURGEMAN-BARRERO, Saule. Implementation of new manufacturing and body assembly processes for BRT buses. Ing. compet. [online]. 2022, vol.24, n.1, e20410889.  Epub Oct 30, 2021. ISSN 0123-3033.  https://doi.org/10.25100/iyc.24i1.10889.

This article shows the main transformations in the production processes of Superpolo S.A.S and its brand Marcopolo, for the development of new articulated and bi-articulated buses with concept BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), which allow a reduction of emission to the environment, and with the quality levels according to the new tender processes in Colombia and particularly for mass transport system in Bogotá (Transmilenio).

The article describes the automotive market in Colombia, its more relevant bus bodybuilder assemblers, and its challenges, focused on the importance of generating initiatives that mitigate the gaps and how Superpolo addressed them. Additionally, a review of the improvements implemented, such as the Andon, the fiberglass lamination train process, metal parts bending, dry and paint ovens, new manufacture cells, till and leak tests. These improvements made it possible to increase the installed capacity to comply with delivery times, in addition to positive results in the ergonomics of the workers, thus a national company was able to provide new solutions to face the demand for buses for the BRT systems of Colombia and with projection for the region.

Keywords : articulated buses; automotive industry; bus body; Bus Rapid Transit (BRT); manufacturing; mass transport; Transmilenio.

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