Pratt & Whitney's Horizontal Assembly Line Completes First Engines

The first PurePower jet engine has rolled off newly introduced overhead-automated horizontal moving assembly lines.

Designed to offer higher efficiency manufacturing, the new assembly lines provide mechanics with a more ergonomic work environment.

Mechanics can adjust engines up or down to their ideal work height and rotate engines to access hard to reach areas.

Ladders and platforms have been eliminated and there is no longer any need to perch under engines, bend, stoop or climb.

"This horizontal assembly system has both vertical lift and rotation capability," said Tom Mayes, general manager, Engine Centers and Compression Module Centers. 

"It allows the assembly mechanic a new innovative way to work on the engine, but will also allow teams to automate the line which can adjust the rate of output to meet customer demand."

The new horizontal assembly lines are already working to fill over 6,300 orders.

"Our customers embraced the PurePower engine, and presented Pratt & Whitney with an interesting challenge – how to ensure we are ready to more than double engine production to keep up with customer demand," said Joe Sylvestro, Pratt & Whitney vice president of Manufacturing Operations.

Located in Middletown, CT, West Palm Beach, FL Pratt & Whitney also have a horizontal assembly line in the Mirabel Aerospace Center in Quebec, Canada.

The spacious yet accessible work environment in horizontal assembly lines will surely provide mechanics with a less physically taxing job down the line. But it’s yet to be seen just how much of an effect it will have on production.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.