Rootes Build in Scotland

Car Assembly Block
Craftsmanship and Quality

	The electronic control panel in Car Assembly, which controls the assembly of each individual car down to the smallest detail.
	Operators at their 'work stations' on the main assembly conveyor - note the special containers with component parts easily accessible.
	The line of Hillman Imps, now almost complete: with wheels, lights - even water and petrol.

The car bodies, entering at about one per minute from the Transporterbridge at the North end, move along a pre-mount conveyor at some 5 ft. above floor level. Operators positioned at 12 'work stations' fit brake pipes, electric wiring and such items as a radiator (made alongside with other parts), to the underside of the car before it reaches the main assembly track.

The main assembly of the line has 41 working stations, and the conveyor is arranged to permit operators to work on the car while others work on the underside. Here, working in complete harmony, the network of overhead conveyors functions smoothly, and at a precise moment the body is lowered for the installation of the power pack and suspension assemblies, to be followed by the many components and fitments that go to make up the modern car.

Petrol is put in and the cars, complete in every detail, are driven from the end of the track direct to the production roller-test, for checking the range of gears and the lighting equipment.

The Car Assembly Block combines all the necessary operation to enable the Hillman Imp to be assembled from the different individual units and sub-assemblies into the finished car: complete, inspected and running satisfactorily, ready to be passed to Sales.

Cleaning, polishing and attention to detail on the 'car finished conveyor'.

Next, to the 'car finished conveyor' where vital assembly operations such as steering are checked and passed, and this is followed by cleaning, polishing, and final adjustment.

In addiction to the constant supervision and inspection, the skill of craftsmen and the close scrutiny of quality control, there is a further percentage check of production, and also the Car Investigation Department - C.I.D. - where a vehicle is taken at random and is checked in all aspects in order to maintain the highest possible standards of quality car manifacture.

In the Car Assembly Block, there is a C.K.D. Section, where all the unit parts, wehicle panels and the multitude of small components required for a complete car assembly, are marshalled in cases, and packed for shipment to Rootes plants overseas. Cars, (Completely Knocked Down), later to be unpacked, built-up as the Hillman Imp, and made ready for a reliable life on the road.

Supplied on September 24, 2005 to Imps4ever.info by Mr. Barry Massey (chief buyer at Linwood) via his son: Guy Massey