At the invitation of our long-term supplier of handling equipment, Moreau Agri from Huštěnovice, my colleagues from the implementation team and I set out for Nantes, France. The aim of our trip was to visit the modern production plant of the Manitou brand near the Atlantic, which is among the world leaders in the field of telehandlers. We already use two Manitou MRT 2260 machines from this brand on our construction sites.
From Raw Material to Finished Machine
During the one-day excursion, we had a unique opportunity to walk through the entire production process – from the initial processing of materials to the final assembly of the machines. The tour began at the welding of the telehandler arms, where we were impressed by the combination of precise manual work and highly automated robotic workstations. Every part undergoes thorough quality control, which is the foundation for the reliability of the finished machine.
Next came the production of chassis and the actual assembly of individual parts. The highlight of the production process was the modern assembly line, which runs on two lines. Each of them is able to produce up to 40 machines per day, which clearly demonstrates the high efficiency and organization of production.
Testing in Real Conditions
An interesting part of the excursion was also the testing of finished machines. Each telehandler is subjected to real operating conditions and tested under load for several hours. This emphasis on quality and functionality in practice is one of the reasons why Manitou machines are so reliable.
The Automated Warehouse of the Future
At the end, the manufacturer guided us through their state-of-the-art warehouse. This space, covering approximately 30,000 m², is used for storing large and small parts and accessories. The biggest impression was made by the automatic line, which can prepare up to eight packages for dispatch at once in real time, more than 2,000 items per day. The entire warehouse is operated by only two operators, which further underlines the level of automation and efficiency.
Tradition and Atmosphere of the Region
After a technically packed day, our partners invited us to a local winery on the banks of the Loire, which has been operating since 1645 and is still passed down from generation to generation. The excursion was led by the owner himself, who engagingly explained the differences between the various wines. The key role here is played mainly by the subsoil and climatic conditions. Tasting quality wines at very favorable prices (up to €8) was a pleasant end to the day.
In the evening, we finished with a walk through the historic center of Nantes, which enchanted us with its atmosphere and architecture.
Inspiration for the Future
The whole excursion was not only an interesting experience for us, but also a valuable inspiration. Seeing modern production processes, the emphasis on quality, and the efficiency of logistics with our own eyes once again confirmed that we are cooperating with a supplier and manufacturer at the highest level.
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