HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED

Mr. Arun Sharma, Manager, Human Resource Department welcomed the students and briefed about the various models of two wheelers that are manufactured in the plant. Mr. Sharma mentioned that for the last three decades, the company is tirelessly working to provide innovative mobility solutions to global customers, with special emphasis on the evolving aspirations of youth.

Students were divided in two batches for the visit to different sections of the plant. They first visited the Machine Shop where they were shown the CNC machines for milling, drilling and broaching operations on engine parts. Hero offers one of the widest ranges of two - wheelers with over 19 different products with various capacities of 100 cc, 125 cc, 150 cc, 225 cc motor cycles and scooters. Students were introduced to the concept of Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS), Robotics and Total Productive Management (TPM).

Students then visited to Weld Shop which has Spot Welding, Seam Welding and MIG Welding machines to weld various sheet metal parts to form the basic frame and other scooter panels.

In the Paint Shop students were introduced to the concept of spray paint and lacquering. Paint Shop has a conveyor system, which is unique. The conveyor carrying the parts is rotated and dipped in paint so as to enable good paint adhesion, high gloss and superior paint finish. Robots are used in painting for improved paint finish.

In Assembly Shop students were shown engine assembly line and body assembly line. They were shown different parts of engine and their operation. Time management, which helps in assembly line balancing for various assembly operations on each assembly station were explained to the students. They were also explained about the material handling system and its importance in reducing the overall manufacturing time. They were also shown overhung conveyor system for handling the chassis of the two - wheelers.

Then students visited the Inspection Department, where the final testing and inspection of the two-wheelers are conducted. Parameters like Maximum Speed, Acceleration Time, Wheel Wobbling, Vehicle’s vibration, Electrical System, Brake, Gear Shifting & Operation are tested and ensured for its worthiness by skilled technicians.

Mr. Sharma highlighted the recent initiatives taken by Hero Motocorp:

1. Restricted use of mercury and cadmium in painting and rubber compounding processes.

2. All plastic parts come in a moulded form, which facilitates easy recyclability at the end of a vehicle’s life cycle.

3. Installation of a waste heat recovery system to utilise waste heat from its gas generator. This has enabled to save 4,000 Standard Cubic Metre (SCM) of natural gas and thereby, prevent 2,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

4. Installation of a vapour absorption machine, which enabled to reduce 340 KW of electrical energy, thereby saving 524 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

5. Recycling of paint sludge from its paint processes, which is 5 - 10% of the total volumes of paint sludge generated.

Students took keen interest in acquiring the knowledge about the process, equipment, jigs, fixtures and machineries used by the plant to produce two - wheelers. The theoretical concepts of the students were turned into practical know - how after visiting the plant.