Performance Enhancement in a Print Pack Firm by Layout Optimization

this paper presents the application of simulation software Arena and layout optimization software Plan Opt to a dynamic print and packaging company in India, Coimbatore. Some of the problems expressed by the company were large and unnecessary volume of shop floor material handling cost, difficulties and confusion over production planning, long products lead times resulting in losing customers and high overhead costs because of poor layout of machinery and the lack of proper aisle structures for movement of the lift-trucks. This paper shows the process of developing few final optimum layout designs by providing the management with multiple layout configurations and showing the impact of each design on the material handling cost at each stage. These solutions are also simulated to see the impact of the change in the layout of the company.