LOBO in use:

General Motors (GM) – Enhancing Internal Maintenance & Engineering Access

The Problem:

General Motors (GM) operates a vast network of internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing facilities, each presenting unique access challenges for maintenance and engineering teams. Many areas within these plants were difficult to reach, requiring complex and costly scaffolding solutions.

Traditionally, GM had to rely on third-party scaffolders, which led to:

Increased downtime as teams waited for scaffolding to be erected and dismantled.
High costs associated with outsourcing access solutions.
Limited flexibility, as scaffolding setups were often not adaptable to various tasks across different production lines.
Safety concerns, with inconsistencies in scaffold erection and compliance.

GM needed a cost-effective, modular, and adaptable solution that would allow their in-house teams to safely and efficiently access hard-to-reach areas without relying on external scaffolding providers.

The Solution:

LOBO Systems worked closely with GM to design a bespoke access solution using standard, off-the-shelf LOBO components. By leveraging LOBO’s modular platform, GM was able to create customized structures tailored to each facility’s specific needs, without requiring expensive custom fabrication.

Key Features of the LOBO Solution for GM:

Bespoke configurations using modular components – Allowed GM to build adaptable structures for different access challenges.
Tool-free assembly – Enabled rapid setup and reconfiguration by internal teams without specialist scaffolding training.
Compact and easy storage – LOBO platforms could be dismantled and stored conveniently when not in use.
Safety-focused design – Integrated handrails, anti-slip platforms, and sturdy locking mechanisms ensured compliance with safety standards.
Self-sufficiency for maintenance teams – Eliminated reliance on external scaffolders, reducing costs and delays.

The Benefits:

Implementing the LOBO Advanced Work Platform, GM realized significant operational and financial advantages:

1. Cost Reduction & ROI

Eliminated third-party scaffolding costs, reducing outsourcing expenses by over 50% in some facilities.
Faster turnaround times meant fewer production disruptions, increasing operational efficiency.
One-time investment in LOBO components provided long-term savings over scaffolding rentals.

2. Improved Maintenance Efficiency

Immediate access for in-house teams, eliminating wait times for scaffold assembly.
Configurations could be reused across multiple departments, reducing redundancy.
Maintenance teams could adapt structures on demand, ensuring quicker response to urgent repairs.

3. Enhanced Safety & Compliance

LOBO ensured consistent safety standards without dependence on third-party contractors.
Built-in fall protection and stable, anti-slip platforms improved worker safety.
Fully compliant with OSHA, ANSI, and other regional safety regulations.

4. Increased Flexibility Across ICE & EV Facilities

LOBO’s modular system allowed customized solutions for both traditional assembly lines and high-tech EV production areas.
Adaptable for different maintenance tasks, from overhead conveyor access to robotics servicing.
Could be moved between facilities, ensuring maximum utilization across GM’s network.

General Motors

The Conclusion:

By implementing LOBO, GM transformed its internal maintenance and engineering capabilities. The solution provided cost savings, operational efficiency, and safety improvements, ensuring their teams could work faster, safer, and with greater flexibility across their ICE and EV production facilities.

GM’s decision to deploy LOBO across multiple sites highlights the system’s value as a scalable, adaptable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional scaffolding.