TransBus International Adopts Solid Edge 3D CAD Software from EDS for Vehicle Design

EDS PLM Solutions Solid Edge Modeling Design Environment Replaces Most Existing TransBus CAD Systems

PLANO, Texas - EDS reported today that it has agreed to supply and implement its 3D mechanical computer-aided design (CAD) Solid Edge? software at TransBus International (United Kingdom), part of the Mayflower Group which includes automotive vehicle manufacturers Dennis, Alexander and Plaxton.

In addition to software, EDS PLM Solutions will also provide implementation services and on-going technical support for TransBus International's Dennis vehicle chassis facilities in Guildford, Surrey and at its Alexander vehicle body facilities in Falkirk, Scotland. The new 3D solid modeling-based design system replaces most of TransBus International's existing 2D and 3D CAD systems from other vendors and serves more than 80 design engineers in the company's various UK plants.

"The decision to replace most of our primarily 2D drafting systems with a full 3D solid modelling-based design solution was made on the basis of a clear-cut cost/benefit advantage," said Ray Ellis, Mayflower Group's information technology manager. "We expect the use of Solid Edge to give TransBus International a quick return on investment by enabling us to streamline our vehicle design and development processes and by providing better data to manufacturing. This will shorten our overall time-to-market."

Initially, the main user of the new product development system is Guildford-based Dennis, which designs and manufactures fire engine chassis and cabs as well as bus and coach chassis. Alexander in Falkirk is another major user of the software. Alexander includes the former Duple Metsec coachbuilder and is responsible for the design and manufacture of bus and coach bodies as well as kits for assembly overseas.

Dave Harrowell, computer-aided engineering manager at Dennis, expanded on the reasons for selecting Solid Edge: "Implementing Solid Edge provides the inherent benefits of 3D solid modeling design techniques, such as design visualization and the ability to produce all the necessary 2D detail and general arrangement drawings - required for manufacturing purposes - directly from the 3D model. Additionally, the use of the assembly modeling capabilities in Solid Edge helps us enormously in packaging individual components into assemblies."

TransBus officials cited other benefits of implementing Solid Edge, as follows: 

The assembly modeling and interference detection capabilities ensure that parts fit together properly the first time when it comes to physically assembling the vehicle on the shop floor. This greatly reduces the need for re-work, not only saving scrap but also manufacturing time and costs. 

The ability to easily import legacy data from previous CAD systems into Solid Edge protects TransBus investments in these prior systems.

Jim Duncan, president, EDS PLM Solutions, EMEA, said, "We are very pleased that a company of TransBus International's standing has selected Solid Edge as the design tool that is going to satisfy its product design and development needs into the future. This decision represents further evidence of EDS' leadership position in the automotive industry, worldwide."

About TransBus International

TransBus International is a member of the Mayflower Group and is the UK's leading manufacturer of new-generation buses and coaches. The company brings together three famous names - Dennis, Alexander and Plaxton - and is Europe's largest bus and coach body builder. TransBus is a global pioneer in low-floor, easy-access vehicles based on lightweight aluminum structures and is also a leader in technologies such as coach ventilation and glazing. The company dominates the European midi-bus sector and is also the world's leading producer of double-deck buses. TransBus International offers a full range of chassis and bodywork options; fully integrated buses and coaches; and kits for assembly in facilities around the world.

About Solid Edge

Solid Edge from EDS is powerful, 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software that can reduce manufacturing companies' time to market by an achievable 50 percent. Solid Edge empowers designers of machinery, automotive tooling, electro-mechanical and other products to easily and quickly create, capture and share product knowledge across the entire engineering organization. The exclusive Solid Edge Insight knowledge-sharing technology embeds design data management capabilities directly within CAD to provide better quality products, lower costs, and shorter delivery cycles. Thousands of companies worldwide, including Alcoa, NEC Engineering and Volvo, cite Solid Edge for its innovative design capabilities and ease of use. The Solid Edge Voyager Program includes more than 150 integrated engineering software applications and computer hardware solutions. 

www.solidedge.com

About EDS 

EDS, the leading global services company, provides strategy, implementation and hosting for clients managing the business and technology complexities of the digital economy. EDS brings together the world's best technologies to address critical client business imperatives. It helps clients eliminate boundaries, collaborate in new ways, establish their customers' trust and continuously seek improvement. EDS, with its management-consulting subsidiary, A.T. Kearney, serves the world's leading companies and governments in 58 countries. EDS reported revenues of $21.5 billion in 2001. The company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: EDS) and the London Stock Exchange. 

www.eds.com

 

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