Abstract
M.Ing.
This dissertation covers a literature survey of materials handling and plant layout in the steel fabrication environment. It covers some of the elements and principles of materials handling and how they interact with and influence the effective flow of materials in an operation. Some of the current materials handling methods and systems of a specific South African steel fabrication operation are then investigated. By using the information from the literature study, an evaluation is done on some of these handling methods and systems. The implementation of materials handling elements and principles is investigated in the form of a case study, by using methods proposed in the literature survey. This investigation identifies current materials handling problems in the steel fabrication environment. Recommendations are made that may aid the improvement of materials flow and production output in this particular steel fabrication operation.