Thorpe Design and Technologies of Rhyl UK is augmenting its automotive pallet design-to-manufacture system by implementing Dassault Systemes CATIA V5 from Applied PLM Solutions.

Applied will supply, install and train Thorpe on an initial 3 seats of CATIA V5 to design and produce protective polyurethane moulded packaging used to deliver new car parts to automotive assembly lines.

Thorpe Technical Director Andy Priestly said: "Our customers are major automotive
manufacturers most of which have standardised CATIA as part of their PLM system. Our own V5 installation helps us manage the design-to-manufacture process by conveying designs and features directly to the carmakers own PLM system in native format. It also allows us to easily communicate both internally and downstream through our own supply chain in the most appropriate file formats"

He continued: "Through Applied Solutions we have full access to advanced PLM technology
along with the support to use it most productively. This puts us in a very strong position by allowing us to compete and succeed in a tough global market."

Shaun Clark Applied MD said: "Thorpe is among a growing number of specialist  automotive suppliers moving to CATIA V5 to achieve major design, productivity and business benefits. Using our experience we support them by showing how to achieve maximum long-term commercial advantage from the system."