Facilities planning: the most suitable layout for manufacturing large steam turbines Which type of plant layout is typically used when producing very large, heavy products such as steam turbines that are difficult to move during fabrication?

Introduction / Context:
Choosing the correct facility layout depends on product size, process variety, and production volume. Steam turbines are extremely large and heavy, involving extensive on-site assembly and precision alignment, which strongly affects the layout decision.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Very large, heavy product (steam turbine).
• Low to moderate production volume, high customization.
• Subassemblies, tools, and personnel can be moved more easily than the main product.

Concept / Approach:
In a fixed position layout, the product remains stationary, and men, machines, and materials are brought to it. This eliminates repeated handling of bulky items and minimizes risk of damage or misalignment during transport. It also facilitates concurrent work from multiple trades around the product.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify product characteristics: very heavy and hard to move.Match to layout type: fixed position layout suits stationary products.Reject line or process layouts because they prioritize flow of many similar units or functional departments rather than a single massive unit.Therefore, select fixed position layout.

Verification / Alternative check:
Shipbuilding, aircraft final assembly, large generators, and turbines commonly use fixed position layouts, confirming industry practice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
(A) Product layout needs high volume, standard products; (B) Process layout handles varied jobs but requires moving workpieces; (D) “Any one of these” is too broad; (E) Cellular layout targets moderate variety with families of parts, not single oversized products.

Common Pitfalls:
Underestimating handling costs and risks of moving heavy workpieces; assuming process layout is sufficient when part mobility is actually the constraint.

Final Answer:
fixed position layout