Wearwell Platform Case Study
Magna Seating
Customer Details
Customer: Magna Seating
Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Application: Electric Vehicle (EV) Seating Systems Production
Product: Wearwell Foundation Modular Work Platform System
Company Overview:
- Magna Seating, part of Magna International, operates a 280,000 sq. ft. advanced manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, MI. The facility integrates manufacturing, warehousing, and office space, employing over 500 people. Specializing in complete seat systems — structures, foam, mechanisms, and trim — Magna Seating Auburn Hills delivers high-quality, just-in-time solutions to meet the demands of modern EV platforms.
Challenge
To support its state-of-the-art EV seating production lines, Magna Seating Auburn Hills required a floor-level platform solution that could match the fast pace, high output, and evolving layout demands of modern automotive manufacturing. Traditional steel mezzanines or poured concrete risers presented challenges in lead time, cost, and reconfiguration flexibility.
By implementing the FOUNDATION Modular Work Platform System, Magna Seating created an adaptive, future-ready production floor that improves safety, enhances efficiency, and provides lasting value—all while keeping pace with the rapid evolution of the electric vehicle market.
The Safety Source Warewell Modular Work Platform Solution
To support its state-of-the-art EV seating production lines, Magna Seating Auburn Hills required a floor-level platform solution that could match the fast pace, high output, and evolving layout demands of modern automotive manufacturing. Traditional steel mezzanines or poured concrete risers presented challenges in lead time, cost, and reconfiguration flexibility. As an alternative, Magna selected the Wearwell FOUNDATION Modular Work Platform System for several key reasons:
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Rapid Deployment: The FOUNDATION system was delivered and assembled significantly faster than conventional construction methods. Its modular design allowed Magna’s operations team to deploy elevated work areas in days—not weeks—supporting the tight construction timeline for its Auburn Hills launch.
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Flexible Layout Configurations: Unlike fixed platforms, FOUNDATION’s tile-based system can be expanded, reduced, or completely reconfigured as production lines evolve. This was critical for Magna, where changes in seat design or EV platform specifications can drive sudden retooling.
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Ergonomics & Worker Safety: With a combination of smooth and diamond-plate polypropylene tile options, the platform surfaces were customized based on task. Standing operators received anti-fatigue surfaces, while wheeled carts and material handling zones used smooth or open tiles for easy mobility and drainage. The ergonomic benefit contributes to reduced fatigue and injury risk over long shifts.
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Durability & Load Capacity: Each tile supports 400 lbs., and the platform structure can hold thousands of pounds without degradation. This strength ensures long-term durability, even under heavy equipment and tooling stations used in seat assembly processes.
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Cleanliness & Maintenance: The chemical-resistant, easy-to-clean surfaces help Magna maintain 5S standards on the shop floor. The open tile options also allow debris and fluids to fall through, improving traction and reducing slip hazards.
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Sustainability: Made from 100% recycled polypropylene, the platform tiles align with Magna’s corporate sustainability goals and its commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.
| Component | Details |
| Platform Surface | Diamond Plate |
| Platform Height | 4" - 15" |
| Platform Width | 45" |
| Total Platform Length | 397' |
By implementing the FOUNDATION Modular Work Platform System, Magna Seating created an adaptive, future-ready production floor that improves safety, enhances efficiency, and provides lasting value—all while keeping pace with the rapid evolution of the electric vehicle market.
The Result
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To meet the demands of a modern EV production facility, Magna Seating integrated the Wearwell FOUNDATION Modular Work Platform System across key areas of its Auburn Hills operation. The system was deployed to support both assembly workstations and material handling zones, delivering measurable improvements in flexibility, safety, and efficiency.
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Enhanced Flexibility:
The FOUNDATION system’s modular design allowed Magna to configure platforms around workstations, robotic tooling, and equipment with ease. As EV seating programs evolve, production lines often require reconfiguration. Instead of relying on costly and time-consuming structural modifications, Magna can now reassemble or expand these platforms in hours, minimizing downtime and preserving productivity. -
Improved Ergonomics:
Many tasks in seat assembly involve repetitive motion and extended periods of standing. FOUNDATION platforms incorporate anti-fatigue tile options that reduce stress on joints and muscles, leading to fewer injuries and improved worker morale. Additionally, the adjustable height options and slip-resistant surfaces contribute to a safer, more comfortable environment on the line. -
Operational Efficiency:
Customized layouts allowed Magna to optimize each production cell for specific assembly tasks, reducing unnecessary movement and improving material flow. Integrated ramps and transitions ensure seamless cart access across the platforms, further supporting just-in-time delivery practices and minimizing delays. -
Sustainability Goals:
With tiles made from 100% recycled polypropylene and a lightweight aluminum frame, the FOUNDATION system supports Magna’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Unlike traditional platforms that often require extensive construction waste and raw materials, these modular units are reusable, recyclable, and aligned with the company’s global sustainability initiatives.
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"The modular platform system gave us exactly what we needed—speed, flexibility, and safety. The Safety Source was able to install the work platforms quickly and we can reconfigure them as our production needs changed. It’s made a noticeable impact on workflow efficiency and employee comfort from day one."
-Facility Manager, Magna Seating
Our Process
- Step 1 -
Discovery
The Safety Source will work with you to figure out the best solution for your pain points.
- Step 2 -
Design
Based on your requirements, the Safety Source will design a modular platform layout that will fit your needs.
- Step 3 -
Installation
Our experts will install the modular platform system according to the agreed upon design specifications.
Why Choose The Foundation Work Platform?
Durable Construction: Built to last, Foundation work platforms are crafted from high-quality materials that resist wear and tear, even under heavy loads.
- Modular Components: Mix and match platforms, ramps, and rails to fit your exact needs.
- Easy to Expand: As your needs grow, Foundation work platforms grow with you—add new components without disrupting existing setups.
Customizable Configurations
The FOUNDATION Modular Work Platform System is a comprehensive, well thought out modular system that changes the way you think about and approach work platform design and construction. Sadly, companies have come to expect the excessive planning, labor and the unexpected of expenses of wood, steel and ad hoc platforms. Having no other options, they have settled.
Three different surface options let you customize the platforms for your needs. The textured smooth surface provides added traction, an industrial look, and serves as a solid base for anti-fatigue matting, ensuring smooth cart movement and workflow. The open surface design allows fluids and debris to pass through, offers elevation, and features non-slip cleats for additional grip in slippery conditions. Lastly, the diamond plate tiles combine rugged aesthetics with undeniable traction, helping employees stay sure-footed, which contributes to a safer and more productive work environment.
Smooth Surface
Open Tile
Diamond Plate
Foundation Work Platform Applications
Work Platforms For Machining
Cutting fluids and metal swarf in machining operations can wreak havoc on traditional wood or steel platforms. FOUNDATION work platforms elevate machinists above slippery floors and provide sure-footing at the proper height for their work at hand.
Work Platforms for Food and Beverage
By far, the largest safety challenge in the food and beverage industry is slip and fall prevention. FOUNDATION modular work platforms provide fast drainage and elevate employees safely above pooling fluids and slippery floors. The standing surface features integrated traction points for unmatched, long-lasting slip resistance.
Work Platforms for Injection Molding
Injection molding operators often find themselves in awkward positions. Reaching to set up, operate and maintain machines isn’t always at a standing height. Putting operators at the proper elevation is key to their safety and performance. An awkward posture is more than just uncomfortable – it causes imbalance, and the continual strain can lead to debilitating MSDs.
Work Platforms for Assembly Operations
FOUNDATION modular work platforms put assembly line workers at the best height for their work at hand. The lightly textured surface is ideal for walking and pivoting along assembly lines of any length. This style is easy to clean and ideal for the use of added anti-fatigue matting for improved worker endurance and health.
