A manufacturing operation having a first production area, a second
production area, and a plurality of platforms each having independently
controllable drive assemblies for moving the platforms through the
production and delivery areas. Adjacent platforms are spaced from one
another a first distance in the delivery areas and a second distance in
the production areas, wherein the first distance is greater than the
second distance and, preferably, where the second distance creates a
"zero" gap between adjacent platform decks.