Analysis

Sumitomo Rubber Industries selects Rockwell Automation to standardise global plant operations

Rockwell Automation, Inc.the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has been selected by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., a leading global tire and rubber manufacturer, to support the company’s digital transformation efforts across plant floors globally. Sumitomo Rubber, known for its Dunlop and Falken brands, will deploy Rockwell’s FactoryTalk® ProductionCentre®, a manufacturing execution system (MES) platform, as part of its strategy to integrate and standardise business and production data. Deployment will begin at the company’s Shirakawa plant in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, and expand to other plants worldwide following evaluation. Sumitomo Rubber is addressing growing business challenges, including material cost increase and labour shortages, by implementing highly efficient production systems through digital technology. The company aims to standardise production across its global sites, which handle high-mix, low-volume production. To enhance integration with its enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, Sumitomo Rubber chose Rockwell’s FactoryTalk ProductionCentre for its seamless compatibility with existing systems and its specialised knowledge in tire manufacturing. “We believe leveraging Rockwell Automation’s expertise will enable us to standardise manufacturing management and enhance operational efficiency globally, driving our growth,” said Kenji Saito, executive officer and general manager of the tire manufacturing headquarters at Sumitomo Rubber Industries. “Based on our mid-term management vision, we intend to deploy the new system beginning with the domestic plant. We will continue to collaborate with Rockwell Automation, a global leader in manufacturing, and embrace new challenges with a forward-looking approach, making full use of AI.” “We are pleased to support Sumitomo Rubber by integrating our tire MES solution, FactoryTalk ProductionCentre, into their existing systems,” said James Glasson, vice president, global Industry auto, tire and advanced mobility. “This initiative will enhance operating efficiency, minimise manufacturing risks, reduce implementation costs and significantly accelerate speed to market.” Sumitomo Rubber aims to strengthen its organisational structure through […]

IFC to help finance first sustainable aviation fuel facility in Pakistan and broader region

IFC is providing up to $35 million in equity and debt financing to SAFCO Venture Holdings Limited (SAFCO Ventures) to help establish Pakistan’s first greenfield sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facility, which will convert thousands of tons of used cooking oil and other waste oils into aviation fuel, helping to reduce global emissions. IFC’s investment, mostly in the form of long-term patient equity capital, has been instrumental in anchoring this project and financing a nascent sector. The project is expected to help promote a circular economy in Pakistan, create jobs, and support export-led growth. SAF, a biofuel made from renewable biomass and waste resources, can reduce life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 94 percent compared to conventional jet fuel. The transport sector accounts for about a quarter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with aviation contributing 13.9 percent of these emissions, making it the second-largest source of emissions in the sector after road transport. Producing SAF is therefore expected to help reduce global emissions. The new 200,000 tons-per-annum (TPA) facility in Sheikhupura, Punjab will collect 250,000 tons of feedstock oil annually and convert it into SAF, helping to reduce more than 500,000 tons of CO2 annually. It is also expected to create 300 direct jobs through the transfer of technology and technical training and lead to an estimated 20,000 indirect jobs in the waste-to-fuel value chain, while generating foreign exchange revenue for Pakistan through SAF exports. IFC’s $35 million financing package comprises $30 million equity and $5 million debt. Of the total equity contribution, $20 million is from its own account and an additional investment of up to $10 million is from a climate-related blended finance program (CIFPAK) that was recently launched in partnership with the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office. The facility, the first-of-its-kind in South […]

SANY Empowers Intelligent Port Construction to Achieve Major Breakthrough

SHANGHAI – Sany Marine Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., the port machinery subsidiary of SANY Group, has achieved a significant breakthrough with its H-Move2.0 intelligent system in the tire crane automation project at the Port of Tianjin. The system has improved the operational efficiency of tire cranes to 20 moves per hour, setting a new standard in the development of green, digital, and intelligent ports. With the upcoming COP29 and the manufacturing industries calling for net-zero development, SANY is firmly taking the path of industrial transformation with concrete actions to reach the carbon goals. SANY Marine is committed to becoming the technology leader of logistics equipment, providing electric, intelligent, unmanned and integrated solutions for intelligent ports and supporting the green transformation of the global port machinery industry. Faced with challenges such as energy saving carbon reduction, and intelligent development, the need for anti-shaking and anti-twisting capabilities, and labor shortages, SANY Marine’s intelligent port solutions have provided significant advancements. These include real-time anti-shaking and anti-twisting technologies to ensure automated and safe operations, pushing operational efficiency beyond traditional manual methods. Leveraging digital twin technologies, the team can predict and simulate the trajectory and position of the containers and adding the spreader lowering action to essential technical functions to achieve exceptional results. The automation efficiency of a traditional tire crane is about 15 to 16 cycles per hour, while the new version integrating GPS, AI visualisation, and 3D scanning imaging technologies can significantly improve the signal’s reliability. After four months of test trials, the No.45 machine has improved the automated working efficiency to 20 cycles per hour, surpassing manual labor for the first time in the industry. By predicting and simulating the trajectory and position of the landing box, the action of lowering the spreader is added to the technical essentials of manual work, […]

Founder Group secures multiple contracts worth approximately US$5.5 million

KUALA LUMPUR – Founder Group Limited, a pure play, end to end engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) solutions provider for solar photovoltaic systems in Malaysia, is pleased to announce the receipt of several Letters of Award (LOAs) for multiple large-scale solar projects, with a combined contract value of approximately US$5.5 million (equivalent to approximately RM22.5 million). Under the terms of these LOAs, Founder Energy will assume various responsibilities across the projects, including full EPCC services, the supply and installation of DC and AC electrical systems, Instrumentation & Control (I&C) systems, and civil works. These responsibilities encompass projects within the Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP) as well as a utility-scale solar project. This demonstrates the Company’s flexibility in addressing the diverse needs of large-scale solar initiatives. Malaysia’s solar EPCC services industry is projected to reach approximately US$350 million (about RM1.5 billion) by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.5%, driven by the country’s strong commitment to renewable energy. As part of this effort, Malaysia aims to achieve a 20% renewable energy mix by 2025, up from just 2% in 2018, supported by initiatives like the Green Technology Financing Scheme, according to the ASEAN Energy Database System. In 2024, the government introduced the Solar for Rakyat Incentive Scheme (SolaRIS) to further accelerate residential solar adoption, complemented by tax exemptions and green technology investment allowances. “We are pleased to have received these Letters of Award, which are a testament to the trust placed in us by various project owners and highlight our commitment to supporting Malaysia’s transition to renewable energy. We look forward to leveraging our expertise in EPCC solar PV projects as we continue to deliver large-scale solar initiatives moving forward,” said Lee Seng Chi, Chief Executive Officer of Founder Group Limited. The company’s primary focus is on […]

Malaysia’s nearshoring edge: A gateway to Southeast Asia

From electronics to aerospace, Malaysia’s growth potential is unmatched, offering strategic benefits across multiple industries. Strategically positioned in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a veritable gateway to the region. Its major shipping routes and international airports connect businesses to key Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The nation’s locational advantage enables it to offer faster delivery times and reduced transportation costs for efficient regional operations. It comes as little wonder that Malaysia’s capital city, Greater Kuala Lumpur, is globally recognised as an ideal nearshoring hub. It serves as a conduit for businesses to bring their operations closer to their partners and customers in Southeast Asia. This is especially important in today’s global economic climate, where rising labor costs and inflation have pushed businesses to explore alternatives like nearshoring, or outsourcing business processes to a nearby country or location to trim their overheads. Malaysia boleh: The Malaysian advantage It is easy to see why Malaysia is a prime hub for nearshoring in Southeast Asia. Besides its favorable geographic location, Malaysia boasts abundant natural resources vital for producing advanced materials. In its New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry identified graphene, nitinol, rare earth, and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) polymers as Malaysia’s core advanced materials. These materials support the country’s electric vehicle (EV), aerospace, and healthcare industries. Its culturally diverse population complements Malaysia’s geographical and natural resources. Predominantly comprising Malay, Chinese, and Indian ethnic groups, Malaysians are proficient in speaking at least two languages, with a high level of proficiency in English. Thus, its workforce is well-equipped to bridge language and cultural barriers, connecting Malaysian businesses to the rest of Southeast Asia. To solidify this advantage, the Malaysian government has proactively developed technical education. In March 2024, the government expanded its Technical and Vocational Education and […]

Nexif Ratch Energy Secures Financial Close 145MWp Bacolod Solar Power Project in the Philippines

Nexif Ratch Energy, a leading independent power producer focused on renewable energy solutions, is thrilled to announce the financial close of its 145MWp Bacolod Solar Power Project, its second solar power project in the Philippines. The Bacolod Solar Power Project, developed by Negros PH Solar Inc, is located across Bacolod City and Bago City in the Negros Occidental province. It is a 145 MWp ground-mounted solar photovoltaic project that will connect to NGCP’s Bacolod Substation and can potentially power to up to 52,600 households. Majority of its output will be sold through a 10-year Power Supply Agreement to a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation, with the remainder to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market. The project investment of more than US$100m is funded by equity from Nexif Ratch Energy and project finance facilities from Security Bank Corporation and Philippine National Bank on a limited recourse basis, with SB Capital Investment Corporation acting as the Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner and PNB Capital and Investment Corporation acting as Arranger. Construction is set to begin in October 2024, with the goal of achieving commercial operations by Q4 2025. Focus is now on an expansion on the existing site, through increased solar PV capacity of up to 20 MW and a Battery Energy Storage System. Beyond its Calabanga and Bacolod solar projects, Nexif Ratch Energy is developing wind energy projects including the San Miguel Bay Project, a nearshore wind project with a capacity of up to 500 MW and the Lucena Project, an offshore wind project with a capacity of up to 475 MW. Mr Surender Singh, Chairman of Nexif Ratch Energy, said “The successful financial close of our 145MWp Bacolod Solar Farm highlights the exceptional collaboration with our partners and the dedication of our local development team. We are excited to bring this […]

Policy Address by Hong Kong SAR’s Chief Executive John Lee: New Initiatives to Propel Economic Growth

John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region unveiled a range of measures in his 2024 Policy Address (October 16) to inject greater vitality into the economy, focusing on both established and emerging industries. In terms of existing businesses, Mr Lee said the Government would explore new growth areas, specifically by creating a commodity trading ecosystem to attract relevant enterprises to Hong Kong, turning Hong Kong into an operation centre for international commodity trading, storage and delivery, shipping and logistics, risk management, and more. Hong Kong SAR’s Chief Executive John Lee attended a joint radio phone-in programme to answer questions about the 2024 Policy Address. “This will help develop the markets in international gold, non‑ferrous metal, green transportation, and others, further promoting the integrated development of Hong Kong as an international financial, shipping and trade centre,” Mr Lee said. Part of this strategy is to promote the development of world‑class gold storage facilities, facilitating the storage and delivery of spot gold by users and investors in Hong Kong, and driving demand for related services such as collateral and loan businesses, opening up new growth areas of the financial sector. Also, to further support Hong Kong’s role as a global financial centre, the Government will continue to enhance the mutual market access regime and reinforce the city’s status as the world’s largest offshore Renminbi (RMB) business hub, contributing to the internationalisation of RMB. The Government will also look to enhance the Cross‑boundary Wealth Management Connect Scheme. Tourism is another growth sector with the Chief Executive proposing to develop Hong Kong into a premier tourism destination through innovative thinking and making better use of rich and unique resources such as the Victoria Harbour, outlying islands, rural areas, cultures, cuisines, lifestyles and historic buildings. “These elements, combined with our edges […]

DigiTech ASEAN Thailand and AI Connect 2024 – Gathering of Global Tech & Digital Community in Bangkok this November

The global tech and digital community is gathering again at its annual DigiTech ASEAN Thailand & AI Connect 2024, to take place at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand from 20th to 22nd November 2024. Hosted by two Thai Ministries, namely the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, DigiTech ASEAN Thailand & AI Connect 2024 is an all-important international face-to-face exhibition and marketing platform to connect and do business with the global tech and digital community and markets. In an ever-evolving digital market landscape, innovation, networking, business collaboration and knowledge sharing shall take centre stage at DigiTech ASEAN Thailand & AI Connect 2024, which is regarded as an annual international gathering place for the global tech and digital community in Thailand. Southeast Asia is expected to be one of the world’s top five regions for digital applications by 2025. Its digital market is projected to reach US$500 billion, with an internet penetration of over 400 million users. At the heart of this is Thailand, with its digital economy expecting to contribute to 30 percent of its GDP by 2030, driven the country’s ongoing industry 4.0 digital transformation policies. It is against this market backdrop that DigiTech ASEAN Thailand & AI Connect 2024 is organized to connect with the regional digital market in a physical setting, to forge new partnerships and collaborations in this rapid digital transformation market environment. The importance of DigiTech ASEAN Thailand & AI Connect 2024 is underscored by the fact that apart from being hosted by two ministries, the event also has the supports of 28 government organizations and industry associations, and 21 local and international media partners. The event will feature over 350 digital brands who will showcase their latest technology, solutions and applications across 8 […]

Delta Electronics showcases integrated solutions at ITAP 2024

Delta, a global leader in power management and provider of IoT-based smart green solutions, is highlighting the importance of integrated solutions at the seventh edition of Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC (ITAP 2024). Showcasing its modular and integrated portfolio designed to optimise processes and space, address labor shortages, and enhance power dispatch and renewable energy smoothing, Delta will feature key products such as the DIATwin Virtual Machine Development Platform, intuitive building management systems, and its Energy Storage System (ESS). “Delta is at the forefront of developing integrated solutions that drive energy efficiency and sustainability. Our focus on advanced technologies ensures we deliver smarter systems for a greener future, addressing the growing demand for clean energy and intelligent infrastructure,” said Mr. PS Tang, General Manager, Delta Electronics, Singapore. “ITAP 2024 provides a strategic avenue for Delta to collaborate with industry leaders and explore new opportunities for industrial efficiency and sustainability across the Asia Pacific region. By showcasing our technologies, we aim to help companies optimize operations while reducing their environmental footprint, building a smarter, more sustainable industrial future,” said Mr. David Leal, Regional Vice President of SEA Business, Delta Electronics. Core Technologies Focus: Virtual Simulation, Building Automation, and Energy Storage Solutions As the market shifts towards low-volume, large-variety production, Delta’s smart manufacturing solutions tackle challenges in production efficiency and sustainability. The Digital Twin Solution, featuring the DIATwin Virtual Machine Development Platform and the Reconfigurable Transformer Machine, enables engineers to optimize production virtually, enhancing coating quality and reducing programming time. Similarly, Delta’s building automation systems ensure easy solutions for energy management and smart workspaces. These include programmable controllers, touch panels, and IoT interfaces that make offices more integrated. For example, the Delta Intelligent Meeting Room Control allows the activation of a single button to lower the blinds, adjust the temperature, dim the lights, and […]

Mitsubishi Power Completes Landmark 5,300MW Combined Cycle Power Plant Project in Thailand

Final Eighth M701JAC Unit Begins Operation at Gulf Group and Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Joint Venture Plant This marks Mitsubishi Power’s largest-ever completed order by capacity, contributing to Thailand’s energy security and decarbonisation – The project’s previous seven M701JAC gas turbine units installed across two GTCC plants in Rayong and Chonburi Provinces have collectively operated for 100,000 hours Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), has completed construction of the eighth and final M701JAC unit of a 5,300MW natural gas-fired power plant project in Thailand. The project, a joint venture between Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited, one of Thailand’s largest independent power producers (IPP), and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui & Co.), a Japanese trading company, successfully commenced full commercial operations on October 1, 2024. GTCC Power Plant in Rayong The milestone marks the on-time completion of a multi-phase project awarded in 2018, featuring two gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) plants in Chonburi and Rayong Provinces, key hubs for technological manufacturing and services, with a total installed capacity of 5,300 MW. Each plant is equipped with four M701JAC gas turbines, steam turbines, and heat recovery steam generators, ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply critical for Thailand’s energy security and economic growth. On October 1, the first seven units installed in Chonburi and Rayong have collectively logged 100,000 actual operating hours (AOH), reinforcing their proven reliability. The project’s first phase at the Chonburi power plant* marked a significant milestone as the site of Mitsubishi Power’s inaugural J-Series Air-Cooled (JAC) gas turbine installation in Southeast Asia in 2021. The plant was fully completed in October 2022 and received the prestigious “Power Plant of the Year”‘ award at the Power and Energy Awards, presented during the annual Enlit Asia 2023 conference and exhibition. The units were delivered […]

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