Analysis

Unlocking Growth: BLT achieved revenue of around USD170 million in 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of additive manufacturing, BLT stands as a pioneer in the field. The fiscal year 2023 marked yet another milestone for the company, with its financial report showcasing impressive growth and unwavering dedication to excellence. Financial Highlights BLT’s financial performance in 2023 was nothing short of exceptional. With operating income surging to an impressive approx USD 170 million, representing a robust 34.24% increase compared to the previous year, the company demonstrated its resilience and agility in navigating challenging market conditions. The net income attributed to shareholders witnessed a significant rise, soaring to approx. USD 19.6 million, marking a notable increase of 78.11% year-over-year. Revenue breakdown by industries reveals a strong foothold in key sectors: Aerospace & Aviation comprising 56.02%, Industry with 37.32%, and Research Institute contributing 5.64%. Revenue from customised 3D printing products, self-developed 3D printing equipment, and 3D printing raw materials saw significant increases of 34.45%, 26.46%, and an impressive 98.98% respectively compared to the prior year. This growth can be attributed to BLT’s continued emphasis on the aerospace sector, coupled with its proactive exploration of new markets and applications. These figures underscore BLT’s strong position in the market and its unwavering commitment to delivering value to shareholders and stakeholders alike. (Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 7.23 CNY, March 28, 2024) A Comprehensive Metal AM Solution Provider As of December 31, 2023, BLT boasted a workforce of 1,720 employees, with approximately 30% dedicated to research and development efforts. The company’s extensive infrastructure, comprising over 440 sets of additive manufacturing equipment, and over 120 sets of complementary analysis and testing equipment, solidified its position as the largest metal additive manufacturing industrial base in the world. At its core, BLT specializes in industrial-grade metal additive manufacturing, offering customers a comprehensive solution for their metal additive manufacturing needs. By […]

Epson Plans Construction of Biomass Power Plant

The company’s first power plant aims to use renewable electricity Epson has announced planning for the construction of the their first biomass power plant in Iida City, in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Epson hopes to have the plant in operation in the 2026 fiscal year (ending March 2027) and is working to secure the land and buildings, contract construction, and file the paperwork for power generation. Conceptual drawing of the Minami-Shinshu Biomass Power Plant Epson is publicly committed to becoming carbon negative and underground resource free in Environmental Vision 2050. The use of renewable electricity is a key means by which Epson seeks to reach its goal of decarbonisation and, in December 2023, Epson completed the switch to 100% renewable electricity at all Epson Group sites around the world. The new power plant is intended to provide Epson with self-generated renewable electricity on a continuous basis and reduce the ratio of electricity the company purchases from external power companies, thereby promoting wider public adoption of renewable electricity. Epson plans to construct the plant on the site of the former Kiribayashi Clean Center, which the Minami Shinshu Wide-Area Union shut down in December 2017. The electricity generated will be sold to the market under a feed-in premium (FIP) scheme, and Epson will convert the electricity that it uses into renewable electricity by leveraging the environmental value created through power generation. Moreover, the power is expected to be supplied to local facilities in the event of a disaster or other emergency. The power plant will not depend on fossil fuels. It will be fueled primarily by unused wood from the Minami Shinshu area, as well as by materials such as tree bark, mushroom culture medium, and some waste wooden pallets from Epson. By utilising wood and bark from neglected forests, Epson will also […]

Revolutionary battery launch a significant milestone

The upcoming launch of a revolutionary battery series called Jumbo-Power (JP series) during the 37th China International Hardware Fair on March 20 2024 is a significant milestone. It represents Ampace’s groundbreaking advancements in new and sustainable energy technologies for the power tool industry, propelling the world forward and empowering a better quality of life. By the end of 2024, cordless power tools are projected to capture over 70% of the market share. The rapid advancement of power tools necessitates batteries that meet increasingly demanding criteria, including higher power output, reduced dimensions, and lighter weight. Li-ion batteries are anticipated to maintain their pivotal role in the ongoing evolution of power tool technology. Nevertheless, conventional Li-ion batteries encounter significant obstacles such as sustained high-current discharge capabilities, runtime limitations, suboptimal performance in lower temperatures, lifespan concerns, and charging speed constraints. As a key player in the power tool industry’s upstream sector, Ampace is dedicated to overcoming these bottlenecks through innovative technologies. A prime illustration of this commitment is the JP40, one of the flagship products in the JP series, which has successfully achieved widespread global production and is currently empowering a wide array of top-tier brands with its impressive power output.

Mariya Prempeh, Singapore's RA Country Manager ASIA MN

Interview: Mariya Prempeh, country manager, Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei, Rockwell Automation

Tell readers what it is that you do? I am the country manager for Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei at Rockwell Automation. My team and I primarily work with manufacturers in industries such as life sciences, semiconductors, and oil and gas, helping them to be more productive and more sustainable. My responsibilities also include enhancing the team’s capabilities to accelerate our growth in the region, capitalizing on the increasing demand for smart manufacturing solutions. Where are opportunities for growth for the company? I am based in Singapore, where the country’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure make it a hub for automation and Industry 4.0 technologies. Leading in robotics, predictive analytics, and now artificial intelligence (AI), the nation is spearheading technological advancements. The adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, such as automation, IoT, and the latest industrial revolution, are reshaping the manufacturing landscape in Singapore and improving efficiency. According to our State of Smart Manufacturing Report, close to half (44%) of APAC manufacturers plan to adopt smart manufacturing within the next year; out of this, China (80%), Australia (60%) and India (59%) are already using some components of smart manufacturing. We are also seeing interest right across the region from companies looking to improve the sustainability of their manufacturing operations or exploring their suitability for World Economic Forum ‘Lighthouse’ status. How is Rockwell Automation integrating AI into its product range? At Rockwell Automation, our solutions such as AI-powered systems can optimize manufacturing processes by adjusting parameters in real-time to maximize efficiency and product quality. One of our solutions in the Life Sciences industry, FactoryTalk PharmaSuite®, tailors its optimization strategies according to different stages of a process and ensures users achieve results efficiently. With its flexible design and smart upgrade mechanism, it offers a strong framework for expanding capabilities in both continuous and separate […]

Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou 2024 introduces ‘Hosted Buyer Programme’

Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou from 4-6 March is committed to building a platform for the manufacturing sector to discover the latest technologies in smart production. Nearly all of the exhibition space at the show’s 2024 edition has been claimed, reflecting the event’s widespread recognition within the industry. To streamline interactions between exhibitors and buyers and ensure mutually beneficial exchanges, the event organisers have launched the ‘Hosted Buyer Programme’. This scheme is designed to facilitate effective business matchmaking, helping participants to expand their business network and nurture new opportunities. Under the programme, VIP buyers can also expect to receive a wide range of exclusive benefits and privileges. As it enters 2024, China’s manufacturing sector is poised for a new era of advancements. Policy initiatives are steering the sector into an era of advanced industrial practices and intelligent production solutions, with the objective of maintaining the country’s leadership in global manufacturing. On New Year’s Day, a government article was released, emphasising the importance of ‘new industrialisation’ – a national development strategy focused on upgrading and modernising the country’s manufacturing sector – as a path to achieving a higher standard of economic growth. The article proposed seven key initiatives, including the deployment of new smart manufacturing projects, a heightened focus on developing smart products and equipment, and the further enhancement of smart factories and supply chains. In alignment with this recommendation, the Central Economic Work Conference on 11 December 2023 stressed the need to stimulate industrial innovation by fusing technological advancement with a committed focus to new industrialisation. The conference called for the acceleration of artificial intelligence development and the transformation of the country’s traditional industries. Meanwhile, a separate government conference held the same month reaffirmed that 2024 would be a decisive year for the implementation of the national new industrialisation plan. Reflecting […]

FPT launches automotive technology subsidiary, facilitating SDV transition

Hanoi – Global technology services provider FPT has launched its automotive technology subsidiary – FPT Automotive. With a mission to drive the advancement of software-defined vehicles (SDV), shape the new mobility era, and deliver the highest standards of safety and superior experiences to customers, FPT Automotive sets its sights on becoming a billion-dollar world-class automotive services and products provider in 2030. FPT Automotive offers a comprehensive suite of engineering services encompassing in-vehicle infotainment, Electronic Control Units (ECU), functional safety, security, automotive UI/UX design, wireless connectivity, and digital engineering. Central to these offerings is MaaZ, the proprietary AUTOSAR for turn-key ECU solutions. Leveraging its strength in software development, the company aims to empower global tier-1 suppliers, OEMs, and chipmakers to enhance market competitiveness and deliver more connected, intelligent, sustainable, and future-ready vehicles. The company ensures full compliance with industry standards such as ISO26262 for functional safety management and Automotive SPICE for software development processes in the automotive sector. FPT Automotive currently has a global team of 4,000 automotive software engineers and experts across diversified delivery models, allowing streamlined solutions, optimised cost, and adaptability to clients’ and industry’s changing requirements. Its major markets include the United States, Europe, Japan, South Korea, China, and Vietnam. The launch of FPT Automotive responds to the global demand for SDVs, aligns with FPT’s strategic investment in automotive product engineering services and solutions, and leverages its extensive expertise. It allows a more client-centric approach, accelerated by global account management and M&As. “With more than 10 years of experience in the automotive industry, a diverse pool of talented human resources, the latest technologies like AI, cloud computing, and computer vision, as well as partnerships and investments with renowned companies like Landing AI and Cardinal Peak, we aspire to accelerate the rapid development of automotive, a sector now determined […]

Building Cambodia’s Future

OCIC’s Stellar Year of Award Wins, Strategic Partnerships, and Visionary Projects Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC), Cambodia’s leading diversified property development and infrastructure conglomerate, has had an enriching 2023, packed with strategic partnerships and groundbreaking developments across the year. From winning prestigious awards to forging key collaborations, OCIC has set the stage for continued success in 2024. Strategic Partnerships This year, OCIC Group forged partnerships with international brands such as Singapore Airline Engineering (SAIEC), Phillip Capital from Singapore, CBRE from USA, Accor from France and Big C from Thailand. With a global vision in mind, OCIC Group continued its growth trajectory through a strategic partnership with Phillip Trustee, a subsidiary of Singapore’s capital management firm PhillipCapital. The partnership aims to provide trustee services to foreign investors purchasing landed properties in Cambodia. This long-term collaboration provides more options for both groups’ customers. As Phillip Capital operates in 15 countries worldwide, it shall bring more foreign investment opportunities to Cambodia. In 2023, a joint venture was signed between OCIC Group’s affiliate Cambodia Airport Investment Corporation (CAIC) and Singapore Airline Engineering Corporation (SIAEC) to establish a centre of excellence in the field of aircraft maintenance, in order to support the future operations at the new Phnom Penh Techo International Airport. This alliance was facilitated by Changi Airport, an existing OCIC partner. OCIC also cemented a 30-year agreement with Big C, one of Southeast Asia’s largest retail chain. The USD $15 million investment on a 2.7-hectare land will see the first hypermarket in Cambodia, located in the district of Chroy Changvar, a 300-hectare satellite city in Phnom Penh. The construction to build an enhanced retail landscape has kickstarted and is set to be completed within 2026. Discussing OCIC’s partnership milestones, Thierry Tea, Vice President of OCIC Group shared: “These partnerships reflect OCIC Group’s objective […]

Profet AI launches lifecycle management platform for AI governance

Taipei -Profet AI, an enterprise AI application provider for the manufacturing industry, has announced the official launch of AILM (AI LifecycleManagement Platform), the world’s first enterprise platform for AI governance. AILM enables manufacturers to control, manage, and propagate their core domain know-how, both internally within the company and externally to facilitate expansion to other countries orlocations. AILM aids enterprises in the early stages of the AI lifecycle by standardising the process of identifying and selecting the most suitable problems for applying AI to. It also improves the transparency of the implementation process which aids effective cross-organisational collaboration. After completing a project, it facilitates the dissemination of these AI paradigms throughoutthe organisation.AILM is the world’s first platform of its kind and positions Profet AI, as well as Taiwan, to establish the rules and standards for governing AI applications in manufacturing. The Need for AI Governance in Manufacturing Manufacturing leaders universally recognise the pressing need for AI adoption. However,according to the “Manufacturing Leadership Council’s 2023 Industrial AI in 2030 survey1,”only around 29% of companies have integrated their AI initiatives into formal plans orstrategies, despite 96% of manufacturers planning to increase investments in AI. Drawing from their experience of working with more than 160 manufacturing clients, Profet AIhas identified four common challenges that enterprises face when adopting AI:1.There is no standardised way of choosing the right problems to apply AI to.2.There is a lack of transparency in the way AI is implemented throughout It is difficult to effectively disseminate AI knowledge throughout an entire company. Although many customers already utilise AI, often departments use different methods, and this experience and knowledge are not shared. There is a lack of incentivised reward systems that encourage employees to take the initiative in learning and sharing AI implementation experiences.The motivation behind developing AILM was to assist […]

Predictions for the future of Distribution

By Terry Smagh, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Asia Pacific & Japan at Infor The distribution industry connects producers and manufacturers with consumers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, the distribution landscape is poised for significant transformation over the next decade. Here are 10 trends and predictions that I believe will shape the future of distribution, enabling businesses to stay ahead of the curve and thrive in the dynamic market of tomorrow. Automation revolutionises supply chains: The rise of automation, driven by robotics and artificial intelligence, will profoundly revolutionise and reshape supply chains. Smart warehouses with cutting-edge technologies, including autonomous vehicles, state-of-the-art automated picking systems, and advanced predictive analytics, will optimise inventory management, significantly reduce costs, and remarkably enhance operational efficiency. Therefore, deploying a best-in-class warehouse management system (WMS) is of utmost importance as it acts as a crucial link, seamlessly connecting your automation to your enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, facilitating smooth and efficient operations. Advanced analytics and big data drive decision-making: Looking ahead, the future of distribution heavily relies on harnessing the immense power of big data and advanced analytics, which play a pivotal role in shaping strategic decision-making processes. Forward-thinking businesses will utilise sophisticated predictive algorithms and real-time data analytics to make highly informed decisions, optimise inventory levels, accurately predict demand patterns, and deliver personalised customer experiences. To fully leverage these invaluable data tools, distributors should migrate their ERP systems to the cloud, enabling them to effectively deploy and capitalise on the transformative potential of advanced analytics and big data. Last-mile delivery revolution: Last-mile delivery is on the verge of a transformational shift as pioneering delivery models emerge and gain widespread adoption. Cutting-edge technologies such as drones, autonomous vehicles, and delivery robots are poised to become commonplace, revolutionising […]

Downstream preparation and local ancillary needed for Malaysia’s expanding automotive and electronic vehicle ecosystem

Amid significant injections into the Malaysian Automotive market, the helping hand of collaborative robots can help sub-sector players deal with newly accelerated peaks in manufacturing By Marvin Ming, Country Manager Malaysia, Universal Robots Malaysia has taken a major leap forward in its quest in becoming the region’s automotive and EV hub, with industry leaders Tesla choosing the nation to be its regional headquarters. This deal comes amid an injection of Electric Vehicle (EV) related investments stemming from 2018, with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) approving 58 EV investment projects totaling RM 26.2 billion. Currently, the country has nearly 1,000 EV charging stations and plans to build a further 10,000 across the country by 2025, with this investment aimed at covering vehicle assembly along with the manufacturing of EV parts and charging components. Malaysia does seem to be shaping into the region’s automotive hub and EV hub, but is the nation ready for the increased demands this entails? It is paramount that sub-sector players in Malaysia have to make downstream preparation for the strain on the industry this impending transformation is going to bring about. Becoming the Region’s Automotive Hub According to reports, the Asia-Pacific EV market was valued at US$230 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach US$778 billion come 2027. The recent Tesla announcement is not the only factor in the sector’s increased value, as three major Chinese automotive players – BYD, Great Wall Motor, and Cherry, have also launched in Malaysia this year. Additionally, Malaysia is also home to other international automotive companies and assembly plants, with the likes of Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz all manufacturing within the country. Equipped with the existing expertise in manufacturing, Malaysia’s components sub sector could potentially be used to double up in servicing the projected automotive exploits, covering a […]

«‹ 3 4 5 6 ›»

News Ticker

Analysis