Business News

Manufacturers can no longer postpone investments in digital technologies

After taking the temperature of process manufacturers, ABI Research finds that manufacturers of fast-moving consumer goods are approaching boiling point. Global technology intelligence firm ABI Research evaluated the impact politics, regulation, the economy, supply chain, Environmental Social and Governance (ESG), and technology are having on manufacturers of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), pharmaceuticals, producers of steel, chemicals, pulp and paper, as well as the mining and oil & gas sectors. “Our assessment found that the FMCG sector is under pressure from all sides,” says Michael Larner, Industrial & Manufacturing Research Director at ABI Research. Securing raw materials is challenging considering lockdowns in China and limited grain supplies from Ukraine. “Supply shocks are raising input costs, and operating costs are rising with higher energy costs coupled with the pressure to pay higher wages and work sustainably. “We all hoped that with the rollout of COVID vaccines, the world would return to ‘normal’,” Larner continues. “However, events have taken a different turn, with the effects felt far and wide. Political decisions and regulations have the most impact on these firms’ operations. After all, governments can lock down cities and restrict transportation. At the same time, production can stop due to product recalls, as currently witnessed with Abbott Laboratories’ baby formula facility in the United States.” Each industry is at very different stages concerning its digital maturity. Large mining firms, such as Rio Tinto, are automating many processes, and oil & gas firms, including Saudi Aramco, are utilising data analytics to monitor operations and their immediate surroundings. Steel, pharma, and pulp and paper producers have more work to do to connect their operations digitally and utilise some of the cutting-edge technologies. Meanwhile, FMCG firms (Procter & Gamble is one such example) are working toward aligning IT and OT teams. Manufacturers can no longer postpone investments in […]

Mölnlycke invests EUR 50 million in a new surgical gloves plant

Mölnlycke is investing EUR 50 million in a new plant in Kulim, Malaysia, to meet future demand for high-quality surgical gloves. The new plant will start production in September 2022 and will generate 500 new local job positions. With sustainable manufacturing as one of the main drivers for the initiative, Mölnlycke is partnering with ENGIE for energy solutions and Veolia Water Technologies for wastewater treatment solutions to ensure best-in-class energy and waste water management at the new plant. “The new plant is a key part of our future plans for sustainable growth within the surgical gloves business. It will enable us to expand production to meet projected demand. But the best part is that we will achieve this in a less resource-intensive way, while creating a state-of-the-art working environment for our colleagues in Malaysia,” says Zlatko Rihter, the CEO of Mölnlycke. “As part of our commitment to reduce our operational carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 (baseline 2016), and in support of Malaysia’s national agenda to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, Mölnlycke is focused on driving continuous energy efficiency to transition to 100% renewable electricity across all our sites globally. “We intend to optimise the new plant’s energy consumption by tapping digital energy management to monitor how energy is being used and where it is being lost. This increased transparency will help us optimise our efforts to reduce consumption.” Four out of Mölnlycke’s 14 plants are already operating fully on renewable electricity; and as of March 2022, additionally three of the surgical gloves manufacturing plants in Malaysia could be added to the list of factories fully powered by green electricity. Mölnlycke’s journey to become a zero waste company by 2050 at the latest continues with focusing on both promoting a circular economy to reduce waste in all our manufacturing processes […]

Schaeffler’s Autonomous Mobile Robot, DEX awarded with “Red Dot: Best of the Best”

Schaeffler, a leading global automotive and industrial supplier, was recently awarded the Red Dot: Best of the Best award for its Dual EXtendable (DEX), the Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) project in the Red Dot Design Award under the Design Concept category. DEX was designed to reimagine the dexterity and intelligence of collaborative robots and their relationships with shopfloor employees. Featuring bi-directional leg extensions, WLAN and middleware integration, 2D/3D SLAM-based precise localization, as well as speech and gesture recognition capabilities, DEX serves as a research testbed to infuse functionality with smart social behaviors to support and boost productivity in industrial settings for a wide range of tasks. Commenting on the award, Mr. Han Boon Siew, Chief Information Officer Schaeffler Asia/Pacific, Director at Schaeffler Hub for Advanced Research, said: “Being awarded the Best of the Best award for DEX from one of the most prestigious awards is testament to our continuous passion and commitment in developing cutting edge solutions to drive new possibilities for mobility and motion – both with our customers and for our production operations.” The research project is part of Schaeffler’s Schaeffler Hub for Advanced Research (SHARE) program that comprises a global research network with leading universities worldwide via its company-on-campus concept. The concept enables particularly intensive exchange and close cooperation between Schaeffler employees, scientists and academics through applied research to expand the current state of technology and transfer research insights into product development activities. DEX was also designed in collaboration with Orcadesign Consultants Pte Ltd, who worked closely with the SHARE at NTU technology team to visualise the concept and vision of DEX while integrating their insights and expertise in defining the user experience that included the robot’s form and touchpoints. “At Schaeffler, we see collaboration as key to the strategic development of components and technologies […]

Secutech Vietnam opens in Ho Chi Minh City after three-year pandemic pause

Following Secutech in Taipei earlier this year, another influential trade fair for the security and fire safety industries is making its homecoming this week. Located in one of the most promising markets in South East Asia, Secutech Vietnam is preparing to open its doors from 18 – 20 August at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center with over 250 exhibitors participating. Pavilions from Japan and Singapore are leading a charge of international exhibitors from 15 countries and regions at the fair, with many of these brands presenting a new wave of safety innovations that have been inspired by the pandemic, including advanced biometrics and surveillance systems. Expectations for this week’s fair have been steadily rising over the past few months. In July, quarantine measures for international travellers to Vietnam were lifted, while in Q2, the country’s GDP grew at its fastest pace in 11 years as the manufacturing sector expanded. This potential is attracting many new entrants to the market. “This will be our first participation at Secutech Vietnam,” says Mr Ian Stewart, the Founder of Software Risk, an industry-leading provider of security guard management software. “Among all the Asian markets that we are interested in, Vietnam has one of the biggest potentials for growth in terms of infrastructure and the adoption of technology. We have set up a joint venture with local companies which have been in the market for more than five years to tap into the tremendous potential in the country, especially focusing on physical security and facility management operational software solutions.” Software Risk is joined at the fairground this week by more than 250 other exhibitors, all aiming to meet the likes of distributors, project owners and system integrators from the regional market. In anticipation of the opening day, Ms Regina Tsai, General Manager, Messe Frankfurt […]

Merck initiates first Quality Control and Compliance Monitoring Summit in Malaysia

Merck, a leading science and technology company, recently hosted the first Quality Control and Compliance Monitoring Summit in Malaysia that aimed to provide Quality Control (QC) professionals with the most updated regulations and techniques in the industry. The summit was also a platform to discuss challenges, as well as hands-on training to improve laboratory skills, trouble-shooting methods, and data analysis. Regulations, policies, and criteria related to QC undergo rapid changes as market sentiment and customer requirements evolve resulting in QC professionals often facing difficulties in getting up-to-date information. In support of QC professionals, the Life Science Business of Merck organised this first-of-its-kind summit, where regulatory agencies, market leaders and QC professionals came together to exchange information and tackle QC challenges. The two-day seminar and workshop attracted close to 300 participants from diverse industries including Food & Beverages, Agriculture, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology, Testing Lab, Academic institution and governmental agencies, Water & Wastewater Industry and Chemical Producers. In addition to having six prominent speakers covering topics ranging from laboratory accreditations and standard usage to market infographic and digitalization strategies, four experts from Department of Standards Malaysia (DOS), Merck Malaysia, Institute Chemistry of Malaysia (IKM) covered updates on regulatory and accreditations. Jessica Sawai Jues, Senior Assistant Director under the Policy and Research Section, Strategic Planning Division, Department of Standards Malaysia (DOS) underlined the importance of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) for effective operation in the domestic market and towards enabling access to foreign markets for Quality Control related industries. Her view was resoundingly echoed by Mark Mariba, Assistant Director under the Liaison Unit in Accreditation Division, Department of Standards Malaysia (DOS) who stated that local QC companies ought to embrace accreditation of conformity assessment bodies (CAB) based on the standards (ISO/IEC: 17025, 17021, 17065, 17020) to enhance the acceptance of products and services, […]

Atlas Copco to acquire Chinese manufacturer of liquid ring pumps and systems

Atlas Copco has agreed to acquire the assets of Shandong Bozhong Vacuum Technology Co., Ltd, a company that develops and manufactures liquid ring vacuum pumps and systems. Shandong Bozhong Vacuum Technology was founded in 2002 and is located in Zhangdian District, Zibo, Shandong province, China. In 2021, they had revenues of approximately 90 MCNY (120 MSEK*). The company has 116 employees, and a broad customer base in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries in China as well as globally. “Shandong Bozhong Vacuum Technology is an experienced manufacturing and machining company,” said Geert Follens, Business Area President Vacuum Technique. “This acquisition adds a company with good reputation for their high-quality standards and aligns with our local-for-local strategy.” The acquisition is expected to close in Q1, 2023. The purchase price is not disclosed. The acquired business will become part of the Industrial Vacuum Division within the Vacuum Technique Business Area.

Workplace security and training under the microscope at Secutech Vietnam’s Smart Security Conference

In Q2 of this year, Vietnam’s economic recovery kicked into high gear as GDP growth reached its fastest pace in 11 years. For the thousands of security industry players set to gather at this month’s Secutech Vietnam, this revival is welcome news. With different sectors of the economy including the manufacturing and services sectors expanding, so are the opportunities to implement more efficient security, fire safety and workforce management systems. From 18 – 20 August, exhibitors and seminar speakers will demonstrate how these solutions are not only becoming more advanced, but in many cases they are also becoming more affordable. Industrial output in Vietnam has risen for eight straight quarters to reach year-on-year growth of 11.5% in June 2022[1]. On the back of this data, it’s no surprise that solution providers are identifying new opportunities to implement their security products in factories, manufacturing facilities and for private security purposes across the country. Among more than 250 exhibitors participating at next month’s fair are Leacov and OneThird, two Singaporean based companies who will present their security training and management systems for large scale facilities. Discussing the prospects in the local market, the founder of both companies, Mr Simon Ng, says: “With a forecasted CAGR of 7.9% from 2020 through 2027, the private security market in Vietnam is poised to reach USD 1.3 billion by 2027. Rapid economic growth will fuel strong demands for high standard private security services and systems. Leacov and OneThird, who pride themselves on creating and providing niche and best of class solutions in workforce digitalisation and transformation, is excited to contribute and partake in this high growth explosive market.” Smart Security Conference provides the inside track on cloud and AI solutions The two companies will join representatives from nine other brands taking part in this year’s […]

Chai Kiam Soy and Hong Yeh Engineering Honored at Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2022 Malaysia

Enterprise Asia, the organiser of the 13th Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2022 Malaysia, is pleased to recognise 47 exceptional business leaders and enterprises that have played a vital role in shaping Malaysia’s entrepreneurial landscape for the post-pandemic era. Organised annually across 16 countries and markets, the APEA is the most reputable award recognition program recognizing entrepreneurial excellence across Asia. The Awards aim to congregate outstanding business leaders and enterprises across Asia into one unparalleled platform for fostering the continuity of sustainable entrepreneurial growth in Asian economies. Chai Kiam Soy, the Founder and Managing Director of Hong Yeh Engineering Sdn Bhd, was named Master Entrepreneur by the APEA. Chai commenced his career in the rubber glove dipping machine fabrication, installation, upgrading/ modification in 2005 and founded Hong Yeh Engineering Sdn Bhd in 2018. He has led the steady growth of the company’s sales turnover and attracted many passionate, talented, and creative people to join the team. Hong Yeh Engineering Sdn Bhd is also among the elite award recipients under the Fast Enterprise Category in the Engineering industry. Hong Yeh Engineering’s dynamic and experienced team of skilled workers had successfully handled and completed glove dipping machine projects worldwide. Currently, it has projects in Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Brazil, the Middle East, and African Countries. Hong Yeh Engineering strives to eventually become the leading Total Solution Provider in the Glove Dipping Line Manufacturing Industry. The company’s mission is to expand its business further and bring up the standard of glove dipping lines across the globe and consequently improve the quality and cost of gloves. It also aims to help glove manufacturer startups to realise their own vision of building up their production lines. Hong Yeh Engineering places immense importance on the upskilling and training of new […]

TradeWindow pushes into Thailand with new sales agency agreement

Auckland, NZ. TradeWindow, a leading Australasian TradeTech company, has further expanded its reach into Southeast Asia. The company has inked a sales agency agreement with Mastersoft Solution Co Ltd, which provides software solutions in the major cargo market of Thailand. Last month TradeWindow announced a similar agency agreement in the Philippines with InterCommerce Network Services Inc. TradeWindow CEO AJ Smith, says the agreement reflects the company’s ongoing strategy to forge deep connections in the extensive cargo eco-systems across Asia. “Thailand is an incredibly dynamic freight market with large consumer, manufacturing and primary industries sectors. In such a large and nuanced market, it’s important to have Thai-speaking people on-the-ground with expert market knowledge to ensure TradeWindow’s solutions are integrated into local and regional networks in the most relevant way,” Mr Smith said. Mastersoft Solution Co Ltd offers solutions that include freight management, factory and warehouse automation systems, eGovernment solutions, and HR and payroll systems. Mastersoft’s CEO, Apilak Waengwan, says that the agreement is a strategic move for the two companies, expanding TradeWindow’s reach into Southeast Asia and Mastersoft’s suite of product offerings to the Thai market. “This agreement is one with many benefits to both parties, and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with TradeWindow”, said Mr Waengwan. The business will become a sales agent for the TradeWindow Freight solution, which provides a cost-effective and reliable operating system for small to medium sized freight forwarders – from quotation to freight management and reporting. “Freight forwarders and their customers are under constant pressure, so we are passionate about supporting greater efficiency in the sector. This is another exciting step for TradeWindow, and we look forward to working with Mastersoft Solutions to support more efficient trade for their customers,” Mr Smith said. Thailand […]

FedEx Logistics moves into new office in Singapore

Facility provides supply chain solutions, customs brokerage, and trade management tools. FedEx Logistics, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and provider of integrated solutions that facilitate global trade, announced the move of its office in Singapore to the city-state’s Changi Business Park, in the latest expansion of its Asia, Middle East, and Africa (AMEA) worldwide network. “This move enables us to better serve our customers not just in the AMEA region but around the world,” said Patrick Moebel, President of FedEx Trade Networks. “Our local, regional, and global customers who trade with Singapore benefit from our global reach and the many integrated services and solutions offered by FedEx Logistics. We are continuing to deliver for our customers by helping them navigate global commerce with the guidance of local expertise.” The FedEx Logistics Singapore office expansion further elevates the company’s overall global portfolio, providing one-source, end-to-end logistics solutions and delivering best-in-class services. FedEx Logistics Singapore operates a robust suite of supply chain services including air freight, ocean freight, customs brokerage, air and ocean consolidation service, multimodal transportation services of sea/air, air/sea and truck/air, and cross-dock services. The company also operates as the air and ocean gateway with its road freight network for Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.

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