Developments

China Centre of Excellence for manufacturers

A China based Centre of Excellence has been established by GXS Partners and Future Materials Group (FMG) to support companies in the new materials and advanced manufacturing industries with innovative consulting and advisory services in the Greater China market. The partnership combines GXS Partners’ extensive management consulting experience and Greater China insight with FMG’s deep technical knowledge and commercial market experience. The Centre will provide a variety of services, including market research and competitive analysis; technology assessment; growth strategies; buy- and sell-side M&A strategies and transformation

Platform secures seed funding to accelerate the digitalisation of Singapore’s F&B businesses

Backed by over half a million, OrderEZ uses real-time data and platform integrations to digitise business processes and propel revenue generation for Singapore’s recovering F&B sector OrderEZ, a new end-to-end business management platform for F&B suppliers and venues, has announced over S$500,000 in seed-funding to consolidate its operations in Singapore and expand it’s solution to Australia and New Zealand. The home-grown start-up attributes the round’s swift closing to the pressing need for affordable digital solutions in the F&B sector that can help more businesses remain lean yet profitable amidst current conditions. OrderEZ will also use the funding to further develop its enterprise offering as the industry’s demand for scalable cloud-based solutions continues to rise. To this day, the food & beverage (F&B) distribution industry continues to rely heavily on manual efforts and data entry to manage sales processes and fulfill orders. With first hand experience of these pain points, industry veterans Andrew Creswick and Jeffrey Meese co-founded OrderEZ to not only digitise and automate but centralise critical business processes at affordable subscription rates. The platform’s key services include: A custom built sales management system that allows sales reps and leadership to track sales activities, deal pipelines and return on investments (ROI) in real time. Simplified inventory management, automated order tracking and a driver app to capture delivery data. Real-time and cumulative reporting tools that equip salespersons with data-led insights to improve customer and brand relationships. Strategic integrations with XERO and Quickbooks for seamless accounting and invoicing. “Having spent a combined 20 years in the industry, Andrew and I created OrderEZ to address the chronic pain points we witnessed first hand, while keeping it simple enough to be both easily accessible and scalable for businesses of all sizes. With our recent funding, our immediate goal is to expand our presence in Singapore […]

Order received for Philippines/29MW Binary Power Generation Project at EDC’s Palayan Geothermal Power Plant

♦ Power to be generated making effective use of brine from existing flash type geothermal power plant, previously discharged, as heat source ♦ 29MW carbon neutral power will contribute to regional environmental and economic sustainability ♦ CO2 reduction project to be implemented as Financing Programme for JCM Model Projects in FY2020 Turboden S.p.A., a Group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) based in Lombardy, Italy, and Mitsubishi Power, Ltd. have jointly received an order for 29-megawatt (MW) binary cycle power generation equipment to be installed at the geothermal power plant operated in Palayan, in the southeastern sector of Luzon Island in the Philippines, by Energy Development Corporation (EDC), a local company which boasts of being the world’s largest vertically integrated geothermal company. Turboden will provide the complete power generation system, and Mitsubishi Power will provide support through its local resources. The order calls for project completion and operation startup by the end of 2022. The power generation system will add new binary cycle geothermal power equipment, whose key component is the company’s proprietary 29MW ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) system*, to the existing 120MW flash type geothermal power plant owned and operated by Bac-Man Geothermal Inc. (BGI), an EDC power subsidiary. The new system will generate power making effective use of brine, which until now has merely been returned to a reinjection well. By replacing power in the power grid now derived from fossil fuels, etc., the new installation will enable reduction of CO2 emissions derived from steam power. This project has been selected as a project for the Financing Programme for Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) Model Projects in FY2020 administered by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and its execution body, the Global Environment Centre Foundation (GEC). In addition to helping to curb CO2 emissions in the Philippines, the project […]

Matrix 320 reader empowers traceability for automation and logistics

Datalogic is introducing to SE Asia, Australia and New Zealand, its Matrix 320 2MP image reader to empower traceability applications in intralogistics, distribution, 3PL, retail logistics and shop floor environments. The new Matrix 320 reader offers outstanding scanning performance to achieve higher productivity and an optimised price-to-performance ratio with its advanced 2MP sensor (1920×1080 pixels with a 16:9 form factor), achieving an extra-large Field of View (FOV) on the horizontal axis that competes against 3MP readers. The new reader is ideally suited to factory automation and manufacturing applications, including automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, electronics, general manufacturing, retail and more, says Datalogic. Matrix 320 is complemented by Datalogic’s Matrix 120 and Matrix 220, further establishing the company’s world leadership in stationary industrial scanners. The reader provides the highest market application flexibility due to its modular design and a reduced number of models with a complete portfolio of lenses, lightings, filters and accessories. The new innovative 2MP sensor’s 16:9 form factor allows the Matrix 320 to cover the same horizontal field of view that typically requires a pricier 3MP sensor. This means end users and machine builders can achieve the same top scanning performance, with a lower cost solution. The powerful dual core platform, together with the HDR and the hardware acceleration capability, provide top reading performance, even in high speed applications, as well as the best reading rate of both label and DPM [Direct Part Marking] targets. The reader offers full industrial connectivity and rotating connectors on top for ease of installation in every industrial environment. The reader’s new configurable 360-degree multi-colour read feedback, coupled with green/red spot technology, provides outstanding visual feedback that will simplify the installation and maintenance, with reduced time and cost. A new web diagnostic suite and high-performance image saving capability provide information to improve the […]

i4L cost-saving Scara robot

Omron’s new i4L Scara robot sets a new bar in the light duty Scara market, bringing strong performance at the most competitive price. This compact next generation robot delivers quality along with scalability, preventative maintenance, and integration flexibility well above its class. The i4L Scara robot is capable of high speed, high-precision motion with payloads up to 5kg. The i4L offers simple integration with compact design, easy wall or table mounting and unique Ethernet or EtherCAT connectivity in the base. You can maximise uptime by means of interactive maintenance alarms and an RGB dome light. A status light helps to diagnose problems faster and more efficiently, maximising value in every stage of the product lifecycle. It is ideal for high-speed repeatable applications and comes with three options of working envelope with reaches of 350, 450 and 550mm. The i4L Scara robot gives users competitive performance and reliability at an affordable price. Fast-paced manufacturing environments require speed and flexibility. this robot provides the ideal solution. The robot can help manufacturers address labour shortage challenges and manage workplace risks associated with Covid-19. Key benefits include: Simple integration: the i4L offers simple integration with a compact design and footprint. Horizontal (table mount) or vertical (wall mount) installation is possible without additional adapters or brackets. Cable connections can be arranged so that they exit through or are parallel to the mounting surface. Maximum uptime: the i4L helps maximise uptime thanks to faster problem diagnosis. Its unique and highly visible multi-coloured LED light dome enables predictive maintenance and gives convenient indication of the robot status. Performance: the i4L offers high-end inertia and repeatability for a light duty SCARA robot, providing all the performance necessary. Reduce set up complexity and programming time thanks to simple integration and synchronisation when deploying multiple robots. Productivity: OMRON has taken […]

Engineering innovators join forces to bid for major nuclear projects

An engineering business with a global reputation for manufacturing innovative measurement products for a range of industries around the world is expanding its services in the nuclear sector. McMenon Engineering Services manufactures flow and temperature measurement instrumentation for customers in more than 60 countries, including China and the Far East, North and South America, Europe, India, the Middle East, South Africa and Australia. McMenon, which acquired its Workington-based engineering and manufacturing business from global power and automation technology group ABB, successfully operates across a diverse range of industries with major success including in energy, water, renewables and process industries. McMenon, based in the UK at a 10,000-square-metre site at Workington, Cumbria, is applying its skills and experience to increase its footprint in the nuclear industry. The pioneering company, which has been heralded for its dynamic leadership in exports, is also looking to do more business in its home North-West region, including for Sellafield in Cumbria. To achieve its expansion ambitions McMenon, which was recently praised in the House of Commons by Workington MP Mark Jenkinson, has announced it has formed a collaborative partnership with fellow SME TIS Cumbria Ltd which itself has 25 years of experience in the nuclear sector. Together McMenon and TIS will have the scale, capacity and capability to compete for, and deliver, multi-million pound projects in the UK nuclear sector. Anand Puthran, CEO of McMenon, said: “For McMenon to expand in the nuclear industry sector is an exciting next stage of our growth plans. “We have a 73-year heritage of engineering and manufacturing with exports to more than 60 countries around the world. “McMenon also invests substantially in developing the local supply chain and TIS has been a trusted supply partner for the business. It feels natural to extend the existing relationship towards jointly handling larger […]

Street smarts – How composite materials are driving the smart city movement

Singapore is often hailed as the world’s premier smart city. With a 99 per cent connectivity rate, robo-taxis and huge network of sensors providing a large pool of data for analysis, it is easy to see why the island is at the forefront of the smart city movement. But as urban areas across the globe get smarter, how will infrastructure support their progression? Here Robert Glass, Head of Marketing at global composite technology company Exel Composites, explains how composite materials are helping to drive the smart cities movement. Just two per cent of people lived in cities around the world in 1800. By 2050, the United Nations predicts that 68 per cent of the world’s population will be urbanised. Escalating numbers of urban residents is already increasing the strain on public services, infrastructure and resources. Housing shortages, traffic congestion and overcrowded transport are all side-effects of having too many people in one place. To tackle rising urban populations and provide enhanced standards of living, countries across the world are turning to technology. On the rise A smart city uses a variety of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to collect data and manage assets. This data is produced from our devices and infrastructure and is used to control assets such as traffic, transportation systems, water supply networks, waste management and community resources. As a “system of systems”, value is given to a smart city by what it chooses to do with the technology, not just how much data the city has. If we think of our cities growing, they’re going to need to get taller. Rising buildings are going to require highly efficient elevators in order to transport people to their homes and offices, and will require more precise co-ordination. A network of data and analysis systems could […]

Dormer Pramet completes acquisition of Miranda Tools

Dormer Pramet has completed the previously announced acquisition of Miranda Tools, a manufacturer of High-Speed Steel (HSS) cutting tools in India. With a corporate base in Mumbai and several manufacturing facilities in the state of Gujarat, Miranda is one of the leading domestic brands of drills, taps, milling cutters, tool bits and saws. Following six months of activity to finalise the acquisition, more than 580 employees will now become part of Dormer Pramet, a global manufacturer of cutting tools. It enhances the company’s existing production capabilities in Brazil, Czech Republic and the USA. Also, the deal strengthens Dormer Pramet’s round tools offer for the general engineering, automotive component manufacturing and MRO industries in India and around the world. An inauguration ceremony took place at the main Miranda production unit in Ankleshwar on December 23, marking the first day since the acquisition from the Ashok Piramal Group. Angala Srinivasan was introduced as the new production unit manager, responsible for all Miranda Tools manufacturing facilities. Gautam Ahuja, managing director of Dormer Pramet India, was also presented to employees, along with several key representatives. Meanwhile, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on international travel, Stefan Steenstrup, Dormer Pramet president provided a welcome address via video link. Stefan said: “We are delighted to complete the acquisition of Miranda Tools and have them as part of our global team. We look forward to an exciting journey together. I would like to thank the previous owners, Ashok Piramal Group, for their support and dedication in finalizing the deal. “This year is the 75th anniversary of Miranda Tools, a business which has always been at the forefront of industrial developments in India. It is therefore fitting that in this milestone year the brand returns to its metalworking heritage by becoming part of Dormer […]

BYD Wins largest pure-electric bus order outside of China

BYD has exclusively won cumulative orders to supply 1,002-unit pure-electric buses to the capital of Colombia, Bogota. This tender was open to all bus technologies, yet BYD won the trust and cooperation of its partners in the fiercely competitive bidding process thanks to its cutting-edge technologies, products and services. This is the largest order for pure-electric buses outside of China to date, which sets a new record in sales volume for the overseas pure-electric bus industry. Bogota City Public Transport Authority (TRANSMILENIO S.A.) launched a public commercial tender covering diesel, CNG and electric technologies for 1,295 buses in August. Three of BYD’s global strategic partners finally adopted BYD’s integrated electric bus solutions for their bids and successfully won the tender, totally 1,002 pure electric buses. BYD will partner with local bus manufacturers Superpolo and BUSSCAR respectively on the bus body parts. This batch of buses is scheduled to be delivered during 2021 and into the first half of 2022, and will be put into operation on 34 bus routes across five regions of the capital, providing residents along the routes with quiet, safe and emissions-free travel services. With highly-recognised technology, products and services, this ‘thousand-unit’ order opens up a new era In this competition covering all bus technologies, BYD, relying on its strong capability with core strengths, has won exclusive orders for 1,002 pure electric buses, fully demonstrating the market’s high recognition and trust in BYD’s technology, products and services. So far, BYD has won 1,472 orders for pure electric buses in the Colombian capital. According to TRANSMILENIO S.A., these buses will reduce 83,433 tons of carbon dioxide and 9.63 tons of particle emissions per year compared to diesel buses meeting fifth-generation European emission standards over the 15-year concession period, which will greatly improve local air quality and enhance Colombia’s […]

Report: “From the Rice Paddy to the Industrial Park” in Myanmar

Working conditions in Myanmar’s labour market faced decades of neglect under authoritarian governments, contributing to a laissez-faire system where employers unilaterally set the terms of employment for their workers and labour rights were neither adequately established under law or respected in practice. At the same time, underdevelopment caused by isolation from the international community and a regime of strict economic sanctions meant that there were insufficient decent job opportunities available. This Report Discussion is now over. However, the report can be read at the above address. Since a wide-ranging political and economic liberalization process was initiated in 2010, intensive efforts at reforming Myanmar’s outdated, contradictory and vague labour legislation were made. Among the key changes were the introduction of a minimum wage, legalisation of labour organisations, establishment of processes for dispute resolution, adopting higher standards for occupational safety and health and expansion of coverage by social security. However, government and private sector sensitivities about research related to working conditions meant that few rigorous large-scale studies were undertaken to determine the impact of the legislative changes on workers themselves. Ten years after the reforms began, the Livelihoods and Food Security Fund conducted a survey of more than 2,400 workers to help fill the knowledge gap by assessing how effective the improved labour governance framework has been in ensuring decent working conditions. In particular, it represents the first major study of the prevalence of forced labour in Myanmar since 2015. The report was launched in August 2020 and research was conducted mostly before the coup, but in the discussion speakers will also reflect on the present conditions. The actions of the Tatmadaw now suggest a return to more openly exploitative employment practices and suppression of worker organizing. Indications are that the return to military rule has already begun to roll back many […]

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