Manufacturing Technology

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 […]

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 […]

Seven Companies Announce to Conduct Engineering Design Work for Japanese Advanced CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) Project

ITOCHU Corporation, Nippon Steel Corporation, Taiheiyo Cement Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., INPEX CORPORATION, Taisei Corporation, and ITOCHU Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. have been selected by the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (hereinafter “JOGMEC”) to conduct “Engineering Design Work for Japanese Advanced CCS Projects” (hereinafter “Work”), a public offered project.(1) CCS is positioned as a means for decarbonisation that should be fully harnessed, particularly in hard-to-abate industries(Note2), to achieve two targets set by the Japanese government: carbon neutrality in 2050 and a 46% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (from FY2013 level) in FY2030. To expedite social implementation of CCS, JOGMEC issued a public call for advanced CCS projects in 2023 with the goal of achieving the successful underground storage of domestically-emitted carbon dioxide (CO2) by FY2030. And the Initiative was selected as one of the first advanced CCS projects in Japan to be eligible for governmental support. The Initiative involves the concept of using ships to transport CO2 separated and captured at the Nippon Steel’s Kyushu Works Oita Area and the Kawasaki Plant of DC CO., Ltd., a Taiheiyo Cement Group company, to candidate storage sites. In FY2023, a feasibility study was conducted relating to the CO2 separation, capture, transportation and storage, which included identifying technical issues in the overall project as well as studies on economic viability and public acceptance.(3) The Work selected this time includes Front End Engineering Design (FEED) work relating to the separation, capture, ship transportation and storage of CO2 and appraisal drilling, as the next phase of the project.(4) Based on the results of the feasibility study mentioned above, basic engineering design work will be carried out from the perspectives of both technical and economic viability for each element of the value chain with the goal of starting operations by FY2030. The seven […]

Partnership addresses clean energy ecosystem

Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), a global semiconductor leader, and VinFast, a leading Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer will partner to advance Battery Management System (BMS) solutions for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Energy Storage System (ESS). The joint efforts aim to address key challenges faced by the clean energy ecosystem by driving solutions that help improve battery efficiency and lifetime performance, EV range, and charging times. ADI is at the forefront of enabling the next wave of EVs, boasting a leading position in the automotive BMS market by working with 16 of the top 20 global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM)s. ADI also previously introduced the industry’s first wireless Battery Management Systems (wBMS), which eliminates wiring harness and enables scaling of EV fleets via robotic manufacturing and allows flexible and lighter battery packs design. Beyond this, ADI is driving innovation across electric powertrains, immersive cabin experiences and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). ADI’s central position is in the clean energy ecosystem, encompassing renewable generation, energy storage, transmission and distribution, and electrified mobility. This unique positioning gives the company a unique perspective into the challenges and opportunities involved in the transition to clean energy. Vietnam’s emergence as a significant semiconductor production hubmarks a pivotal moment in the country’s technological evolution. The Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association forecasts that the country will reach 1 million EVs by 2028 and 3.5 million by 2040 demonstrating a substantial shift towards electric mobility in the region. In its capacity as Vietnam’s leading EV manufacturer with global aspirations, VinFast stands to leverage its expertise and industry insights to enhance strategic initiatives within the Vietnamese automotive market. Meanwhile, ADI extends access to the latest BMS solutions, signalling a collaborative effort aiming at driving advancements within Southeast Asia’s EV ecosystem. This push toward electric mobility not only aligns with global trends […]

Korea Metaverse Industry Association enters MOU with Pixotope for XR solutions

The Korea Metaverse Industry Association (K-META), chaired by Shin Soojung, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Pixotope Technologies aiming to introduce advanced technologies and nurture experts in the metaverse and the virtual production industries. Pixotope is a global company leading innovation in the metaverse and media entertainment industries as the developer of XR solutions including virtual production, which is a core technology of the metaverse. (l-r) Mr Choi Yongki, Vice-Chairman of K-META and Mr Andrew Tan, Vice President APAC Sales for Pixotope Technologies signing the MOU. K-META and Pixotope signed the MOU having recognised the need for nurturing experts, global content competitiveness and the metaverse industry’s ecosystem establishment. As a result of this MOU, K-META and Pixotope will engage in various activities the metaverse industry has a requirement for such as the joint development of expert training courses, education programs based on both parties’ infrastructure and program handling for the exchange of XR advanced technology. Vice Chairman of K-META Choi Yongki explained, “Through this MOU, we will continuously build a cooperation model with Pixotope as well as nurturing experts who will meet key demands of the metaverse and virtual production industries.” Vice President of Pixotope APAC Andrew Tan added, “With this MOU agreement signed and in effect both K-META and Pixotope will work closely together to cultivate the global talent who will lead the next-generation virtual production industry, particularly in Korea. I look forward to our journey together in this collaboration.” Dedication. Determination. Trust. Pixotope is at the forefront of democratising virtual production and empowering content creators with accessible solutions for boundary-pushing immersive storytelling. Having been proven on the most demanding live productions in the world, Pixotope offers media content owners and producers a reliable and sustainable Virtual Production Platform on which to build their media business. […]

Lödige Industries provides HK Electric with an automated storage system for cable drums

Lödige Industries, a leading global supplier of logistics systems, has recently completed the installation of an automated storage and retrieval system at The Hongkong Electric Co., Ltd. (HK Electric)’s Electric Tower in Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong Island. The system incorporates an elevating transfer vehicle (ETV) to efficiently handle heavy cable drums and transformers. This innovative solution not only maximises warehouse space utilisation and enhances safety, but it also improves material handling efficiency and streamlines inventory management processes. With the ability to control, retrieve, and monitor cable drum storage, the system provides a solid foundation for future expansion and evolution of the company. Lighting up homes and businesses of Hong Kong since 1890, HK Electric has a long record of providing a safe and highly reliable electricity supply at a reasonable price to customers on Hong Kong and Lamma islands. Remarkably, the electricity supply rating of HK Electric has been maintained at higher than 99.999% since 1997, a record that excels many top cities in the world. This outstanding accomplishment places the company among the world’s leading performers in this regard. To consistently deliver such stable and dependable services, the implementation of modern storage systems that align with the ever-evolving demands of the industry is imperative. As the available storage area of 800 m² is not extendable, a multi-storey solution was required to meet the growing demand. At the same time, the cable drums, weighing in at 5.3 tons each are susceptible to damage if stored incorrectly. Retrieval and stock tracking posed an additional challenge. The new fully automated 4-level system serviced by an ETV enables the customer to store significantly more stock on the same footprint in a safe and damage-free manner. Up to 293 storage positions can now be managed in the warehouse. The customised system is comprised […]

TKE Zhongshan Solar System

TK Elevator has achieved another significant ESG milestone in the Asia Pacific region with the installation of a large-scale solar panel system on the rooftop of their manufacturing facility in Zhongshan, China. Operational since November 2022, this solar energy system comprises 5,834 panels, generating a total of 3,200 MWh of electricity annually. This translates to a reduction of 2,008 tons of carbon emissions per year. As of February 2023, energy generated by the system supplied over 40% of the facility’s total monthly energy consumption, effectively lowering the carbon footprint of our escalator and elevator production in the Asia Pacific region. TK Elevator’s commitment to reducing its production carbon footprint continues with the planned introduction of a solar energy system at its Songjiang manufacturing facility in China in September 2024. At its initial stage, this system is expected to generate 1,792 MWh per year, accounting for approximately 30% of our Songjiang facility’s total energy consumption. The company is dedicated to continuously improving its environmental performance, and strives to minimise the carbon emissions associated with each TKE mobility unit, enabling our customers and passengers to enjoy safe, reliable, and sustainable mobility options.

Hexagon machine training system help manufacturers bridge skills gaps

New training technology now available globally from Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division leverages the power of its digital twins to help manufacturers train machinists and metrology specialists to use valuable shop-floor equipment. By combining hardware that realistically replicates machines with manufacturing simulation and operator’s software tools, it helps trainees gain practical experience without risking damage to expensive business-critical equipment, wasting materials, or tying up valuable production resources. HxGN Machine Trainer was developed by Hexagon to help companies and educational institutions attract and train the next generation of machine workers – something that is vitally important with the industry facing a skills and labour shortage. In the US, for example, job openings are hovering near all-time highs at 800,000 with 55% of roles unfilled 1, while almost three in 10 manufacturing firms in Europe reported production constraints in the second quarter of 2022 due to a lack of workers 2. The skills shortage is compounded by the fact that training people to use CNC machines, and similar tools, is expensive, slow and potentially dangerous. By training machine operators using an accurate and interactive physical simulator, manufacturers can onboard and upskill their staff faster and more cost effectively than ever before. Hexagon’s new hardware simulator bridges the manufacturing skills gap by making it easier to prepare inexperienced staff for the demands of the factory. It is versatile because a digital twin can be created for the specific machine brand, type and configuration they will use. Once trained, workers can easily move from HxGN Machine Trainer to real machines, because the simulator is designed to be as realistic as possible – with hardware that replicates the look and feel of a real machine and a 43-inch screen that displays accurate simulations of a large variety of machine and cutting tools. A light tower, physical […]

Mr Kiyo Uemura, Area Vice President of IAR in APAC ASIA MN

IAR appoints SH Consulting as a distributor to support the growing automotive industry in Vietnam

IAR, the world leader in software and services for embedded development, is pleased to announce that it has appointed SH Consulting as the official distributor of the company in Vietnam. This partnership will allow the two companies to provide software development tools and services to the growing automotive industry in Vietnam. Vietnam is a growing market in the automotive industry, with companies such as VinFast, Thaco, Hyundai Thanh Cong, Toyota Vietnam, Honda Vietnam, and Ford Vietnam making significant strides. In the picture: Kiyo Uemura, vice president of IAR in APAC. As the industry rapidly grows and evolves, it is essential to have the right technology and expertise to keep pace with the competition. IAR’s software development tools are essential for developers in this market who require mission-critical software that is highly reliable, safe, and secure and needs to meet strict industry standards for quality and safety. Southeast Asia, a region of over 675 million in population, is witnessing an overall economic growth rate higher than the global average, becoming one of the major driving forces of world economic development. Revenue in the Southeast Asian Automotive IoT market is projected to reach US$21.26bn in 2023 and is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2023-2028) of 18.22%, resulting in a market volume of US$49.10bn by 2028. Based on a recent report, just the Southeast Asian Automobile Market itself is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 20.5% or 1.96 million units, comparing 2022 to 2031. With IAR’s language tools, developers can create robust and reliable software for embedded systems, ensuring that the software meets the strict safety and quality standards required for automotive applications. These tools can help streamline the development process while improving the overall reliability and safety of the software. “We are thrilled to be partnering with IAR […]

Penn Color opens its first production plant in Thailand

New facility serves growing APAC region demand, and complements Penn Color’s Technology Center in Singapore opened in January. Rayong, Thailand – Penn Color, Inc. has taken a significant step in expanding its manufacturing capabilities with the opening of a world-class facility in the Pluak Daeng Subdistrict, Rayong Province, Thailand. Situated in the heart of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and located near major industrial areas and the largest ports in Thailand, this new factory allows Penn Color to supply high-quality colorant and additive masterbatches to markets throughout the Asia-Pacific region. “This state-of-the-art facility has been planned with remarkable levels of flexibility to meet the most demanding technical and quality requirements, for packaging, consumer goods, building products and transportation. We bring here decades of experience and our most advanced manufacturing techniques,” says Scott Stamback, VP Sales EMEA & Asia. Specifically designed to allow for future expansion to meet the increasing demand in the APAC region and beyond, one of the most outstanding features of this facility is that it uses the most recent technology for energy efficiency of its primary equipment, including a major portion being powered by solar-generated electricity. “The team has managed to deliver on time despite having to navigate the challenging waters of the pandemic during the early stages of this project,” concludes Stamback. With the country’s strong customer base, availability of raw materials, industry expertise, and highly skilled workforce, Thailand is the ideal location to establish a manufacturing presence as the company further strengthens its footprint in Asia. Additionally, Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) is promoting policies that aim to advance the country’s development toward an Industry 4.0 standard, using modern technology and infrastructure to operate at the highest level of efficiency. Penn Color is excited to be a part of this progression and is confident that […]

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