Smart Manufacturing

Unilever expands investments in the Philippines with Php4.8B plant in Cavite

British firm Unilever PLC, one of the world’s largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, has reaffirmed its belief in the Philippines as an attractive manufacturing hub by investing Php4.8 billion thru its Philippine subsidiary, Unilever Phils. Inc. (UPI) in putting up a new plant in Gateway Business Park, General Trias, Cavite. “We expressed to President Marcos our long-term commitment to sustainable and responsible growth in the country and we are optimistic that our new Php4.8 billion investment in a future-fit personal care factory in Cavite will contribute to the Philippine manufacturing sector’s competitiveness as we employ highly advanced technologies, with the potential to qualify the facility for the World Economic Forum’s ‘Advanced Fourth Industrial Revolution Lighthouse’,” said Benjie Yap, Unilever Philippines Chairman. Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments (BOI) Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo meanwhile said the manufacturing expansion plan of UPI further amplifies the company’s vision to be one of the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) that has retained its manufacturing base here in the Philippines while upgrading its manufacturing operations to become a world-class leader in the production of personal care products. “Unilever’s investment is in line with Philippines vision to be a hub for sustainable manufacturing products powered by renewable energy,” he said. Unilever’s expansion plan involves the manufacturing of personal care products which includes hair care and skin care products as well as deodorants. The BOI recently approved the plan with an annual capacity of 88,000 tons. It will employ up to 130 people. Commercial operations are expected to begin this December 2022 with the formal inauguration of the plant expected in the first quarter of 2023. The company, with global revenues of around US$60 billion annually, has recognized the need for comprehensive solutions to address plastic pollution in the country. As one of the leading consumer goods […]

Secutech Vietnam to relocate to Hanoi in July 2023

Secutech Vietnam is taking the opportunity to attract more fire safety and security industry players from the north of the country by moving to the Friendship Cultural Palace in Hanoi for its 2023 edition. Benefiting from strong official links with local authorities, the upcoming fair will cooperate with the Vietnam Fire Department and the Ministry of Public Security to celebrate the 61st Anniversary of the Traditional Day of the People’s Police Force during the three-day fair. Originally scheduled to take place in mid-August, the fair will now be held from 19 – 21 July 2023. “It’s important for us to hold Secutech Vietnam in a place that will benefit participants the most, and the temporary move will definitely maximise the business opportunities for both exhibitors and buyers particularly after the pandemic disruption,” explains Ms Regina Tsai, General Manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd – Taiwan Branch. “We are honoured that Secutech Vietnam is considered the perfect platform for the Ministry of Public Security to celebrate its most important event of the year. Their full support of the show will not only draw high-level government officials, but also attract a large number of overseas and local fire safety and security industry players.” Ms Tsai adds: “With plenty of ambitious construction projects in progress, Hanoi and its surrounding regions represent one of Vietnam’s biggest markets not just for fire safety equipment, but also for smart building and security solutions. The move will put exhibitors in closer proximity to this growing market.” Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the World Bank expects Vietnam’s final GDP growth figures for 2022 to reach an impressive 7.5%[1]. The government has emphasised foreign direct investment as a means to support different levels of the economy, including smart city development and advanced manufacturing. As a municipality administered by […]

20 MW Taungdaw Gwin build-own-operate solar plant opens in Myanmar

Myanmar’s latest solar energy plant, the 20 megawatt (MW) build-own-operate (BOO) Taungdaw Gwin project adds a new chapter to the country’s sustainability and electrification efforts. The 20-megawatt Taungdaw Gwin mega-scale solar PV project will contribute to Myanmar’s sustainability and electrification efforts. [Image: GPE] The project was developed by Green Power Energy Company Limited (GPE), a subsidiary of Gold Energy Company Limited (GE), a leading renewable energy developer in Myanmar. Taungdaw Gwin is the second mega-scale solar project to be completed by the GE group. Clean Power Energy Limited, another GE subsidiary, completed the 30 MW Thapyay Wa project in Mandalay district in December 2021. With the official opening of the Taungdaw Gwin project, GE’s solar energy capacity stands at 50 MW. GE also operates the 120 MW Thaukyegat (2) Hydropower Project (TYG), commissioned in 2013. Located on an 80.9-hectare site southeast of Kyaukse, Myit Thar Township, the Taungdaw Gwin project utilizes a solar tracking system so as to maximize photovoltaic (PV) energy captured by 45,980 solar panels. The project is expected to generate 25.1 MW of direct current or 22.9 MW of alternating current per year. The Taungdaw Gwin project began transmission to the National Grid on 17 November 2022. The energy output is directly linked to the Taungdaw Gwin substation and is connected to the national grid via a 69.6 km 33-kV transmission line built by GPE. In line with its commitment to give back to the community, the GPE team conducted an in-depth Environmental and Social Impact Assessment before construction. This enabled an understanding of the impact on nearby communities and the environment and helped to facilitate construction in a responsible and sustainable manner. Through engaging with local community leaders to understand the needs of the residents surrounding Taungdaw Gwin, the GPE team constructed and installed two […]

Applied Materials launches ‘Singapore 2030’

Applied Materials, Inc. has announced “Singapore 2030” – a multi-faceted plan to expand its operations in Singapore over the next eight years. The plan is targeted at strengthening the company’s global manufacturing and R&D capabilities, broadening technology ecosystem partnerships in Singapore and promoting local workforce development. “For the past 30 years, Singapore has been a strategic hub for Applied Materials, and we are excited to build on our success with new investments that will strengthen our ability to support the semiconductor industry on its path to becoming a US$1 trillion market by the end of the decade,” said Gary Dickerson, President and CEO of Applied Materials. “We look forward to working with the Government of Singapore and the vibrant technology ecosystem to create opportunities for mutual growth that will benefit the global semiconductor industry.” With the semiconductor industry entering a new wave of growth fueled by digital transformation of the economy, Applied has announced its intention to make multi-billion-dollar investments in its innovation infrastructure in the United States and to expand its global manufacturing capacity. As part of Singapore 2030, Applied Materials held a groundbreaking ceremony for an expansion of its regional hub in Singapore, which is home to Applied’s largest factory outside of the United States. This investment of hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars will strengthen the company’s ability to meet growing customer demand in the years ahead. In addition, the company will invest to bolster its R&D capabilities in Singapore with a focus on accelerating commercialization of new technologies and services that improve chip power, performance, area, cost and time-to-market (PPACt™). One example is the research collaboration between Applied and the Institute of Microelectronics (IME), a research institute of Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), focused on hybrid bonding and other emerging, 3D chip integration […]

Hoist & Winch elevates success of large construction project

Hoist & Winch Ltd has recently completed a challenging project for one of the UK’s biggest construction companies involved in large-scale new home development projects. Faced with a demanding and highly technical brief, Hoist & Winch rose to the task, providing a turnkey lifting system solution to ensure complete success for its client. The requirement was to install a concrete ceiling mounted 7.5t swl (safe working load) lifting beam and manual chain hoist into the basement energy room of a large new tower block. This development is part of a large-scale prestigious regeneration project providing 5500 sustainable new homes in North London. At the design stage, following formal tender and contract award, Hoist & Winch set about identifying the optimal solution. Due to restricted access into the basement area, the company decided to utilise a two-piece lifting beam design with an overall length of 7m. To join the two lifting beam sections, Hoist & Winch designed a central splice joint of bolted construction with a reinforced bottom beam flange. In order to spread the lifting loads over a greater area of the concrete ceiling slab it was decided to mount the lifting beam via four intermediate cross members, each having a four-bolt/anchor fix into the concrete ceiling at both ends. Featuring a robust bolted construction design it was possible to deliver the lifting beam to site in fully dismantled form for ease of transportation and access. M24 resin anchors with an embedment of 255 mm into the 400 mm deep reinforced concrete slab fixed the intermediate cross members directly to the ceiling for maximum security. For approval by engineers at the main contractor, Hoist & Winch submitted design drawings and calculations for the structural design of the lifting beam and loading of the resin-type ceiling anchors. With the design approved, […]

CNC technology leader opens second facility in China

CNC specialist NUM has opened a second branch in China, further consolidating its position within the country. As a leader in high-end CNC technology, NUM is represented in virtually every industrialised country in the world. In addition to its headquarters in Teufen, Switzerland, the company nowadays operates 13 strategically located facilities around the globe, together with an extensive network of representatives and customer support agencies. In China, NUM has until now operated a single facility, located in Shanghai. The addition of this second facility – based in Guangzhou in the south of the country – means that the company is significantly increasing its local presence in the area. The facility will provide customer-focused sales and application development, as well as enhanced customer support services. Guangzhou is the capital and largest city of Guangdong province, situated about 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Hong Kong. The region features a large number of private companies involved in the construction of special machines, representing a potentially large market for the type of tailor-made technical control solutions offered by NUM. “With the facility in Guangzhou, we can now respond much faster to customer inquiries and further expand our market presence. We have been represented in China, Taiwan and India for many years and this step now further strengthens our position”, says General Manager China, Mr. Longwei Jiang. The Guangzhou facility will be managed by Mr. Guobing Lu. CSO Asia, Mr. Adrian Kiener and General Manager China, Mr. Longwei Jiang built up the branch in the south of China. The office premises are located in the Huangpu District, a business area with a modern office complex. “By opening the Guangzhou office, we are leveraging our growth potential. At the same time, the Chinese team expands our competencies in sales, service and after-sales support,” adds Mr. […]

Asia Manufacturing News – top technology website recognised

The JEZ Media www.jezmedia.net media platform www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com has been recognised as one of the top information providers of manufacturing, business and technology information by Feedspot, coming 51st in a worldwide total listing of 70 such publishers. We have noticed a real surge in interest over the last two years, due to information required for business realignment and future development as a result of Covid 19. The changing face of products and services, for Industry 4.0, The Circular Economy, Supply Chain, Renewable Energy, and amongst others, Cyber Security are part of this picture. Asia is a major focus for us, as a large proportion of world business and development continues to occur through technology and growth in all Asian economies. As we share stories of success – from China to India and further -our networks continue to grow for a future full of ingenuity, creativity and blue skies in all Asian countries. If your company has a story to tell, please get in touch. -Doug Green, Publisher

Five ways Asia manufacturers can mitigate the hit of inflation

-Oliver Stein, Director, South East Asia, JAGGAER Inflation recently hit its highest level in decades, and this is having a major impact on manufacturers. Many parts of Asia are also feeling the strain, however the inflation spike in Asia should be transitory, with lesser risks towards tightening measures compared to Western economies. Inflationary pressures in developing Asia are expected to remain less severe compared to that in global peers. Asia has become a global manufacturing hub with Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam receiving 80% of new foreign direct investment inflows in 2019. Inflationary pressures moderating in Asia is a mixed blessing, as a recession may be on the horizon. This will cut margins on end products, especially in the CPG sector, without necessarily reducing input costs. How will businesses cope? Ain’t no revenue when direct supply’s gone Supply chains, already severely disrupted by a series of shocks, starting from the pandemic and now the war in Ukraine, face continued turmoil as sanctions bite and key supply sources are cut off. Companies are faced with severe inflationary risks, putting pressure on their margins. Apart from supply chain disruptions they face increasing regulatory pressures and societal expectations to follow sustainable best practices. Organisations are beginning to look more and more into how they manage responsiveness and resiliency in a time of uncertainty. For most manufacturers in Asia that also means increased tracking of sub-tier vendors where previously there was little visibility. The rising cost of direct materials is a constant challenge to bottom line results across all manufacturing and process industry sectors. Accounting for 20-80% of the cost of finished goods, the prices paid for materials and components that make up the final product that is sold to the end user are beyond the immediate control of the manufacturer. Yet manufacturers have a responsibility to customers, shareholders, […]

FPT Software opens office in Thailand

FPT Software, Vietnam’s leading IT solutions provider, has recently announced the opening of a new office in Bangkok, Thailand. This branch, targeting the top 30 IT companies in Thailand, assists FPT Software’s strategic move to expand its global footprint. FPT Software’s representatives and distinguished guests at the Appreciation Dinner on November 22 The inauguration was attended by the Ambassador of the S.R. of Vietnam to Thailand, H.E. Phan Chi Thanh, KBTG Chairman Voranuch Dejakaisaya, KBTG Vice Chairman Jarung Kiatsuphapong, Unilever IT SEA Regional Head Piyawan Triyanant, FPT Software’s CHRO Nguyen Tuan Minh, FPT Software’s SVP Nguyen Hoang Trung, FPT Greater Bay Indochina (FPT GBI – a subsidiary of FPT Software) CEO Levi Nguyen, and other distinguished guests. Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of the S.R. of Vietnam to Thailand, H.E. Phan Chi Thanh, emphasized the comprehensive cooperation between Thailand and Vietnam, especially in digital economy. The Ambassador also believes that with FPT Software’s IT capabilities, the company can contribute to strengthening this relationship and accelerating digital transformation. The Bangkok branch is expected to address the increasing demand for digital transformation in Thailand. “We aim to grow our local workforce to 500 high-quality IT engineers in the next three years and accompany Thai companies from various industries, including Retail, BFSI, Manufacturing, and more.”, FPT GBI CEO, Levi Nguyen pledged. According to FPT GBI CEO, the new office could allow FPT Software to work closer with the leading enterprises in Thailand in digital transformation projects. “Our company’s philosophy is staying close to the clients. So, this office will allow us to serve them faster and more effectively”, Levi said. “It also demonstrates our company’s strong capabilities and resources in digital platforms like KBank’s Make and AIA’s Alive & Vitality, as well as other technologies such as Cloud, Data, Artificial Intelligence, and […]

MHI and EGAT cooperate on clean power generation in Thailand

TOKYO – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Thailand’s largest power producer Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to study and exchange information relating to clean power generation, hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies in support of the nation’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Thidade Eiamsai (Deputy Governor of Power Plant Development and Renewable Energy/EGAT) (2nd from left) and Ryo Takubo (President and Managing Director/Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Thailand)) (3rd from left) at signing ceremony Set to take place over the next three years, MHI, along with Mitsubishi Power, its power solutions brand, will exchange experiences and information on the specified areas with EGAT. This could also involve an exchange of engineers to share experiences and technical know-how on advancing cleaner power generation in Thailand. Mr. Ryo Takubo, President and Managing Director of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Thailand), expressed his confidence in the partnership: “MHI Group has played an instrumental role in Thailand’s vibrant energy growth story for more than five decades. Looking ahead, we will continue to contribute our capabilities around world-class gas turbines, which are being developed to co-fire cleaner fuels like hydrogen and ammonia, and CCUS technologies that are critical to lowering emissions. It is an honor to partner with EGAT to bring together our learnings and deep experience to unlock more opportunities and accelerate Thailand’s decarbonization.” Mr. Thidade Eiamsai, Deputy Governor of Power Plant Development and Renewable Energy, EGAT, reaffirmed the significance of the collaboration: “We’ve built a trusted relationship with Mitsubishi Power over the last few decades, and believe that this agreement will combine both our technological expertise and understanding of local needs to facilitate Thailand’s energy transition in accordance with the National Energy Plan. We are grateful for Mitsubishi Power’s collaboration and are excited to […]

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