Smart Manufacturing

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 […]

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 […]

AbbVie Singapore Biologics Expansion ASIA MN

AbbVie expands biologics manufacturing capacity with $223m investment in Singapore manufacturing site

AbbVie and Singapore Economic Development Board officials participate in a groundbreaking ceremony on Jan. 25 for AbbVie’s $223 million expansion of its Singapore manufacturing site. Once completed, the new expansion will add new biologics manufacturing capacity to AbbVie’s global network and more than 100 new jobs in Singapore. AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) strengthened its manufacturing capabilities by breaking ground Thursday on a new US$223 million (S$301 million) expansion of its Singapore manufacturing facility. This new investment will add more than 100 jobs and new biologics manufacturing capacity to AbbVie’s global network. Located in Singapore’s Tuas Biomedical Park, AbbVie’s Singapore plant is a state-of-the-art small-molecule and biologics manufacturing facility serving markets worldwide. This new investment will add 24,000 litres of biologics drug-substance capacity to AbbVie’s global manufacturing network and support current products as well as emerging immunology and oncology compounds within AbbVie’s pipeline. “This expansion announcement represents one of AbbVie’s many investments in its Singapore-based operations and the proud continuation of our decade-long partnership with the Government of Singapore,” said Azita Saleki-Gerhardt, Ph.D., AbbVie Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer. “The expansion of our Singapore site will strengthen our global manufacturing capabilities, support our growing biologics pipeline and help AbbVie continue delivering on our patient commitments now and in the future.” With tHE announcement, AbbVie has invested more than US$740 million (S$1 billion) in acquiring, modernising and expanding its Singapore facility over the past 10 years. When fully operational, the expanded Singapore manufacturing facility – AbbVie’s only manufacturing site in Asia – will employ more than 500 people in manufacturing, quality assurance, supply chain, engineering and administration roles. “We are delighted that AbbVie has chosen to expand its biologics capacity in Singapore for current and future innovative medicines. We are grateful for AbbVie’s continued trust in the strength of Singapore’s […]

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 […]

eFrancisco Motors and HDEX announce partnership in the hydrogen sector

HDEX and eFrancisco Motor Corporation proudly unveil a transformative alliance that will reshape the hydrogen landscape. This strategic partnership will harmonise with the distinctive business goals of both entities, offering a dynamic framework that allows for growth and innovation. Expressing enthusiasm about this groundbreaking collaboration, Aron DuttaChairman of HDEX remarked, “This partnership marks a significant leap. We are confident that our combined strengths will propel us towards sustainable growth.” Elmer Francisco, CEO of eFrancisco Motor Corporation said, “We do not see hydrogen as an alternative fuel, rather, it is fuel of the future.” This partnership transcends traditional collaborations by embodying a mutual commitment between HDEX and eFrancisco Motor Corporation to openly exchange invaluable insights, cutting-edge research, and extensive industry expertise. Through a unified effort in pooling strengths, the shared objective is not only to reshape the paradigm of public transportation but also to set a new standard for environmentally conscious and efficient mobility solutions powered by hydrogen technology. About eFrancisco Motor Corporation eFrancisco Motor Corporation, established in 1947, is the original manufacturer of the iconic jeepneys in the Philippines. They participate in the Philippine government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernisation Program, which aims to replace all jeepneys and other Public Utility Vehicles that are at least 15 years old with more energy-efficient and environment-friendly alternatives. About HDEX HDEX is committed to advancing the possibilities within the evolving hydrogen market, offering a reliable platform for seamless trade and contributing to the sustainable future of energy. HDEX is a global company based in the United Kingdom.

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 […]

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