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Exiting China not easy for Japanese companies

In the wake of the supply chain disruptions due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Japan has earmarked over US$2bn to encourage its companies under FY2020 Primary Supplementary Budget to move operations out of China and relocate production bases across a number of countries, including those of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, completely decoupling from China is not going to be easy for Japanese companies, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in severe supply chain disruptions in early 2020 for Japanese companies. For instance, Nissan had to temporarily stop production at one of its domestic plants because of the delay in parts supply from China. The new national security law of Hong Kong passed by China in June 2020 coupled with recent territorial disputes in the South China Sea has reignited the demand in Japan for the country’s companies to lower dependency in China. As a result, Japan is concerned as more than 1,400 Japanese companies operate out of Hong Kong. The city accounts for about 2.5% of Japan’s total trade in 2019, making it one of top 10 trading partners. Japan is also closely monitoring the China-United States trade war, as possible higher import tariffs from their Chinese production units into US could also exert pressure on Japanese companies to shift production base. Gracio Benher, Practice Head at GlobalData, comments: “Even before the current geopolitical stand-off between China and Japan, some Japanese companies in China have been mulling about cutting down their Chinese presence, following the increased labor costs and unfavorable exchange rate between Japanese Yen and Chinese Yuan.” For Japanese companies, a total pullout from China has its own set of challenges. Japanese companies have over US$100bn investments in China, and one of the prerequisites to gain access to […]

Hypertherm named Business of the Decade in manufacturing and technology category

Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of industrial cutting systemsand software, today announced its selection as a Business of the Decade winner by Business New Hampshire Magazine and the New Hampshire Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Hypertherm earned the top spot for the Manufacturing and Technology category joining organisations in eight other categories including Health Care, Financial Services and Insurance, Retail and Wholesale, and Tourism and Hospitality. Hypertherm was invited to apply by virtue of its selection as a Business of the Year during the preceding decade. Nearly 50 judges participated in scoring applications through two rounds of competition to determine the winners. Judges first narrowed the field to three companies in each category weighing each company’s business success, contributions to the community, and industry leadership. A panel comprised of executives from the 2010 Business of the Decade winning companies then undertook the difficult task of selecting one winner in each category. In considering Hypertherm, judges were impressed by the respect Hypertherm has within the fabrication industry and its reputation for technological and manufacturing excellence. In addition, judges cited the breadth and depth of Hypertherm’s work in the community. From its Community Service Time program, charitable giving through the HOPE Foundation, and its Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Friendly Workplace programs to its workforce training and STEM program designed to create interest among school aged children in technology and engineering jobs in the Granite State. “It is almost cliché how much I look to Hypertherm to share their practices around any number of topics. In recent years, they have presented their own work involving substance use disorder, workforce development practices, commuting policies and environmental stewardship,” wrote Clay Adams, president and CEO of Mascoma Bank in his letter of recommendation for Hypertherm. “At times it seems they are playing chess while […]

NEC and Realeyes announce strategic alliance in Emotion Analysis Solutions

NEC Corporation, a leader in biometric authentication and video analytics technologies, and Realeyes, a leader in computer vision and emotion Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a strategic partnership to jointly develop and distribute emotion analysis solutions globally. Wireless 5G technologies and the COVID-19 pandemic have created a new way of life, where virtual meeting experiences are necessary and have become the default method for communication, collaboration, entertainment and learning. Technologies that can help companies to safely and effectively understand how users are interacting with such services, and to respond to their needs, are now essential. Realeyes, with its best-in-class emotion detection and analysis capabilities, is continuously expanding its products and services for measuring emotion and attention for global brands. Its innovations include predictive analytics and live measurement of attention and emotion response within streaming and mobile applications. NEC, with a wide range of solutions that combine proprietary and sophisticated biometric authentication and video analytics technologies, is now accelerating its businesses in the hospitality and marketing fields. This alliance’s combination of NEC’s biometric and video analytics technologies with Realeyes’ emotion analysis technology will enable digital transformation to enhance safe and robust user experiences across media, entertainment, education, healthcare, and communication verticals throughout the world. “NEC has cultivated biometric authentication and video analytics technologies over many years, and we are excited to now be working in collaboration with Realeyes and their pioneering role in the new field of emotion AI,” said Toshifumi Yoshizaki, Senior Vice President, NEC. “These developments help to realize both companies’ objective of enriching people’s lives and contributing to the realization of a safe, secure, fair and efficient society.” “This partnership with NEC advances our mission to bring a trillion more smiles to our planet,” said Mihkel Jäätma, CEO of Realeyes. “Our […]

ASM production of titanium metal alloy in South Korea

Australian Strategic Materials’ (ASM) partner, ZironTech has successfully produced another run of titanium metal alloy at the joint venture (JV) commercial pilot plant in South Korea. This subsequent run produced approximately 22 kilograms and confirmed energy savings of up to 50 per cent compared to current commercial production methods. ASM is successfully progressing the pilot plant testwork on low emission, high purity metal technology to produce zirconium, titanium and rare earths for permanent magnet metals. The production of metals indicates significant cost benefits to ASM’s integrated business strategy and is key in the development of the Dubbo Project to supply critical materials. The commissioning of the electrorefining section of the pilot plant is proceeding, which will produce ultra-high purity metal, including neodymium, praseodymium, other rare earth metals, zirconium and hafnium metal. Australian Strategic Materials Managing Director, David Woodall said: “Our progress towards an independent fully integrated ’mine to metal‘ business of critical materials is continuing very well. ASM’s focus is to be a stable, secure and alternate supplier of clean metals for the domestic and global markets with the production of these metals coming from our Dubbo Project in Central West NSW. The clean metal technology can be applied to all the products from the Dubbo Project with our focus on the key critical materials of neodymium, dysprosium, zirconium, hafnium and praseodymium.” “ASM management is currently in Korea to progress discussions on the commencement of a definitive feasibility of a clean metals plant and the progress of a joint Australian / Korean strategy that could ensure supply security and stability of these critical materials to the Australian and Korean manufacturing sectors.”. ASM continues with the optimisation of the Dubbo Project through the integration of flotation into the proven flowsheet seeking improved project capital and operating costs. ASM’s JV partner continues […]

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EU Automation launches resource centre for manufacturing professionals

In response to the industry’s hunger for information on technology that can pull them out of the post-pandemic productivity lull, automation equipment supplier EU Automation, has pooled all its resources into a new, free, online Knowledge Hub. At the click of a button, visitors can download a wealth of resources on additive manufacturing (AM), artificial intelligence (AI), Industry 4.0, cyber security, obsolescence, sustainability and the circular economy. The company has also made its two chart-topping books available to download free of charge. EU Automation has been publishing its industry magazine, AUTOMATED, since 2016. In the last four years, it has gathered insight from trade bodies, innovative start ups and created a content bank. The Knowledge Hub takes this several steps further, by providing industry an easy way to download a range of resources on an industry trend of their choice. The company has also made its two manufacturing chart-topping books available for free download. The books were previously available on Amazon for a small cost, but the authors felt that enabling free download would best aid manufacturing professionals in their online learning. The first book, The Book of Obsolescence Management (BoOM) explains how manufacturers can use obsolescence to their advantage, giving practical advice from industry experts at COPA-DATA, Renishaw, the International Institute of Obsolescence Management and more. The book has been downloaded more than 17,000 times and sat at the top of the Amazon manufacturing chart for several weeks. The second book, 4.0 Sight, is a global look at the fourth industrial revolution, covering initiatives like Japan’s Society 5.0 and Made in China 2025. Similar to BoOM, it is packed with insight from big industry players, including ABB, GE and Toshiba Machine. “Google Trends data suggests that the search term “free online learning” increased dramatically during the Covid-19 outbreak,” explained […]

APAC construction market to hit $14 trillion by 2021 predicts Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis, Business Model Innovations in the Building Construction Industry, 2020, finds that the building construction value chain will shift from sequential (conventional value chain) to innovative business models with increased penetration of building construction technology. With rapid urbanisation and suburban development in Asia-Pacific (APAC), the construction market in the region is expected to reach $14 trillion by 2021 from $10 trillion in 2017. However, the market will be impacted by Covid-19. In a conservative scenario, there will be a long delay in the completion of projects in the commercial segment; in an aspirational scenario, there would be a short delay in the completion of ongoing projects until the Covid-19 pandemic subsides. “APAC is expected to witness an infrastructure and construction boom in the next five years with a healthy distribution of projects shared between the residential, industrial, and infrastructural segments,” said Wen Hui Liu, Energy & Environment Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. “Additionally, in this period, innovative business models such as vertical integration, anything-as-a-service (XaaS), and off-site construction will be impacting traditional building construction business in the region.” Advanced technologies such as AR/VR, 3D printing, automation and robotics are expected play a major role in combatting industry challenges such as declined productivity, workforce scarcity and site safety issues. The move to a more modern and digital environment will also play a positive role in addressing the gap of skilled workers. Liu added: “Besides advancement in technology, sustainability trends such as prefabrication construction, sustainable construction, and green building technology are likely to revolutionize the conventional way business is done in the building construction sector. Further, this trend will reduce carbon emission and gain new revenue streams from the conventional value chain.” To tap into the growth opportunities exposed by the innovative building construction industry, market […]

Yale UX 4-wheel electric lift trucks bring global standards of driver focus and low ownership cost

Yale 4-wheel electric lift trucks, engineered to global best standards, backed to best local standards. A global leader in forklift design innovation and warehouse logistics, Yale, is releasing throughout the Asia-Pacific its new UX Series of driver-focused 4-wheel electric forklifts engineered to deliver low ownership costs to a broad group of industries. The Yale UX Series is engineered in a range of six vehicles from 1 to 3.5 tonnes to provide an ideal solution to meet users’ needs for forklifts needed for less frequent usage with outstanding service backup. The 4-wheel electric UX models complement the broader UX Series range. “Yale UX series 4-wheel electric lift trucks are engineered to serve growing segments of the industry where an attractive cost of ownership is a driving factor,” says Hyster-Yale Area Business Director, Asia, Mr Suresh Kuttaiyan. “The new range combines robust quality and strong service backing to cost-effectively tackle simple everyday materials handling needs, bringing the performance of electric forklifts to a broader market sector seeking optimum cost-efficiency for their needs,” says Mr Suresh. The Yale UX Series’ safety-oriented design and agile performance – with wide-view mast and small steering wheel – help equip the new lift trucks for easy use in restricted spaces and around diverse businesses of all sizes, including agribusiness, food and beverage, refrigeration and warehouse, transport and logistics, manufacturing, primary processing and packaging. “Through the use of high quality components and advanced ergonomic technology, the Yale UX series provides the driver with superb control while delivering reliable operation and lower wear and tear. Coupled with fast availability of genuine and cost-effective replacement parts, Yale’s “People, Products, Productivity™” market advantage is what helps to reduce maintenance costs and downtime,” says Mr Suresh. A small steering wheel facilitates fine control, with eight degrees of adjustment and low steering effort […]

Mitsubishi Corporation: Initiation of “Technology Development for Para-xylene Production from CO2”

We, University of Toyama, Chiyoda Corporation, Nippon Steel Engineering Co., Ltd., Nippon Steel Corporation, HighChem Company Limited, and Mitsubishi Corporation (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Group”) are pleased to announce that the Group has jointly applied for and been selected by NEDO(1) for “Development of Technologies for Carbon Recycling and Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation / Development of Technologies for CO2 Reduction and Utilization / Development of Technologies for CO2 Utilisation for Chemicals.” Summary:In order to cope with global climate change, it is necessary to address the issue of CO2 emissions from factories, power plants, and various emission sources while pursuing all possible technological options including carbon recycling technologies. “Roadmap for Carbon Recycling Technologies” formulated by METI(2) in June 2019 sets forth guidelines for utilisation of carbon recycling technologies for separating and collecting CO2 as resources and reusing it in the form of diverse carbon compounds for chemical materials or fuels. Against this backdrop, NEDO has launched a development project for the world’s most advanced technology for industrial para-xylene(3) production from CO2 to substitute existing fossil fuel-derived chemicals, and the Group has been selected as contractors for this commissioned project. Para-xylene is a particularly important basic compound in the production of PTA(4) which is a feedstock material for polyesters such as polyester fibers and plastic bottles. Due to its composition, it can be produced with a relatively small amount of hydrogen while fixing a large amount of CO2, compared to other compounds from carbon recycling. This is a theme with great potential from both economic and environmental perspectives. The global demand for para-xylene is approximately 49 million tons per year. Assuming that the feedstock for para-xylene of the current demand level is entirely converted from fossil fuels to CO2, theoretically 160 million tons of CO2 could be fixed in the […]

How to ride the wave of E-Commerce during and after Covid 19?

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about changes to our businesses. How can you continue to move your business moving forward by adopting effective E-commerce strategies during and post COVID-19? E-commerce will be the leading driver of changes to your businesses. As such, the CEBIT ASEAN Thailand Webinar Series – July Edition brings you our “Free to Attend’ webinar “How can you ride the wave of E-Commerce during and after Covid 19?” to help you learn about: AI & IOT technologies for your retail business Omni-channel supply chain innovations for your business The trends and future of digital payments for your business Thailand E-Commerce Landscape – online shopping behaviors Scale up your e-commerce business during Covid-19 with logistics solutions Listen, Learn and Share with our FIVE regional e-commerce experts on their views and perspectives from their respective markets Join us for our next webinar: “CEBIT ASEAN Thailand Webinar Series: July 2020” E-Commerce Day How can you ride the wave of E-Commerce during and after COVID 19? FRIDAY , 24 JULY 2020 // 14.00 – 16.20 HRS (BANGKOK TIME) DOWNLOAD AGENDA JOIN FREE WEBINAR Our Speakers Post-COVID-19 Retail New Technology and Big Data : POPSQUARE AND ITS SMART SHOP PLATFORM (conducted in English) Mr. Francis Kwok, CEO & Co-Founder of Popsquare Ltd., Representative from Hong Kong E-Commerce Business Association Crossborder Omni-Channel Supply Chain Innovation for COVID-19: Excellent Solution for Leading Brand to Win Business in the New Retail Era (conducted in English) Mr. Terry Chan, Founder & CEO, JUSTT GROUP, Founder & Chairman, Hong Kong eCommerce Supply Chain Association (HKeCSC), Adjunct Lecturer, The University of Hong Kong, Mentor, Hong Kong Science & Technology Park, Former GM 3PL, Lazada (Alibaba Group) Post COVID-19: The future of digital payments (conducted in English) […]

Next-generation sorter for supply chain automation

The Körber Crossbelt Sorter empowers businesses to create truly unified automation solutions to excel in today’s increasingly complex supply chain landscape. Supply chains must handle more products, more suppliers and fulfill through various channels. Consumer expectations for choice, convenience and speed add to this complexity. To maintain a competitive edge, businesses need automation technologies to handle the evolving challenges of ecommerce and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). “Körber has the goal of strategically aligning supply chain technologies and expertise to the needs of customers and the industry,” says Stephan Gӧttsche, chief executive officer at Körber Supply Chain – Automation. “The Körber Crossbelt Sorter exemplifies this. One in three companies still manages supply chain processes manually. This is one of many initiatives we are taking to expand our portfolio and capitaliSe on our 30+ years of expertise in system integration to design automation systems for today and tomorrow’s demands.” The Crossbelt Sorter seamlessly integrates with any materials handling equipment (MHE) to create unified automation systems. Be it conveyors, shuttles, or beyond, the Crossbelt Sorter uniquely links the MHE of different functional areas – receiving, storage, multi-stage picking, or dispatch. Hence, the Crossbelt Sorter dynamically distributes goods based on any criteria to the proper destination at any stage in the process. Furthermore, the sorter’s modular design enables quick and simple integration with the existing system landscape. The result is a higher level of automation, enabling shorter reaction times, increased efficiency and higher throughput. Examples of success include transport of up to 14,000 containers per hour, carrier changeovers in only 10 minutes, and conveying speeds of 1.8 m/s. “Conquering today’s supply chain complexities requires higher levels of automation,” said Pieter Feenstra, chief sales officer for Körber Supply Chain – Automation. “Intelligently linking different material handling components is necessary to excel in today’s market. Körber […]

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