Amn feb 2014

ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

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SUCCESS THROUGH INNOVATION www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

February 2014 • $8 per copy • $40.00 digital per annum

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ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

EDITORIAL

Editorial

FEBRUARY 2014

In the Year of the Horse

W

e have some excellent articles in this issue, in the Year of the Horse.

Joseph Arezone, Senior Vice – President, Managing Director for FARO Asia Pacific shares with Asia Manufacturing News what he sees 2014 holding for his company.

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G

laston has closed a EUR 1.8 million deal with CSG Group for a double chamber furnace FC500(TM)+ RC350(TM) 2460-380 equipped with the advanced Vortex Pro(TM) convection control system, representing Glaston’s latest technology and highest configuration.

Installed at the Chengdu plant.

Soo Kam Tatt, Director, Hypertherm Asia, is looking for positive developments, similar to 2013. Changes will include onward development and implementation of government initiatives for domestic development, opening up new avenues, therefore, for his company to pursue.

Kai - Uwe Richter, spokesperson for Veolia sees Myanmar as presenting opportunities for his company.

They constantly encourage innovation which motivates staff to be creative in developing sustainable solutions.

Two events worth mentioning are MTA Hanoi 2014, the leading precision engineering and manufacturing technology exhibition that serves the thriving industries of Northern Vietnam which takes place from 1 – 3April.

Secondly, Indian Ceramics 2014 which showcases the entire spectrum of classical ceramics, from raw materials to technical ceramics. The event takes place at Gujarat University Exhibition Centre, Ahmedabad, India from 2628 February.

Read up on the latest in manufacturing technology and business news and get back to me with your contributions and news on developments your company would like to appear in the magazine.

GLASTON CLOSES DEAL IN CHINA

NEWS❒❒❒❒❒❒ 6

SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES IN 2013 FOR HYPERTHERM ASIA

10 A*STAR AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS CLINCH ASEAN AWARDS

11 POLYU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BOEING

14 POLYU EXPERT MAKES FIRST SPACE TOOL FOR LUNAR EXPLORATION

16 PROGRAMME TO HELP SME’S PURSUE GROWTH

17 ALPS INTRODUCES NEW VERSION OF LEAK TESTER

18 MOTION CONTROL SYSTEM

SIMPLIFIES MODULAR PRINTING MACHINERY DESIGN

20 TANAKA DEVELOPS HIGH HEATRESISTANT BONDING WIRE

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ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

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CONTENTS

16 PROGRAMME TO 12 PRODUCT LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT

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ooking at the amount of machine tools that are metalcutting worldwide, future oriented service solutions are almost inevitably gaining importance. The provision of spare parts and assignment of service personnel alone doesn’t do the job anymore.

O

HELP SME’S PURSUE GROWTH

n 12th November 2013, A*STAR officially launched the Technology Adoption Programme (TAP), its latest initiative to provide SMEs with greater accessibility to practical and affordable technology solutions to boost productivity.

Announced during Budget 2013, TAP aims to achieve at least 1,150 technology adoptions by companies over three years to increase their productivity levels by an average of about 20 per cent.

NEWS❒❒❒❒❒❒

NEWS❒❒❒❒❒❒

21 SAVE POWER WITH NEW APP

33 NIPPON RENEWABLE ENERGY

22 SECURITY LEADER BRINGS

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES TO AOG

24 INDIAN CERAMICS 2014 ON TRACK FOR SUCCESS

26 VEOLIA | OUTLOOK INTERVIEW

WITH ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS

28 KUALA LUMPUR’S NEW FINANCIAL DISTRICT

30 HYPERTHERM TRANSITIONS TO A

100% EMPLOYEE-OWNED COMPANY

31 ENTERPRISE CONTACT CENTRE

SOFTWARE FOCUSES ON LARGE CUSTOMERS

32 MTA HANOI RETURNS IN APRIL

SECURES FUNDS

34 ASPHALT DEMAND TO RISE SIX PERCENT

34 BATTERIES IN CHINA Asia Manufacturing News is published bi-monthly and offers the reader business information and news. Asia Manufacturing News welcomes editorial contributions and encourages readers to share their reflections and views with us. Asia Manufacturing News uses information provided in good faith. We give no guarantee of accuracy of the information. No liability is accepted for the result of any actions taken or not taken on the basis of this information. Those acting on the information and recommendations do so entirely at their own risk.

Managing Editor: Doug Green phone: +64 6 870 9029 Advertising: phone: +64 6 870 9029 Web Master: Dan Browne.

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Digital Subscription payment available at: words@xtra.co.nz Single copies NZ $8.00 www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

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ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

THE INTERVIEW – JOSEPH AREZONE, FARO ASIA PACIFIC

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FARO Outlook 2014

oseph Arezone, Senior Vice-President, Managing Director for FARO Asia Pacific shares his observations with Asia Manufacturing News of what 2014 holds for his company.

Products developed for specific markets and on-going expansion through ASEAN countries are part of the plan.

Where do you see growth for FARO in 2014? Are you diversifying?

As a 3D measurement solutions company, FARO serves a very wide range of industries. Across these sectors, we have observed an increase in demand for accuracy, precision, and ease of use. Metrology needs have also become more complex over the years (e.g. 3D imaging vs. 2D measurements), and we are glad to be able to meet those demands.

In 2014, we believe that noncontact optical measurement technology will likely continue to gain more ground.

Research suggests that Additive Manufacturing is catching on globally.

According to IT analyst house Gartner’s first forecast of the consumer and enterprise 3D printer (3DP) market, worldwide shipments of 3DPs priced less than $100,000 will grow 49 percent in 2013 to reach a total of 56,507 units. That number is expected to further increase in 2014, growing 75 percent to 98,065 units, followed by a near doubling of unit shipments in 2015. 3D printers, scanners, design tools and materials will continue to advance.

With that, applications of 3D print technology will naturally become more widespread, as the cost of complexity of creating 3D printed items decrease.

In addition, our observations indicate that 3D printing is indeed gaining popularity. For one, it is increasingly common for tradeshow organizers to have www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

a dedicated feature area for 3D printing-related technologies, a move that is well received by both exhibitors and visitors.

In particular, companies that do rapid prototyping appreciate 3D printing, because it positively impacts their product design process by way of two very important factors – time and confidentiality. With 3D printing, designers are able to manufacture a mock-up quickly for analysis and evaluation, and it eliminates the need for model fabrication at an external vendor’s facility, both of which are attractive attributes.

How is your company geared for the 2014 business year?

We have developed several products to target specific market needs. FARO’s Laser Scanner line of products (FARO Laser Scanner Focus3D and Focus3D X 330) and FARO® Edge ScanArm ES, offer users powerful functionality and simplicity in small packages.

These portable devices are capable of capturing highresolution point clouds that can be processed into data models for re-production of objects.

The digitised information allows key design specifications and requirements of the prototype to be checked or modified easily and quickly.

Which countries in Asia will you be expanding into; or do the new markets like Burma offer much for FARO’s products?

FARO is committed to the

business in Asia-Pacific and will constantly look towards expansion, though future growth and development will always be in line with business needs. FARO remains dedicated to its customer base and will spare no effort in ensuring adequate assistance for customers. Providing top class sales and after-sales support to customers is our priority, and resources will be allocated accordingly to meet those needs.

Tell us about the FARO formula for success?

At FARO, we work closely with our customers to understand their needs, and invest in research and development (R&D) to apply the latest advances in technology to improve our product offerings.

Through this, we ensure that we meet market needs today and anticipate new ones tomorrow, enabling our customers to continually be the best in their industries. By growing our product line and providing relevant solutions, we aim to gain more new users.

Additionally, as a customer-centric company, FARO is dedicated to providing solutions that meet our customers’ needs. Our team conducts product demonstrations and provides consultation for customers before a sale is made.

FARO also actively listens to customer feedback, as we believe that this approach helps us to better understand them. Having a robust product line and valueadded services are key elements for FARO to gain more market share.

About FARO FARO is a global technology company that develops and markets computer-aided coordinate measurement devices and software. Portable

ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

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THE INTERVIEW – JOSEPH AREZONE, FARO ASIA PACIFIC equipment from FARO permits high-precision 3D measurement and comparison of parts and compound structures within production and quality assurance processes.

The devices are used for inspecting components and assemblies, production planning, inventory documentation, as well as for investigation and reconstruction of accident sites or crime scenes. They are also employed to generate digital scans of historic sites.

With FARO, 3D measurement and documentation needs can be fulfilled confidently. As a pioneer and market leader in portable computer-aided measurement, FARO consistently applies the latest advances in technology to make its industry-leading product offerings more accurate, reliable, and easy to use.

The focus is on simplifying workflow with tools that empower customers, thereby dramatically reducing the on-site measuring time and lowering overall costs.

Worldwide, approximately 15,000 customers are operating more than 30,000 installations of FARO’s systems. The company’s global headquarters are located in Lake Mary, Florida, with its European head office in Stuttgart, Germany and its Asia-Pacific head office in Singapore. FARO has branch locations in Japan, China, India, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, and The Netherlands. u

Joseph Arezone, Senior Vice-President, Managing Director for FARO Asia Pacific

Community Planning, Sustainable Business and Waste Minimisation Strategies www.envision-nz.com

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ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

THE INTERVIEW – SOO KAM TATT, HYPERTHERM ASIA

Significant milestones in 2

S

oo Kam Tatt, Director, Hypertherm Asia, says that Hypertherm in the Asia Pacific region expect to see positive developments relative to 2013, which will be viewed with caution as the changes take place.

What were some of the significant milestones of Hypertherm in the past year?

At the start of the year, Hypertherm acquired AccuStream, a Minnesota-based manufacturer of water jet cutting products.

With this acquisition, we have expanded the range and type of cutting systems available, further solidifying Hypertherm’s position as a multi-cutting technological company. The waterjet application will enable Hypertherm’s cutting solutions to extend to other materials beyond metals, which is a first for us.

At the 200-amp range of conventional plasma cutting, we introduced the MaxPro200 in replacement of the Max200 workhorse that has served the industry and us well over the last 20+ years. The MaxPro200 outperforms the Max 200 in terms of cut quality, speed and consumable life with enhanced reliability. Since the launch, this system has received positive reception from our end-users once again.

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Recently, we launched the Powermax125, a 125-amp air plasma system with 100% duty cycle. Having an air plasma system with a new and enhanced amperage level is an achievement for Hypertherm, enabling the cutting performance of Hypertherm PMX air plasma system to reach new heights in terms of metal thickness for both hand-held and mechanised cutting.

With Fiber Laser cutting, we have added a 3kW HyIntensity® HFL030 laser unit to the product range. The addition of this system will broaden the range of Hypertherm’s fiber laser system offerings and offer more diverse cutting solutions to the end-users.

these factors will impact the market as the implementations take effect.

For Hypertherm in the Asia Pacific region, while we expect to see positive developments relative to 2013, this will be viewed with caution as the changes take place within the region. The changes will include the onward development and implementation of government initiatives for domestic development and therefore opens up new avenues for us to pursue.

Where is the metalworking industry going, in your opinion?

How do you see 2014 for Hypertherm?

The metalworking industry is very broad and here my comments will be limited to the thermal cutting industry.

2014 will continue to be a challenging year for Hypertherm, however, there is some optimism of a potential recovery in the US economy and this will be a plus for all. In the Asian environment, the developments and the continued progress in the China recovery, while not at the same pace as before, will be an added boost to the region. Japan, while embracing “Abenomics”, would be the other major factor for the region. Lastly, in the ASEAN region, there will be 2 major elections and potential changes in the government and as India braces itself for a potential change in government in early 2014,

In Asia, although the adoption of plasma cutting is still progressing, this happens at different levels amongst different countries in the region. As the demand for finished or semi-finished products, and consequently, cut parts, rises, the drive for greater productivity will be inevitable to meet these demands. At the highest level, it concerns not solely the automation of a solitary machine but an automated production line that can work 24/7 with minimal human interface. With increasing labour costs and other related issues continuing to emerge, the need for continuous improvements in productivity

ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

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THE INTERVIEW – SOO KAM TATT, HYPERTHERM ASIA

2013 for Hypertherm Asia through automation is the key to remaining competitive and longterm success.

Is R & D important for your company?

Hypertherm was founded on a revolutionary innovation some 45 years ago, bringing improvement to the cut quality and consumables life of the existing systems back then, and the onward drive to “cut the cost of cutting metal”. Since then, the company prides itself as a technological leader with more than 100 patents to their name.

On the human resource front, the engineer base currently takes up more than 10% of the total company strength, attesting to the importance Hypertherm places on research and development.

With this in mind, Hypertherm continually introduces new products that outperform the predecessor models in terms of cut quality, productivity and reliability, further strengthening our industry leadership position.

Which export markets are you moving into?

In the Asia Pacific region, we are represented in 4 major markets and we have no plans to move into any new markets in 2014. However, the region does offer opportunities and we will consolidate our business in the region in specific segments.

Where are the opportunities for Hypertherm?

With increasing demands for improved productivity with technological adoption, the emerging markets of Asia present many opportunities for Hypertherm. These include both hand-held and mechanized applications that enhances both productivity and safety as plasma, in particular air plasma, does not

Soo Kam Tatt, Director, Hypertherm Asia

require usage of a gas (which is flammable) other than air. As the export market is relatively weak, most Asian government will have plans to drive up domestic investments with infrastructure development to complement and sustain growth and these will offer opportunities for us.

Separately, the introduction of the water jet system will open up more opportunities for us in new areas of application, which have yet to be explored by Hypertherm before.

Where do you see manufacturing growth?

Which companies?

With potential infrastructure growth, we foresee growth in the construction and related equipment industries. The same can be said of the agricultural business and these businesses will drive demand for more job shops and steel centers.

Depressed by soft export markets and weak bulk carrying demand, the shipbuilding industry has been in recession since 2008.

Although this shipbuilding market continues to be relatively soft, there are early signs of improvement and growth in the total market. This is another recovery that is anticipated within the next 2-3 years. u www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

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ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Glaston closes deal in China

G

laston has closed a EUR 1.8 million deal with CSG Group for a double chamber furnace FC500(TM)+ RC350(TM) 2460-380 equipped with the advanced Vortex Pro(TM) convection control system representing Glaston’s latest technology and highest configuration.

Two sets of jumbo size UC1000 automatic cutting lines are also included in the deal. The line will be installed in CSG’s Chengdu plant, the company being the leading glass processor in SouthWest China.

This is the first FC500(TM) double chamber furnace sold in China.

The machines will be reported in Glaston’s Q1/2014 order book and will be delivered to the customer during the first and second quarter of 2014.

CSG Holding Ltd. was established in 1984. The company is the leading supplier of energy saving glass in China. In line with latest market trends, CSG Group is focusing on high end architecture glass products and invests to produce highest quality Low-E glass for commercial buildings.

During the past years CSG has ordered a total of 22 Glaston

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tempering lines and several Preprocessing machines.

“The main driver for CSG’s new project is processing jumbo size soft coated Low-E glass, with best flatness, optical quality and minimum roller wave. Glaston’s

FC500(TM) is designed especially for double and triple Low-E glass processing, and meets the customer’s demand for excellent performance and high quality of the end products” comments Frank Zhang, General Manager for Glaston Asia. u

ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

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ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

DEVELOPMENTS

A*STAR and industry partners clinch ASEAN Awards

O

n 12th of November, Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and its industry partners have clinched one of the region’s most prestigious engineering honours, the ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Awards.

Two out of the three awards for Singapore went to A*STAR and their partners. The awards were presented at the Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisation (CAFEO) held in Jakarta.

The winning industry projects featured the latest technology in advanced materials for smart phones and intelligent signal processing for security fencing respectively: • Eyefly3D – Making 3D Available for Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere: A development by A*STAR’s Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Nanoveu Pte Ltd and Temasek Polytechnic (TP), which is based on nanoimprint technology, produced the flexible EyeFly3D screen protector that turns mobile devices into glasses-free 3D viewing platforms. Together with software applications developed for Apple iOS and Android platforms, the simple plastic film allows users to play 3D content and also converts 2D pictures into 3D easily.

• AgilFence Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) – The Institute for Infocomm Research (I?R) together with ST Electronics (Satcom and Sensor Systems) and Changi Airport Group developed

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a security fencing which incorporates a unique intelligent adaptive signal processing algorithm, allowing for reliable detection, location and response to perimeter intrusion. This is the first successful deployment of such a large scale fiber Bragg grating-based perimeter intrusion detection system (PIDS) in the world.

Both projects were also presented with the Institution of Engineers (IES) Singapore Prestigious Engineering Achievement Awards 2013 last month.

Dr Tan Geok Leng, Executive Director of A*STAR’s Science and Engineering Research Council, said, “A*STAR is delighted to receive these two awards, and these joint honours with our industry partners reflect our strong partnership and the impact of our research on industry. This regional recognition also reflects on Singapore’s thriving IP landscape, which is key to encouraging innovation and creativity.”

Mr Alfred Chong, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder of Nanoveu Pte Ltd said, “To have our products recognized at a prestigious event like the ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Awards is

very encouraging for the team and spurs us onto our next milestone.

The awards are a terrific platform for small companies like ours to showcase how we turn innovative research into products that benefit consumers.”

Mr Lee Fook Sun, President of ST Electronics said, “Over the years, we have successfully nurtured a culture of innovation in ST Electronics, to the extent that many of our engineers are constantly striving to come up with clever and novel solutions to engineering problems that are so daunting, or are so routine that we often accept them as given.

“This year, ST Electronics was conferred the IES Awards for three of our innovative system solutions - AgilFence PIDS, Smart Utilities Suite and Incident Management System. In the AgilFence solution, we are very happy to have I?R as our technology partner and CAG as the launch customer. Since then, the AgilFence has gone on to win the support of several other customers, and we are confident that it will eventually be installed in many more airports and critical infrastructure around the world.”

Recently, A*STAR’s patent power scorecard was also ranked 2nd internationally by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), ahead of some of the world’s most reputable government organisations like NASA. u

ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

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DEVELOPMENTS

PolyU in partnership with Boeing

B

acked by strong support from the government and industry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has garnered more momentum for the advancement of aviation services research in Hong Kong through its partnership with industry leader Boeing.

In November, the University celebrated the opening of the Phase One of its Aviation Services Research Centre (ASRC), cofounded by PolyU and Boeing.

Dr Greg Hyslop, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing Research & Technology, has made a special trip to open the ASRC together with PolyU Council Chairman Ms Marjorie Yang Mun-tak and President Professor Timothy W. Tong.

The ASRC Phase One is located at the basement of PolyU’s Industrial Centre. In the next phase, the University will demolish an old building (Block X) on campus to make way for the construction of ASRC. “The Aviation Services Research Centre will further enhance Hong Kong’s leading position as a world-class service provider of MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) and steer the development of aviation related industries in China,” said Professor Timothy W. Tong.

Meanwhile, PolyU has secured funding support from the

Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) and participation of key industry players such as Boeing, Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Ltd (HAECO) and Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Ltd (HAESL) in the ASRC. With ITF fund amounting to $19.44 million, PolyU has already embarked on two aviation services research projects that will address the pressing needs of MRO industry: (1) Laser Projected Drilling Templates & Robotic Drilling; and (2) Mechanical Refurbishment of Aviation Parts.

The first project will design a process to enable the use of a portable laser drilling template for the MRO industry. It is expected to save manpower and streamline the work flow of replacing parts for an aircraft outer skin. The second project will develop advanced methods of mechanically refurbishing aircraft parts and greatly reduce the cost of maintenance. This will be achieved by delivering multi axis probing new technology and the world’s first mechanized method to remove distortion from turbine

backing ring seals.

Through its partnership with Boeing, PolyU will seek to raise the standard of MRO industry and help it to scale new heights.

The process is expected to bring huge economic benefits to Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland as MRO supply chain is a huge, long growing and high profit generating business.

The ASRC is backed by top-notch expertise at PolyU Industrial Centre (IC) which boasts a strong track record of making state-ofthe-art space tools and its close relationship with aerospace industry. PolyU IC made its mark internationally for making space tools for the Russian Space Agency and the European Space Agency.

It also supports the making of the space tools for China’s lunar exploration. Locally, PolyU IC has been working closely with China Aircraft Services Ltd, HAECO and HAESL. The ASRC will also bridge the gap between academic research findings and industrial exploitation in advanced MRO technologies and applications. It will also make contributions to ensure a steady supply of well-trained and highlyskilled manpower to meet the increasingly complicated demand of the MRO industry.u

PolyU strikes landmark deal with Boeing www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

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ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

ANALYSIS

L

Product Lifecyc

ooking at the amount of machine tools that are metalcutting worldwide, future oriented service solutions are almost inevitably gaining importance. The provision of spare parts and assignment of service personnel alone doesn’t do the job anymore.

This is why modern manufacturers started to look at the whole lifecycle of a machine tool.

DMG / MORI SEIKI has set-out to provide 360 degrees solutions helping users to create the best possible environment for their machine tool to run precisely and productive throughout its entire lifetime.

investment. Prevention is the keyword. Check-up systems in the control help to plan maintenance intervals and service work, maintenance kits facilitate the process. Software for remote troubleshooting or remote monitoring on smartphone or tablet devices prevents longer machine failure.

Longer machine tool life

Productivity: Getting the best out of a machine tool’s life span

Service for commissioning machine tools as well as fast-onsite support in case of a specific damage through skilled personnel and the availability of spares are still the backbone of a long machine tool life. In those classic areas constant improvements have been made. Now modern spare parts logistic networks spread globally serving users fast with the spares they need, service engineer localisation enables fast local language on-site service and remote diagnostics through hotlines or software solutions help to further minimize expensive downtime on the shopfloor.

However, around those more and more additional products have proven their stance. There is the operation of the machine, which achieves best results when operated by experienced well-trained staff. Training has thus become a cornerstone for successful manufacturing.

Service training for the correct maintenance of machine tools is another important component.

Manufacturers have more and more realised that purchasing a high-end machine is like owning a brand car: the better cared for, the smoother and longer it runs ensuring a high return on www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

Periphery products are a crucial component of the product lifecycle increasing machine and tool life span, precision and thus productivity: the higher the productivity, the better the return over the whole lifecycle.

True lifecycle management starts even before the machine is purchased, when it comes to choosing the right machine configuration and continues with training operators to ensuring reliability in the production processes through round-theclock local support or remote diagnostics. Regularly planned inspections of safety functions, main spindle, hydraulics, cooling units, software status etc. helps minimising unexpected service assignments.

Looking at systems around the machine tool, customer specific solutions in automation such as robot and handling systems, engineering and tool pre-setting devices significantly increase a machine tool’s productivity and help to get the best out of the machine tool’s life span. The use of tool presetting equipment in manufacturing frees expensive machine tools from unproductive

setup times and thus increases their availability ‘in a calculable manner’. Users who configure their tools on the machine waste rationalisation effects that could be freed up easily and reasonably by using external devices.

Taking a closer look at software solutions Intelligent software solutions increase efficiency and ensure reliability in production. One focus is prevention of failure.

Another angle is the optimisation of performance of the machine tool.

Software products involve the complete process chain from drawing, simulation and programming to the final machining of the work piece.

They add to fast and efficient manufacturing avoiding unnecessary machine stop or failure through preventive simulation.

Remote diagnostic and support software kicks in when technical problems occur, as the operator can setup a secure internet connection right from the machine to the manufacturer’s service department by for example simply pressing a button on the machine tool. The best suited service employee to tackle the issue will be assigned to undertake an immediate and detailed problem analysis and also to rectify a multitude of machine problems directly – as if being right there on site.

Another approach is monitoring.

The capacity of metal-cutting machine tools continuously increases and production processes become more and more efficient. Efficient handling, prompt provision of manufacturing resources and avoidance of downtimes is an ever increasing demand to reduce costs.

ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

cle Management This particularly applies to production processes running over long periods. In this environment, the most up-to-date information about operating states of the machines plays a decisive role.

Software solutions allow users to check the current state of their machine at any time, independent of their location, and to respond to an error instantly if needed.

Immediate text or email messages are one option; other more comprehensive functions collate information to be transferred.

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ANALYSIS

can retrofit their existing machine park and increase productivity to the latest standards without purchasing new models.

SEIKI professional reconditioning includes thorough incoming inspection and complete cleaning of all components.

Overhauling of complete machines or components as well as giving them in part payment for a new machine (including dismantling and transport), is another way of providing solutions for productive operations using products which reach the end of their lifespan. At DMG / MORI

Defective parts and wear parts are replaced with original components. Once re-assembled, the machine goes through a longer time operating test and outgoing inspection. Reconditioned in such a way, the quality and efficiency of a machine tool do not depend on the year of its manufacture.u

Machine tools reborn with overhauling and reconditioning The provision of reasonably priced machines with comprehensive manufacturer’s guarantees or the repurchase of older machines within the scope of new investment have opened the doors to used machines trading, retrofitting and upgrading.

Machine tool users nowadays

SUCCESS THROUGH INNOVATION

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ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

PolyU expert makes first spa

F

ollowing the launch of Chang’e-3 lunar probe in Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, the Camera Pointing System jointly developed by researchers of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) is now getting closer for landing on the moon’s surface.

This sophisticated space tool which is carried on board of the spacecraft is the first Hong Kongmade and developed instrument being deployed for the country’s lunar exploration programme since its launch in 2007.

Joining this historical mission is Professor Yung Kai-leung, Associate Head of PolyU’s

Department of Industrial and System Engineering, who is also an expert member appointed

by China National Space Administration’s Lunar Exploration Programme Centre for the third phase of China’s lunar exploration programme.

Professor Yung and his partner have a wealth of experience of

in making sophisticated space tools for different missions. These include the “Mars Rock Corer” for the European Space Agency’s 2003 Mars Express Mission, the Space Holinser Forceps for the then MIR Space Station, and the “Soil Preparation System” for the Sino-Russian Space Mission in 2011. All these space tools were made in the University’s wellequipped Industrial Centre.

China’s lunar exploration programme is broadly categorised into three phases by “Orbiting, Landing and Returning”.

Professor Yung Kai-leung showing a replica of the Camera Pointing System www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

ace tool for lunar exploration The first phase had already come to fruition, with both Chang’e-1 and Chang’e-2 satellites duly completing their mission. In the second phase, the Camera Pointing System developed by Professor Yung Kai-leung will be deployed for the current landing mission.

If the mission goes as planned, Chang’e-3 will first enter the orbit of the moon one day after the launch; and then prepared for soft landing at 44.1° Latitude North of the moon, an area which is also known as Sinus Iridum or the “Bay of Rainbows”. After landing on the moon, the lander of Chang’e-3 will then release a rover for the exploration of lunar surface.

The Camera Pointing System

developed by PolyU expert measures 85 cm (length) by 27 cm (width) and 16 cm (depth) and it weighs 2.8 kg. It was installed in the upper part of the lander and capable of moving vertically by 120 degree and rotating sideway by 340 degree to capture images of the moon as well as movement of the rover. This sophisticated space tool will be able to withstand the vast difference in temperature and function in one sixth of gravity on the moon.

After the rover is released, the Camera Pointing System will come into operation together with other parts of the lander for lunar exploration.

PolyU has been working closely with CAST. In 2010, both parties signed a pact

for the establishment of a Joint Laboratory in Precision Engineering for Space Applications. CAST also donated advanced space research equipment for the Joint Laboratory. In the third phase of China’s lunar exploration programme, Professor Yung will further collaborate with mainland experts to develop a “Surface Sampling and Packing System”.

Established in 1968 with the late aerospace scientist Qian Xuesen as its founding President, CAST is currently the most important research and engineering base for China’s space flight missions.

It is an integral unit of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.u

The Bay of Rainbows (Sinus Iridum) on the Moon www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

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ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

Programme to help SMEs pursue growth

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*STAR has launched the Technology Adoption Programme (TAP), its latest initiative to provide SMEs with greater accessibility to practical and affordable technology solutions to boost productivity.

Technology Adoption Programme extends into retail outreach with MoU signings; survey on technology adoption amongst local retailers reveals room for wider use of integrated technological capabilities On 12th November 2013, A*STAR officially launched the Technology Adoption Programme (TAP), its latest initiative to provide SMEs with greater accessibility to practical and affordable technology solutions to boost productivity. Announced during Budget 2013, TAP aims to achieve at least 1,150 technology adoptions by companies over three years to increase their productivity levels by an average of about 20 per cent. Under the programme, experienced technology intermediaries “match make” local companies with technology implementers from both the public and private sector to meet their needs.

Since July 2013, there have been 110 technology adoptions, with many more in the pipeline. TAP complements A*STAR’s existing SME outreach platforms, including its flagship SME initiative, Growing Enterprises through Technology Upgrade (GET-Up), which has benefited more than 500 companies over the last 10 years. In recent years, A*STAR

www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

has also seen an increased uptake from SMEs in the licensing of its technologies, with the number of licenses tripling from 24 in 2008 to close to 80 in 2012.

Internationally, A*STAR’s patent power scorecard is ranked second among international government agencies, ahead of NASA.

Highlights of Retail Initiatives and Survey As part of TAP’s outreach to the retail community, one of its pilot sectors, A*STAR today signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU). The first MoU was signed between the Institute for Infocomm Research (I?R) and Paragon Shopping Mall to promote R&D collaborations in the further development of technologies to increase productivity in the retail sector. Examples of I?R’s technologies for the retail sector can be found in Annex A. The second MoU was signed between A*STAR’s Science and Engineering Institutes and the Singapore Institute of Retail Studies (SIRS) for the greater outreach and creation of a technology showcase to help retail professionals. In conjunction with this MoU, a survey was conducted to understand technology adoption habits amongst local retailers. The survey revealed that 90 per cent agreed that technology would help

business productivity, but only 59 per cent expected to increase spending in technology over the next 12 months.

The survey also showed that 87 per cent of retail companies were already using technology; however a majority of technology adopted was the Point-of-Sale systems, indicating that opportunities abound for companies to adopt integrated technologies for greater productivity. For more details, refer to the survey results in Annex B. Mr Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman of A*STAR, said, “TAP seeks to make available technologies that have been developed in both the public and private sectors to where it can make the most impact in terms of productivity.

In particular, it is a key platform to bring A*STAR’s ready-to-go technologies to the SMEs. We do this through intermediaries with significant industry experience who will engage the SMEs to better appreciate their needs before proposing the appropriate technologies to be adopted. This is critical for our SMEs to remain relevant and competitive and contribute to transforming our economy.”

Minister S. Iswaran, Minister In Prime Minister’s Office, and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade & Industry was the Guest of Honour at the launch of TAP, which was attended by close to 500 representatives from Singapore’s SME community.u

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

ALPS introduces new version of leak tester

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LPS a global leader of in-line container leak inspection equipment, have released a new version of their successful Speed Glider high speed linear leak tester, called the Speed-Glider 2.5.

The 2 station continuous motion leak tester is capable of rates of up to 150 bottles per minute has a container pitch of 178mm and is nominally capable of container heights of up to 127mm for square containers and 158mm for round containers.

The Speed Glider 2.5 is offered at an approximately 30% lower cost than

previous similar performance models and provides a 25% reduction in footprint compared to the 3 and 4 station models. The machine offers a higher speed, higher efficiency and easier to setup/changeover alternative to “bottle stop” linear leak testers that stop containers ‘on the fly’ using cylinders.

The Timing Screw provides positive

container handling and control, in order to ensure high efficiencies and quick/efficient changeovers at the higher rate demands. The system can be easily mounted to existing continuous conveyor systems, eliminating the need for additional conveyors and bottle transfers.

Cameras for vision inspection can be placed after the leak tester, with the leak tester’s timing screw acting as an automatic spacing device. u

Flowserve making snow at Sochi 2014

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he snow-making system at Sochi includes more than 20 Flowserve vertical turbine high-pressure pumps. The pumps are part of the overall snow-making system and pull the large amounts of water into the system that is needed to make snow. While the primary industries the company serves are oil and gas, power generation and chemical, for more than 200 years the company has had its products involved in many unique industrial applications. u

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ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

CASE STUDY

Motion control system simplifies m

A system.

n economic multi-axis motion controller and high level software development environment from ABB is helping Rollem - a leading specialist print machinery manufacturer - to rapidly evolve its modular finishing

The motion architecture has just made it easy to add another peripheral to the company’s print finishing equipment range - a stacking unit that collects and groups products such as business cards into finished quantities ready for shipping.

Rollem specialises in ultraaccurate cutting/perforating/ scoring machines, and has built a worldwide reputation for creating print finishing lines for high quality and security related applications.

The company’s focus on extreme accuracy means that users are often able to squeeze extra units out of production processes or standard paper sizes with Rollem finishing equipment.

At the heart of all of Rollem’s current machinery range is a compact ABB controller called NextMove-ESB2. This compact packaged module is capable of controlling up to eight servo and stepper motor axes, and includes onboard analog and digital I/O

for general machine control, plus interfaces including a CANopen port for controlling distributed motion and I/O resources.

Depending on the particular finishing line configuration and number of motion axes, one or more of these controllers is installed in the distributed control system. ABB’s architecture provides Rollem with a granular control solution that scales economically according to the complexity of the required finishing line.

NextMove’s broad combination of motion and machine control functionality also gives it great versatility to meet the needs of any particular new station in Rollem’s expanding modular equipment family.

The newly-designed Descending Card Stacker is typically installed as a third station on a Rollem print finishing line, following slitting and collating stations.

This peripheral employs a single axis of movement using a stepper motor, which dynamically varies the height of a stacking tray that is synchronized to a laser sensor detecting the position and height of printed items.

In the case of playing card printing for instance, the system can group multiple packs to create a ready-to-use Blackjack deck.

In the business card world, the system will group specific printed quantities such as 250 or 500 into a stack for final shipping.

Designing and integrating this new modular peripheral was simplified by the ABB motion control system.

Colin Pears (left) and Stuart Murphy of Rollem. www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

The stepper motor axis and its ABB drive connects to the main controller and HMI via the print finishing line’s CANopen network.

Software-wise, the nature of ABB’s MINT motion software language has always made it easy for the Rollem developers to create

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CASE STUDY

modular printing machinery design code, as it uses clear English-like commands and has hundreds of keywords that provide singlecommand instructions for motion tasks. One of the most common keyword forms used by Rollem throughout its finishing line are a set of commands called FOLLOW for example, which allow axes to be linked and follow a master axis by a programmed ratio.

In the case of the new stacker, Rollem’s main software developer Stuart Murphy wrote the control code and the additional code required for the machine’s HMI in under half a day, before testing it on the prototype electromechanical hardware.

Another recent example of quick reaction is the integration of an application-specific barcode scanner for a particular automated finishing line - which was also written in just a few hours using ABB’s MINT language.

Rollem has used ABB motion control technology for many years, and is now installing the second generation of the multiaxis NextMove controller. The original decision to switch to ABB motion control - from a proprietary embedded microprocessor system produced by an external contractor - was prompted by increasingly frequent demands for new functionality.

The key selling point of the ABB range for Rollem was the MINT software development environment, with its rich library of ready-to-use motion control functions. MINT’s high-level commands - which are similar to the BASIC and PASCAL style programming languages that Rollem’s managing director and main software developer Stuart Murphy learnt at college - gave Rollem the confidence to bring the function in house.

Before switching, Rollem’s ability to react to customer demand

was development-intensive and could take a long time. By switching, Rollem gave itself the ability to react very quickly to customer requests, and to use its imagination to prototype brand new functionality - from basic handling/processing functions to integration into manufacturing information systems.

This freedom to innovate is a key factor underpinning the company’s current position where Rollem’s equipment often gives users the means to automate and rethink a company’s workflow to adopt a new printing business model.

“Traditional printing and finishing lines often involve fiddly and time consuming manual handling and processing stages such as guillotining - and these rely on skilled labour,” says Rollem’s Stuart Murphy.

“ABB’s motion control development environment gives us complete control of machine development, and this has allowed us to develop a modular system that can turn finishing into an automated and highly software-centric process. It’s helping us to develop with our clients, and bring new printingbased business models to market.”

A second servomotor axis drives the feed roller. A conveyor driven by another motor/inverter combination - then moves the sheets onto registration and slitting. An optical sensor detects the registration mark and adjusts a guide rail.

The cutting system detects the leading edge of the paper and accelerates the blades to the conveyor speed before performing a single-direction ‘interrupt slit’ which creates strips but leaves the outside edge connected.

The first-ever production unit of the new stacker has just been installed on a Rollem line at an advanced print-ecommerce or ‘web2print’ company producing business cards. The complete print finishing line is known as Rollem Revolution, which handles sheet sizes up to 1020 x 720 mm.

This border keeps the strips in place while the paper turns through 90-degrees for a second registration and slitting stage to separate the individual print items. Rollem’s cutting system is very rigid, allowing very accurate cutting which is suitable even for security items, at speeds up to 4000 sheets/hour. Each cutting module uses two servomotors, one to control the acceleration and return of the cutting head, and one for vertical positioning of the rotary blades.

A Revolution line consists of several stations. At the start of process is a feeder with a vertical axis for raising a stack of sheets, driven by a 3-phase motor/inverter combination, which is controlled via the ABB NextMove’s onboard D/A converter.

The next stage is collation. If the end product is business cards for example, separated cards are collated into a stack by three servomotor motion axes, which move the cards at an angle across the process area into a ‘gutter’ output channel.u www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

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ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

DEVELOPMENTS

Tanaka develops high heat-resistant bonding wire

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echanical strength is approx. 80% higher than the existing product, maintaining strength at high temperatures, supporting high heat resistance demand for power devices.

Tanaka Denshi Kogyo K.K. of Tanaka Precious Metals, which boasts the world’s leading share in bonding wire (wiring material) manufacturing, has developed “TALF” aluminum alloy bonding wire with high heat resistance.

In addition to mechanical strength being approximately 80% higher than the existing product, TALF can contribute to an increase in the heat resistance temperature of packages because of its recrystallisation temperature 50 degrees Celsius higher than the existing product.

Furthermore, although the existing product hardened and recrystallised in 30 minutes in the hightemperature shelf test (300 degrees Celsius) after bonding, resulting in shear strength decreasing by approximately 10%, TALF is not subject to a decrease in shear strength because recrystallisation does not commence. Because of this, shear strength can maintain even at high temperatures.

Normally, bonding wire can prevent

damage from thermal fatigue when mechanical strength is raised by hardening the material, but this simultaneously damages IC chip easily during bonding. TALF is an alloy containing 99% aluminium, and by optimising the processing method using finer particles of aluminum crystals, the company succeeded in providing high strength and high heat resistance without damaging the chip.

Aluminum bonding wire is currently used as material for large-current semiconductors such as power devices. In recent years, there have been demands for development of high heat resistant materials as power devices have higher density, become more compact and have higher output, TALF can contribute to improve heat resistance temperature of packages. The features of TALF are as follows.

TALF has improved mechanical strength by approximately 80% by optimising the processing method

using finer particles of aluminium crystals. The hardness of the crosssection of the wire contact after bonding is almost the same as the existing product, and does not damage the chip during bonding.

This is due to an optimized material composition.

In addition to mechanical strength being approximately 80% higher than the existing product, whereas the existing product has reduced shear strength due to early recrystallisation in high-temperature shelf tests, TALF does not have reduced shear strength because it does not recrystallise due to the recrystallisation temperature by 50 degrees Celsius and higher.

This contributes to higher thermal resistance of power devices as the wire is able to suppress thermal fatigue damage in power cycle tests and thermal cycle tests.

The bonding properties are the same as the existing product, enabling bonding under identical conditions. In addition, the corrosion resistance is the same as the existing product, and the wire has been confirmed no corrosion even after 1,000 hours in a pressure cooker test (PCT). Furthermore, despite having 99% purity, the specific resistance is almost the same as the existing product at 2.8 micro-ohm centimetres.

Tanaka Denshi Kogyo has a leading share in the global market for aluminium bonding wire, and has provided the existing product, TANW since 1988. TALF is the first new aluminium bonding wire product in 26 years. Tanaka Denshi Kogyo aims for TALF sales of 100 million yen per month in 3 years through the replacement of the existing product and the development of new demands.u

www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

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OPINION

Save power with new app

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nother innovative idea from the UNIST ‘Project M’ team was awarded the Gold Prize in the 2014 KEPCO Electricity Technology Idea Contest. This is an idea about developing a smartphone application that monitors the usage of household electricity and helps to save it.

A junior at the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering of UNIST, Kyung In Baek suggested this idea. “I got the idea by watching my mother keeping track of the household account,” said Baek.

This application will help users become aware of their electricity usage in real-time, and assist in cutting down on the waste of electricity.

The application allows one to set the limit of monthly power usage, and notifies that person of daily or weekly expected, electricity

usage. Users are able to verify their real time electricity bill and control the amount of power used.

The App is also able to tell the last month’s or last week’s power usage. It provides various other kinds of useful data: - comparable power spent of other households with same family size and similar house size, - Power spent in each time zone, as well as the electric bill.

“Power shortage is a national crisis that we all have to try to solve,” said CEO of Project M

Dong-Hwan Song. “We have to lead people voluntarily to use only necessary electricity without any waste rather than insist on cutting their power usage.”

Project M is a venture team, consisting of ten UNIST students.

This team is getting closer to opening their own business by receiving three awards. One award from the DB Mash-up Contest, one from the 2013 U (University)-Startup Contest, and the most recent from the KEPCO Electricity Technology Idea Contest, all since last October.

“We are all so delighted that we have won these awards in such a short period” said team leader Youn Jae Lee. “We will try our best to develop ‘Project M’ to a real venture business.” u

Team Project M www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

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ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

EVENTS

Security leader brings advance

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lobal joint integrity specialist Hydratight will exhibit technologies at AOG 2014 that respond to the challenges of environmental security and maximising uptime by helping mining, energy and oil and gas companies achieve leak-free bolted joints and connections.

can to make a difference. With our Global Integrity Agenda, we pledge to: • Ensure assets and installations have safe, reliable and durable bolted joints • Deliver technologies that make connections environmentally efficient • Set international standards in joint integrity delivered at local level • Give advice to customers to design, supply and implement solutions • Reduce downtime and increase safety across the board

Benefits of technologies at AOG Hydratight leak-free mechanical connectors

The company – which functions internationally via a network of 35 strategic locations – will bring to Australasia’s biggest annual oil and gas exhibition in Perth from February 21 a range of technologies and services proven in partnership with some of the world’s leading oil, gas, energy and industrial organisations.

Technologies available throughout Australasia and the Asia Pacific on show at Stand C2 will include: • Subsea mechanical connectors with a 100 per cent leak-free in service record; • High-strength stainless steel lightweight hydraulic torque wrenches proven to perform even in the harshest environments;

bolt tensioning technology, achieving up to 30% more load generation than traditional tensioners.

“Our aim is to maximise safety and improve operational efficiency by supplying products and services that provide leakfree connections, says Hydratight.

“Our continuous emphasis on research and development enables us to continue to offer advanced engineering solutions throughout the world.”

• Topside and subsea clamshell connectors with low-profile design, making them ideal for operation within tight spaces;

Totally committed to safety and quality, all Hydratight products and services are designed, manufactured and carried out within a management system in accordance with ISO 9001: 2008 (Quality Management), ISO 14001: 2004 (Environmental Management) and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety).

• A family of high performance tensioners, which the company says represent a giant leap in the specialist field of

“Hydratight understands the importance of tackling environmental issues and we’re committed to doing whatever we

www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

Hydratight’s Mechanical Connectors (formerly known as MORGRIP mechanical connectors) are used topside, onshore and subsea for pipeline tie-in and spool repair. The high performance products are designed to be simple and reliable to install, with features including “hands-clear” activation and external pressure test.

Using a unique graphite sealing system, Hydratight’s Mechanical Connectors feature DNV Type Approval that confirms they perform equivalent to a welded connection and are therefore approved for permanent pipeline repair. Hydratight has been supplying this product for over 20 years and maintains a 100% leak-free in-service record with over 2500 Connectors deployed to date.

Hydratight lightweight torque wrenches Hydratight’s lightweight hydraulic torque wrenches (formerly known as Hydratight’s RSL Series) have been designed to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts for

ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

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EVENTS

ed technologies to AOG 2014 groundbreaking and world class, the accuracy and efficiency provided by a single Hydratight technician and tensioner for bolting applications, cannot be matched by any other current technology, says the company.

“Outstanding results have kept projects on track and our customers keep coming back for more, and now with the introduction of the HydraMAX range, producing up to 30% more load generation than traditional tensioners, not to mention the speed associated with the spring return feature, it’s no surprise that Hydratight’s tensioners (formerly known as TensionMax) are becoming THE tool to use in a wide range of industries.”

• HydraMax Topside Tensioner • HL Tensioners

Hydratight lightweight torque wrenches

professional applications across the Oil & Gas, Powergen and Industrial markets. The Hydraulic Torque tool has only three moving parts in the ratchet mechanism.

The power head can be fitted with either a square drive or low profile hexagon cassette producing an unsurpassed 35 degrees of operating stroke, and it can be easily connected to Hydratight’s range of power consoles, which are available in both air or electric versions.

storage crates, keeping them safe and secure even in the harshest environments.

The Hydratight family of tensioners is engineered to represent a giant leap in the specialist field of bolt tensioning technology. Unique,

Subsea tensioners provide innovative and unique services which enables Hydratight to deliver versatile solutions which improve both cost and time efficiencies.

• AquaMax Tensioner • Aquajack Tensioner u

Hydratight’s range of subsea clamshells offer the same reliable topside performance upgraded for demanding underwater applications. The series is comprised of 5 standard models covering a range of 4.5 in (114.3mm) up to 36 in (914.4mm) OD. The machines use the same topside accessory assortment as the standard Hydratight clamshells. They are dimensioned off the NB low profile design, making them ideal for operation within tight spaces. The machines come standard with steel shipping/

Bolt tensioning technology, topside and sub-sea www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

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ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

EVENTS

Indian Ceramics 2014 on track for success

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wo months before it opens, Indian Ceramics is already well on track for success: Again in 2014 this trade show is attracting all the key global players and exhibitors.

The event showcases the entire spectrum of classical ceramics, from raw materials to technical ceramics. Among the lineup of companies already registered are international market leaders such as Craven Fawcett, Cretaprint, De Boer, Dorst, Eirich, Esmalglass-Itaca, Händle, H&R Johnson, Imerys, Netzsch, SACMI, Sibelco, SITI B&T, Smalticeram, Smaltochimica, System, Torrecid and Verdes.

Indian Ceramics 2014 will also be featuring an approximately 400 m Italian pavilion, organised by ACIMAC (Association of Italian Manufacturers of Machinery and Equipment for Ceramics) in cooperation with ICE (Italian Trade Promotion Agency). This is considerably larger than last year, and therefore an indication of the strong interest there is in the Indian market on the part of the Italian ceramics industry.

Indian Ceramics is being supported by the Indian government and industrial associations along with their regional offices. These include respected associations such as the Central Glass and Ceramics Research Institute; support has also been pledged by all the ceramics associations in Morbi and Thangadh, for example the Gujarat CeramicFloor Tiles Manufacturers Association, the Morbi-Dhuva Glaze Tiles Association, the Morbi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Thangadh and associations based in Gujarat such as the Federation of Ceramic Industries, the Panchal Ceramic Association and the Gujmin IndustryAssociation in Ahmedabad.

In addition promotional activities have been carried out in theArab region and in Southeast Asia, and cooperations have been entered into with the corresponding industrial associations, such as the Bangladesh Ceramic Wares Manufacturers Association.

The exhibition is being accompanied by a high-caliber supporting program. Taking place www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

in parallel with Indian Ceramics is the first Innovation Exchange. This unique platform for participants in the show, for consultants, technical people and think tanks provides insights into the latest trends, new technologies, developments in sustainability and tried-and-tested processes in the ceramics industry. A series of 30-minute lectures by respected industry experts will be featured on each day of the show. The discussions and debates engaged in here present an opportunity for high-level exchange of experience with the experts. The program of events here is free of charge to all visitors to Indian Ceramics.

Another attraction is a Technical Workshopfor experts in the Indian heavy-clay, tile and sanitaryware industry, organized by the journal cfi(ceramic forum international). The seminar, which is also supported by CERAMITEC, takes place on February 27, from 10:00 to 13:00, at the exhibition venue. Here representatives from thesupplying industry will be reporting on their latest developments in energy efficiency and on quality improvements in Indian products.

• All the key global players have registered • Indian government and industrial associations are supporting Indian Ceramics • Show also features a highcaliber supporting program Leading international companies will be sending speakers to this workshop; they include De Boer Damle Pvt. LTD/ IN, Imerys Ceramics Pvt./IN, NETZSCH Grinding & Dispersing – NETZSCH España, S.A./ ES, SMALTOCHIMICA S.p.A./ IT, SYSTEM Ceramics S.p.A./IT, Riedhammer GmbH/DE – Sacmi Group/IT, SITI B&T/IT and Nutec Bickley Kilns/MX. Participation in the Technical Workshop is free of charge.

Indian Ceramics Indian Ceramics is taking place for the ninth time between February 26 and 28, 2014, at the Gujarat University Exhibition Centre in Ahmedabad. As the leading show for suppliers to the ceramics industry, this event captures the entire spectrum of classic ceramics, from raw materials through to technical ceramics. Indian Ceramics2013 attracted 164 exhibitors, each of them showcasing their products, services and innovations to a trade audience of over 5,000 visitors. Indian Ceramics 2014 – powered by CERAMITEC – is organized by MMI India Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of Messe München International.

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10THOUSANDTREES.com

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ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

THE INTERVIEW – KAI -UWE RICHTER, VEOLIA SOUTH EAST ASIA

Veolia | Outlook interview wit

K

ai-Uwe Richter, the Spokesperson and Regional Market Manager, Food & Beverage, SEA answered the following questions.

AMN:How important is the contract with PT Asahi for your company?

This contract is the second Project with an Indofood joint venture company in Indonesia within a year and it is also our tenth Biothane reference in Indonesia.

This reflects Veolia’s capabilities in providing the right solutions to any water challenges, and the most important, it reflects our customer loyalty, we are really happy to work with Indofood once more.

Veolia develops customised solutions especially with our clients in the beverage industry, because there are various opportunities in water treatment (process and waste) for us to provide support, such as with reclaim water solution, and providing proper wastewater treatment methods.

AMN:What other projects are you involved with?

Veolia is currently working with a global Food & Beverage (F&B) leader in China as well as in South East Asia. We are active in the beverage industry as we have the capabilities to help our clients achieve better results in dealing with water treatment.

Also, we work with regional breweries and beverage companies across Asia on a continual basis. It has been extremely rewarding to be a key partner for several wellestablished global brands in the region, and we look forward www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

to working along with more beverage producers’ breweries as well as other beverage suppliers in the near future.

AMN: And in which countries were these projects carried out?

Our Asia-Pacific headquarters is in Singapore, and we executed these projects mainly across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam as well as Myanmar and of course, Singapore.

AMN: How environmentally friendly is Veolia?

As a supplier of environmentally friendly solutions, Veolia is very active throughout its three divisions (Water, Energy and Waste) in recycling efforts.

Internally, we are often encouraging employees to practise: Reuse, Reduce and Recycle. We believe that a little goes a long way, and each individual effort can make a difference.

Veolia also often develops and introduces new green initiatives, such as recycling wastewater from the F&B industry, reducing operational costs and limiting water footprints. By pushing out new environmentally friendly solutions, our clients can contribute to the green movement while protecting their own interests.

In November, we launched in Asia the “True Cost of Water”. It is a dedicated tool that measures the financial implications of waterrelated risks, and put a real cost on water (including direct and indirect costs). With this tool, we hope to more closely engage with chief financial officers (CFO) and decision makers as this helps to place a dollar value on the impact of any future investment that can be associated with water.

AMN: How are you finding the current business climate?

The business climate has been witnessing challenges on sustainability issues, regulatory differences amongst Asian countries, as well as prevailing economic challenges.

In Asia, businesses are facing Water-Energy nexus. New approaches are needed, but we have so far had great successes in adapting our solutions to better helping each of our clients to face this challenge by reducing the impact of the water. Our solutions are able to optimize energy usage inside the process and promote green gas production.

We are also seeing a lot more investments regionally from multinational companies, and have observed increasing numbers of joint ventures between MNCs and regional companies. In addition, we see Myanmar as an important up-and-coming market for investment and development of better water treatment resources.

1. How do you foresee Veolia in 2014?

In 2014, Myanmar may present more significant growth opportunities for Veolia. I believe that especially in the food & beverage sector, there will be a continued demand for sustainable solutions, and as a leader in water treatment solutions, Veolia will be at the forefront to fulfil those needs.

Veolia also constantly encourages for innovation, and this motivates our employees to be creative in developing sustainable solutions.

The company is constantly investing in research and development activities and we are firm believers of working closely with our clients to ensure that we provide the right solutions to meet their water challenges.

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THE INTERVIEW – KAI-UWE RICHTER, VEOLIA SOUTH EAST ASIA

th Asia Manufacturing News 2. How has business been for 2013?

We won several contracts this year across industries, especially in the F&B industry. Veolia has a strong new sales team that help to strengthen our expertise in several sectors, such as in F&B, power, and chemical processing industries. Tighter economic challenges have impacted businesses around the world, but Asia is still a dynamic area.

And as mentioned earlier, we unveiled the True Cost of Water methodology in Asia this year and it has garnered much interest. I believe that all companies can apply this game-changing tool at a high level in their operations and we are hoping that this interest will carry on till next year.

3. Does your company have plans on expanding into more markets? What are they?

In 2014, we hope to expand into new emerging markets in South East Asia, such as Myanmar, as earlier mentioned.

4. Do you spend much on R&D? Yes, Veolia actively invests in R&D. Currently, we have more than 10,000 employees, of which 60% are researchers, engineers, and project managers. Veolia has over 350 proprietary technologies and we emphasise heavily on innovation as our customers rely on our innovative and qualitydependable technologies to help meet their challenges.

One example of Veolia’s green solutions is the ground-breaking Cella™ technology. With Cella, bioplastics, which can be applied in new materials and consumer products, can be produced and

Kai-Uwe Richter

recovered from residuals. We believe that the market will continue to see more innovative, ‘green’ technology from Veolia in

the coming years as we continue to invest in developing cutting edge solutions for a variety of applications. u www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

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ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

BUSINESS NEWS

Kuala Lumpur’s ne

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ecently, myself and my colleague, Nafis Alam wrote a piece for an online publication called “The Conversation”.

Our article was prompted by the ambitions of the Government of Malaysia to transform Kuala Lumpur into a major financial centre through the construction of the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX). In our article we sought to highlight some of the challenges that lie ahead. In particular, we noted that in the most recent version of the Global Financial Centres Index, ”the city dropped one place to 22nd globally but still featured in the Asian top 10. With London and New York ahead of the pack, Singapore and Hong Kong already in strong positions and the dynamism of Shanghai and Shenzhen to contend with, gaining ground on the superpowers will be tough for Malaysia”.

This may be a case in which a niche strategy has much to offer – and Malaysia’s record in islamic finance may be the basis for such a strategy. “Demand for Islamic financial services is growing both regionally and globally, and Malaysia has been well placed to take advantage of this.

It is Islamic finance that provides Malaysia with its advantage over neighbouring financial centres, and those mapping out the country’s future business model would be wise to play to their strengths.”

“According to its central bank, Malaysia’s Islamic banking assets total US$168.4 billion, a quarter of its banking system. This in turn accounts for over 10% of the world’s total Islamic banking assets. The country’s Islamic financial sector is characterised by a robust and shariah-compliant regulatory system. It has a strong sukuk (Islamic bond) market – over 60% of the global total – making Malaysia one of the world’s leading Islamic capital marketplaces. This attracts institutions from across the globe and an associated pool of liquid cash.”

So how does all of this relate to Universities? Well, we go on to argue that ”if Malaysia is to join the top flight of international financial centres, it must leverage www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

”If Malaysia is to join the top flight of international financial centres, it must leverage its status as an established Islamic finance hub. And it must address the challenges associated with the supply of high quality human capital.” - Opinion article from Prof. Christine Ennew Vice Chancellor, University of Nottingham Malaysia.

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BUSINESS NEWS

ew financial district its status as an established Islamic finance hub. And it must address the challenges associated with the supply of high quality human capital.”

Universities play a key role on the provision of human capital for economic growth and development and a strong higher education sector is key to longer term economic success.

“The performance of international financial centres is underpinned by the quality of people, of the business environment, access to international markets, infrastructure and general competitiveness. To outperform Asian rivals on these attributes will be a challenge; there are continued concerns about the quality and employability of graduates, and while the World

Bank says the ease of doing business has improved, there are still problems with infrastructure and general competitiveness. And the country’s ability to access international financial markets may depend on attracting major players away from established rivals.

well……….. Yes, the government may be able to build worldclass facilities in Kuala Lumpur and offer tax breaks and other incentives to companies looking to operate from the new district.

And yes, Islamic finance will still give the country a profitable niche to exploit.

Authorities are confident, however, that they will be able to attract these new players. The central bank estimates that up to 56,000 new finance industry positions will be needed in the next decade, including up to 40,000 jobs in Islamic finance.

But without a supply of educated, English-speaking workers, hopes of challenging regional neighbours in Hong Kong and Singapore may be little more than a Malaysian pipe dream.”

However poor scores in international student assessments, declining English language capabilities and persistent concerns about the employability of graduates do not augur

And maybe this is where Malaysia’s openness to foreign universities will be crucial – with good practice from elsewhere in the world underpinning an educational offer to students that will drive up a focus on graduate quality and graduate employability.

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ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

BUSINESS NEWS

Hypertherm transitions to a 100% employee-owned company

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ypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of plasma, laser, and waterjet cutting systems, has announced the transfer of all its common stock into an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), making the company 100 percent employee-owned under an S-Corporation structure.

Previously, Hypertherm’s ESOP, known internally as the Hypertherm Stock Ownership Plan or HSOP, held approximately one-third of the company’s stock.

Controlling shareholders Dick and Barbara Couch created the plan in 2001, followed by a Global Stock Value Program (GSVP) for international associates in 2004.

With the redemption and purchase of all remaining shares into the HSOP, Dick and Barbara Couch sought to ensure the continuation of Hypertherm as an independent company living its core values and pursuing the long-term interests of its customers, associates and communities. Hypertherm’s “associate-owners”, already known for their customer focus, will be even more committed

to providing the world’s leading industrial cutting solutions and to building long-term customer relationships founded on technology and service leadership.

“The well-being of our associates and shared rewards have been cultural cornerstones of Hypertherm since our founding in 1968,” said Dick Couch, Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

“Having the HSOP and GSVP own 100 percent of the company’s stock is a natural extension and completion of the journey we began in 2001.”

“We have witnessed the amazing power of associate ownership since we launched the HSOP and GSVP,” added Barbara Couch, Hypertherm’s vice-president of

corporate social responsibility.

“We are delighted to transition ownership to our associates, who are best positioned to ensure that Hypertherm builds upon our strong culture, passion for technology and customer service, and commitment to our communities.”

Hypertherm is not planning any changes to its management structure. Dick Couch will remain chairman of the board of directors, chief executive officer, and trustee of the HSOP. Barbara Couch will remain a member of the board, vice president of corporate social responsibility, and president of the Hypertherm HOPE Foundation, a philanthropic 501(c)(3).

Hypertherm designs and manufactures advanced cutting products for use in a variety of industries such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, and automotive repair. Its product line includes handheld and mechanized plasma systems and consumables, as well as fiber laser and now waterjet products, in addition to CNC motion and height controls and CAM cutting software.

Hypertherm systems are trusted for performance and reliability that result in increased productivity and profitability for hundreds of thousands of businesses.

The New Hampshire based company’s reputation for cutting innovation dates back more than 45 years, to 1968, with Hypertherm’s invention of water injection plasma cutting.

The associate owned company, consistently named one of the best places to work in America, has more than 1,300 associates along with operations andu partner representation worldwide.

www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

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BUSINESS NEWS

Enterprise Contact Centre software focuses on large customers

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horeTel a leading provider of brilliantly simple phone systems and unified communications solutions, has released a new version of ShoreTel Enterprise Contact Centre with enhancements driven by the needs of large enterprise customers.

ShoreTel’s Enterprise Contact Centre is increasingly being used by large organisations that have a need to service more customers – these days in whatever channel the customer chooses to use, whether it is voice, email, the web or a combination. As contact centres scale upward to address this need, they require more sophisticated tools to efficiently handle the traffic. Without such tools, the only solution is to add more agents, which is not cost effective.

To meet the requirements of large customers, ShoreTel enhanced Enterprise Contact Centre to maximise the number of interactions a contact centre agent can efficiently handle. ShoreTel Enterprise Contact Centre 9 uses advanced business logic to define how many and what type of interaction each individual agent can handle – allowing a business manager to tune their contact centre for maximum performance without compromising customer satisfaction.

on ShoreTel Enterprise Contact Center since 2010. The company currently has 100 agents in three contact centres both in the US and Asia. Each week agents manage more than 6,000 incoming calls and over 3,000 email inquiries from distributors ordering products.

‘The integrated chat and email features in Enterprise Contact Centre have significantly improved productivity and reduced costs,” said Bret Didier, Manager of Contact Centre Operations at MonaVie. StepChange Debt Charity in the UK implemented ShoreTel’s Enterprise Contact Centre technology for more than 600

agents in order to help manage the ups and downs of call activity.

For example, when the charity is receiving an influx of incoming calls, managers can move staff to different queues using the simple ShoreTel interface to make sure customers are quickly connected to the right advisor.

“Enterprise Contact Centre has helped to ensure that each inquiry is answered quickly and effectively, enabling our customers to reach a satisfying conclusion without the wait,” said Mike Gillard, Helpline Team Leader at StepChange. “The reporting system has also been incredibly helpful, as I can now use the data available to create reports that can be shared with my managers and can help me quickly make important decisions.”

Enterprise Contact Center 9 is now available from qualified ShoreTel u reseller partners.

Large enterprises in particular are looking for new ways to ensure the highest levels of customer care, and with this latest release, ShoreTel delivers greater support for multi-device, multi-channel interactions that will improve customer satisfaction, whilst providing greater business insights at no additional cost.

MonaVie manufactures and markets nutritional beverages and supplements and has been relying www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

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BUSINESS NEWS

MTA HANOI Returns in April

M

TA Hanoi, the leading precision engineering and manufacturing technology exhibition that serves the thriving industries of Northern Vietnam and its surrounding regions will return to the International Centre for Exhibition (I.C.E) from 1 - 3 April 2014.

Commenting on the value the show brings to the region, Mr. William Lim, Project Director for MTA HANOI 2014 from the show’s organiser, Singapore Exhibition Services (SES) says, “After two editions, MTA HANOI has established itself as the go-to event for companies located in the vicinity to source for the latest manufacturing technologies. Our expanding stable of exhibitors will be showcasing an array of solutions that will not only help increase productivity of foreign investment companies and locally based manufacturers, but also help spur further development of the area’s supporting industries.”

A collection of international and local exhibitors will transform the I.C.E into a bustling market place showcasing manufacturing solutions such as cutting, moulding and tooling systems, metrology machines and hand tools among many others. Into its 3rd edition, MTA HANOI 2014 will also feature three group pavilions from the Czech Republic, Singapore and Taiwan.

Kamogawa, a Japanese company that specialises in production systems and boasts a client base that includes some of Japan’s most www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

well-known brand names, will be exhibiting at MTA HANOI for the first time. Commenting on their inaugural showing, Mr. Oshima Masayu, General Manager of their Vietnam office says, “We have been present in Hanoi for the last eight years and would like to expand our customer base.

We feel that MTA HANOI is an ideal platform to reach out to the market in Northern Vietnam.

“We will be showcasing a range of automatic CNC lathe, cutting, grinding and hand tools as well as anti-rust, safety, and cleaning solutions. We are definitely looking forward to a successful first showing at MTA HANOI 2014.”

Veteran exhibitor Bystronic has taken part in MTA HANOI since its inauguration in 2008. Mr. Philip Loh, Managing Director of Bystronic comments on their

participation at the upcoming exhibition, “MTA HANOI attracts visitors from many different fields, and the current profile of North Vietnam customers is a good mix of low to high-end producers. At MTA HANOI 2012, we had more than 100 customers visit our booth and added many new potential customers that made 2013 a successful year for us.

“We hope to continue to promote the Bystronic brand in Northern Vietnam and attract new customer at MTA HANOI 2014. The exhibition will also serve to boost sales and open new opportunities for the future. We will be showcasing our entry-level press brake machine, and will also have a wide range of machines from entry-level to high-end automation on offer.”

This year’s edition of MTA HANOI also sees an expanded seminar programme that will allow visitors to participate in in-depth industry discourse. Tailored for local businesses, homegrown industry experts will address pertinent topics that are relevant to the manufacturing industry in Northern Vietnam and its surrounding regions.

The show will see two new seminars by the Multi Engineering Solutions Laboratory (MESLAB) and the Vietnam Welding Society.

Participating for the second time is the Vietnam Association of Mechanical Industry (VAMI) who will present a seminar on cooperation with mechanical u enterprises.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Nippon Renewable Energy secures funds

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ippon Renewable Energy KK (NRE) has announced the successful closing of a JPY 26.1 billion (US$250 million) equity raising into Japan Solar L.P. (Japan Solar), to fund Japanese solar generation facilities managed and operated by NRE.

NRE is positioned to be one of Japan’s largest independent solar generation utilities, with experienced local engineering, design, development and project management staff located in Tokyo.

Through its relationship with Japan Solar, NRE has sufficient capital to progress with projects on an allequity basis if required.

NRE currently owns and is developing a pipeline of over 300MW of Japanese solar projects, which will be financed with Japan Solar. Four projects in Oita, Hyogo, Hiroshima and Aomori prefectures totalling 47.5MW have been contracted and will commence construction having completed financing and construction documentation. These projects are expected to be followed by a further 110MW of projects during 2014.

NRE develops each project based on the Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry (METI) fixed-priced feed-intariff regime, under 20 year power

purchase agreements.

NRE Director, Mr Shoichi Kaneda, said, “Each NRE solar project involves the support of local construction contractors and Japanese utilities, creating sustainable employment in Japanese rural areas and important local community development. We are proud to be supporting the future development of Japan in an environmentally responsible manner.”

The capital raising was co-led by Equis Funds Group and Partners Group and involved the Equis Asia Fund and Equis co-investors Babson Capital, LGsuper and Qantas Superannuation.

David Russell, CEO and Partner at Equis Funds Group, noted “We are pleased to support one of Japan’s most experienced independent solar utility teams. Being an early mover into Japanese renewable energy has resulted in a win-winwin relationship for Japanese communities, the Japanese government and investors.”

Benjamin Haan, Managing Director and Head of Private Infrastructure Asia-Pacific at Partners Group, commented “We are excited to invest in the rapidly developing Japanese renewable energy market and to support the NRE management in filling the large power generation

gap in Japan. We are confident of additional investment opportunities in the near term that will offer our clients the opportunity to further contribute to sustainable energy development in Japan.”

About Nippon Renewable Energy KK Nippon Renewable Energy KK (NRE) is an independent Japanese solar utility business with its head office in Tokyo, Japan. NRE employs a strong local team of experienced development, design, project management engineers and investment professionals who have designed, financed, constructed and operated over 45 projects totalling 460MW across Japan and the rest of Asia. For further information, please visit:www.nipponenergy.asia About Equis Funds Group Equis Funds Group is one of Asia’s largest independent energy and infrastructure private equity fund managers. Equis currently manages US$960 million with offices across Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Delhi, Manila, Bangalore and Chengdu. Equis employs 24 professionals with over 215 years of Asian energy and infrastructure experience across 125 Asian energy and infrastructure transactions, previously raising, investing and managing over $2.5 billion of equity across 4 Asian energy and infrastructure funds.

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ASIA MANUFACTURING NEWS • FEBRUARY 2014

CHINA STUDIES

Asphalt demand to rise six percent

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emand for asphalt in China is forecast to rise 6.0 percent annually through 2010 to 16.4 million metric tons. Measured in yuan, asphalt demand is expected to climb 8.2 percent annually to 34.6 billion yuan.

The Chinese asphalt market will experi ence the fastest growth among the major economies of the world, driven by strong gains in road and building construction.

China’s trade deficit in asphalt has increased substantially over the last ten years as production

has not been able to keep pace withdemand, and the country will continue to depend on imports to meet domestic needs.

Asphalt demand in paving applications will outperform roofing, rising over 7 percent

annually to 12.6 million metric tons in 2010, and accounting for more than threequarters of domestic demand. Strong increases in road construction activity will drive market gains.

Beginning with its first highway, completed in 1988, China increased its highway system to 41,000 kilometers in 2005, second only to the US. China’s national highway development plan --known as the 7918 Network --will expand China’s highway system to 85,000 kilometers during the next three decades.

Roofing-related asphalt demand will moderate in the coming years, averaging annual growth of 2.7 percent to 3.7 million metric tons in 2010, despite a strong building construction market. Although asphaltic roofing products, such as asphalt shingles and modified bitumen membranes, will continue their inroads into the Chinese roofing market, demand for asphalt built-up (BUR) and roll roofing will continue to lose market share.

Asphalt Roofing Felt (20-70LB)

Asphalt Roofing Shingle www.asiamanufacturingnewstoday.com

While BUR and roll roofing have historically dominated low -slope roof construction in China, steep-slope roofing applications are increasingly favoured in new residential construction, thereby diminishing demand for BUR and asphalt roll roofing.

In addition, under China’s Flat to Slope Conversion Project, existing flat roofs within the residential market will continue to be replaced with steep-slope roofs, thus reducing existing BUR and roll roofing stocks. Such declines will negatively impact future BUR and roll roofing maintenance and repair expenditures. Conversely, the Conversion Project will serve to boost demand for asphalt shingles, which are the fastest growing roofing materials used in sloped-roof applications.

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CHINA STUDIES

Batteries in China to reach 110 billion yuan

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rowth stimulants include the emergence of electric bicycles as an important means of transportation and strong domestic demand for consumer batterypowered products such as cellular phones. Trade plays an important role in the Chinese battery industry, particularly in the case of secondary batteries. More than 60 percent of all battery shipments are destined for export, and more than half of Chinese demand is satisfied from foreign imports.

Sales of secondary batteries are forecast to rise 14.3percent annually through 2010 to ÂĽ82.1 billion. Although lead-acid batteries will account for more than 43 percent of all secondary battery sales in 2010, rechargeable lithium and nickel-metal hydride batteries will experience stronger growth. Demand fo r these types of advanced batteries will be heavily influenced by their high -performance attributes --such as higher power density and longer product lifecycle than traditional lead-acid and nickelcadmium batteries --as well as by continuing technical innovation

and decreasing prices.

Zinc-carbon/chloride batteries will continue to dominate the primary battery market in unit terms, though alkaline batteries will surpass zinc-carbon/chloride cells in market value , and comprise the largest share of demand in 2010.

Alkaline and more advanced primary batteries --such as lithium and silver oxide --are projected to grow at higher rates than other primary batteries. Alkaline batteries are favoured for their greater power and longer lifespan than zinc-carbon /chloride batteries.

Consumer applications will comprise two-thirds of primary battery sales in 2010, continuing the historical trend. Demand for primary batteries will be fueled by an ever-increasing number of battery-powered portable devices introduced into the growing Chinese market --such as MP3 players and digital cameras.

Unlike the US, in China these devices are commonly powered by primary batteries rather than more expensive secondary batteries. The domestic market for secondary batteries used in transportation equipment is forecast to increase more than 18 percent annually through 2010 to ÂĽ32.7 billion, registering the fastest growth among secondary battery markets. Market gains will be driven by the meteoric rise of electric bicycles, aswell as strong growth in the production of motor vehicles.

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