Page 34 - Packaging News Magazine Nov-Dec 2018

MEMBERS NEWS
FRESCO AND FIBRE KING JOIN FORCES
Packaging equipment suppliers Fresco Systems and Fibre King are teaming up to sell turnkey production line solutions in the Middle East and India.
In response to demand from local manufacturers who wanted to automate their production lines, from bulk materials handling and processing to end-of-line packaging machinery, Fresco and Fibre King formalised a partnership to supply equipment into the region.
“As a complete bulk material handling system provider, Fresco Systems partners with high quality suppliers in order to provide full turnkey solutions for their customers,” said Fibre King CEO James Windsor, announcing the deal.
“Fibre King, having produced some of the world’s best packaging machines for over half a century within the meat, dairy, beverage, food, FMCG, personal care, pharmaceutical and fresh produce industries, has worked with Fresco Systems as a supplier on a number of projects.”
The partnership will help Fresco to easily and smoothly handle transactions and deliver equipment to its customers, the companies said.
“Both companies share the same core values and have a strong focus on providing exceptional service and world class equipment that combines practical design, robust manufacturing and simple operation providing their customers with a thoroughly reliable and cost effective solution.”
An artist’s impression of ABB’s new Shanghai factory.
ABB TO BUILD $211M SHANGHAI FACTORY
Robotics manufacturer ABB has announced plans to build a US$150 million (AU$211 million) factory in Shanghai, China.
The Kangqiao facility is expected to come online by the end of 2020, and according to ABB, will see “robots making robots” in a high-tech factory combining digital technologies including collaborative robotics and artificial intelligence solutions.
“The concept behind this factory is the same advice we give our customers every day: invest in automation solutions that provide flexibility and agility to grow in whichever direction the market goes,” said Sami Atiya, president of ABB’s Robotics and Motion division.
“ABB is proud to help our customers in China and around the world with solutions that take full advantage of the latest technologies to meet the challenges of mass customisation, faster cycles and constant change which have become the new normal – even in our own factories.”
China is ABB’s second-largest market, and the company has invested US$2.4 billion into the country since 1992. Ulrich Spiesshofer, CEO of ABB, said he was looking forward to working with Shanghai’s mayor Ying Yong, other community leaders, and its customers.
“China’s commitment to transform its manufacturing is a torchlight for the rest of the world,” said Spiesshofer. “Its strategic embrace of the latest technologies for artificial intelligence, advanced robotics and cloud-based computing present a playbook for every country that wishes to have a globally competitive manufacturing base.
“Shanghai has become a vital center for advanced technology leadership – for ABB and the world.”
ABB’s robotics businesses already employ more than 18,000 people in 20 locations across China, including 5000 in Shanghai.
STOP THE PRESS
At the time of going to print, tna has just opened a new $8m facility in Melbourne. PKN attended the opening on 15 November and has posted a report online at www.packagingnews.com.au, with more to follow in the next print issue.
SUPPLIERS TEAM UP FOR NEW INDUSTRY 4.0 USER GROUP
SMC Pneumatics, Beckhoff Automation, Nord Drivesystems, Balluff, and ZI-Argus have launched an open-source knowledge group to educate customers on Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
The Open IIoT group aims to simplify the complex topics of Industry 4.0 and IIoT for clients.
“The amount of communication on this topic can become overwhelming, and yet there is still a lack of knowledge on some crucial
topics such as real business value,
security, data ownership and the IT
integration,” the group said.
“It is a topic discussed in our manufacturing world on the factory floor with very little input from the IT departments who will play a crucial role in the implementation.”
Open IIoT plans to work with the government and industry bodies, including APPMA, to help Australian manufacturers catch up to their counterparts from
around the world, offering a “how to implement” guide with a focus on the practice, rather than the theory.
“In Australian manufacturing, Industry 4.0 is a relatively new topic, but one which our economy needs to get on top of as a matter of urgency. We cannot afford to be left behind as the rest of the world gets up to speed on what is seen as a steep learning curve,” the group said. 
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