Metalex Vietnam 2017: Unveiling renewed direction for manufacturing

This year Metalex Vietnam 2017 set up a mission to introduce a new experience for Vietnamese manufacturers by introducing two new showcases - Universal Robots Chef & Barista and The Drone Racing Technology Showcase. These two showcases were organized in Vietnam for first time.

The organizer believes that with the expanding drone market, it is not only drone manufacturers that will benefit from the new opportunity, but also companies that produce and supply parts and electronics components. The Drone Racing Technology Showcase displayed the latest model of drones by Furious FPV, built and assembled with the latest components. In addition, visitors could join this zone to learn about components and drone assembly, along with experiencing a Virtual Reality (VR) Drone Racing Competition and dance performances.

Besides, the growing need for precision and quality are driving the demand for collaborative robotic arms in the manufacturing industry. Understanding that robotic arms could take the manufacturing and supporting industries to the next level, therefore, Universal Robots showcased the diverse applications of collaborative robots through cooking omelet and brewing coffee.

At Metalex Vietnam 2017, a special training class opened for engineers to broaden their knowledge and skills necessary to operate smart technologies integrated with Internet of Things, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence and advanced robotics that will transform Vietnam’s entire industrial ecosystem.

Another interesting program under the event was a Koma Taisen competition where all kinds of manufacturers, including small to medium enterprises, showcased their metalworking skills and design reflected through their customized spin tops which require to be ensured of the diameter at 20mm or less, and overall length is up to 60mm.

The organizer Reed Tradex also kept running support activities this year such as Business Matchmaking, Agent Wanted and Sourcing Service to provide networking opportunity for local businesses to interact in a global market place. Along with the return of the technology tour Shows in Show right at the exhibition, the program allowed local industrialists to discover the latest cutting-edge machinery and metalworking solutions that can take their production efficiency into the next level.

Suttisak Wilanan, the deputy managing director of Reed Tradex, says, “Last year, the CommonWealth Magazine has unveiled the 58-Second Competition. That is all time for BMW to produce a customized car, Siemens to make a customized controller or Optima to make a customized bottle of perfume. Industry 4.0 is redefining how things are made and sold in the 21st century.” “To stay ahead of the competition in the 21st century, manufacturers must improve their business to be more efficient, collaborative and agile than ever, so they could secure their competitive edge. That’s why Metalex Vietnam 2017 will play distinct roles in this effort,” says Wilanan.

Metalex Vietnam 2017 also provides a new direction for manufacturers, in order to response the challenge of a new-age manufacturing where the transformation is needed to catch up Industry 4.0 and take advantage from tariff reduction, trade facilitation, investment attraction, and expansion of markets through 16 worldwide FTAs which Vietnam is a part recently.

Wilanan says, “Recently signed free trade agreements (FTAs) are likely to further boost competition, as well as extend the country’s international reach.” He also gave examples of expanding the manufacturing industry to other segments. “In last June, Hanwha Techwin built the first aircraft engine parts factory in the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park. This opens a new opportunity for Vietnam’s manufacturing industry as Hanwha Techwin is increasing the volume of its engine parts business by winning large-scale parts orders from world-class aircraft engine manufacturers such as GE, Pratt & Whitney (P&W) and Rolls-Royce.”

Wilanan says, “Proper recognition of technology investments is needed to meet current needs and reach out further of traditional markets.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony of Metalex Vietnam 2017, Ureerat Ratanaprukse, the Thai Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City shared her view of need to tight up the cooperation among ASEAN nations to integrate and develop in the new economic era. Ureerat Ratanaprukse says: “The event today is definitely contributing to the “greater flow of investment” not only between Thailand and Vietnam as envisaged by our leaders but also among ASEAN countries and beyond to prosper together.”

She adds, “At the backdrop of AEC and Vietnam’s robust economic growth and deeper integration into the global economy, I truly believe that Metalex Vietnam 2017 will serve as one of the important bridges to connect and advance the state of manufacturing and supporting industry as well as a platform to showcase and foster science, technology and innovation, which are fundamental to sustainable economic growth.”

With three days full of exciting programs, Metalex Vietnam 2017, which was co-located with Vietnam Electronics Assembly 2017 and Industrial Components & Subcontracting Vietnam 2017, represented 500 brands from 25 countries, along with 10 international pavilions of seven countries and territories from China, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Chinese Taipei and Thailand. The show promised a magnificent experience in technology and solution for all manufacturers around and beyond Vietnam.