Content from Global Kigyo

Content from Global Kigyo

The automation technology helping to create a prosperous society

In the semiconductor and EV markets, state-of-the-art equipment from CKD and other Japanese manufacturers is helping tochange production strategies, technologies and business concepts.
Semiconductors are
the crucial ingredientthat make all digitalmanufacturing possible.
The modest, seemingly
unsubstantial elements
found within diodes andcircuits do more than justregulate electricity, they
help entire industries andeconomies thrive. Developed nations are rushing
Katsuhito Okuoka,
President and COO, CKD Corporation
to create new productionlines and factories to keep up with demand and better control supply.
In line with modern technology trends, there is an increasing movetowards automated manufacturing to improve efficiency, cut costs andmitigate labor shortages. That is where components manufacturers,
such as Japan-based CKD, are playing such a crucial role in the technological revolution, by changing the industry with small components,
putting automation front and center. “Focusing on automation ofmanufacturing sites, we provide products that contribute to solvingsocial issues such as carbon neutrality and reduction of food loss, as well
as automation of primary industries through technological innovation,”
said Katsuhito Okuoka. “Our corporate commitment is ‘Care for theGlobal Environment’ and ‘Challenge to Technology Innovation,’ so we
focus on developing products that contribute to society,” he said. Thecompany started in 1943, making aircraft parts.
In its nearly 80-year history, CKD diversified into producing
various machinery and electronics, and is now at the cutting edge ofcomponents for next-generation technology. In addition to semiconductors, which contributes to manufacturingcomponents as well as themachines used in plants,
CKD is also renowned forworking with lithium-ionbatteries. These batteries are
essential to many modern
rechargeable devices, particularly in the growth sector
SEMICON equip. manuf. clean roomof electric vehicles, where a key
innovation of a winding machinefor electrodes has proven to be agreat success. In terms of wider
factory automation, CKD’s products are also used in industries
such as electronic parts, food, andpharmaceuticals, among others.
Lithium-ion battery winding machine
Befitting such a diverse history
and product range, CKD is always looking to the future, developing
electronic motion actuators – components that make devices move – toreplace pneumatic systems.
As part of its environmental and corporate responsibility, thecompany has introduced a sustainable development goal to reducecarbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 50% by 2030. CKD’s strategy is as
impressive in numbers as it is in the scope of ambition. The firm has set
a sales target of 180 billion yen ($1.2 billion) by 2025, and an operating
income target of 25 billion yen ($171 million). Over the next four years,
CKD will allocate 60 billion yen ($412 million) for R&D and capital
investment to focus on international expansion and service, changing
their business style. In addition to manufacturing bases currently
operating mainly in East Asia, the company opened a new plant inNorth America in April this year, and a new facility in India will open in
2023. Added to this expansion is the merger and acquisition of a sales
company in Europe.
President Okuoka believes that today’s competitive internationalmarket can be mastered by taking traditional Japanese commitment
to quality and efficiency worldwide. “In a society that values cost overquality, we have witnessed the power of Japanese manufacturing waning
year by year,” he said. “However, I believe that society will change froma mass production andmass consumption (massdisposal) economy to acircular economy. I believe
Japan has strengths infundamental technologies,
such as environmental technologies, and can regain
its leadership position,”
Okuoka said.
Indian plant (operational in 2023)

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