TAKISAWA opens new Thai service centre

Mr Bryan Lee, General Manager

ASEAN is projected to rank as the fourth largest economy by 2050, according to research firm IHS. With all the rising construction and commercial activities brought by the booming manufacturing sector, leading machine tool makers see great potential in the region.

Taiwan machine tool exports to Thailand from January to October of 2017 increased by 13.6% compared to the same period of 2016. It will continue to be a vital destination for machine tools to sustain the automotive manufacturing sector in the country and ASEAN region.

In January 2017, TAKISAWA Tech Asia Co., Ltd. was established, to provide sales and service support in Thailand through Taiwan TAKISAWA Technology Co. Ltd. INTERNATIONAL METALWORKING NEWS FOR ASIA interviewed Mr Bryan Lee, General Manager of TAKISAWA Tech Asia. He discussed the role of TAKISAWA in Asia, and how their technology can assist customers.

IMNA: How involved are you in the metalworking industry?

Mr Lee: Taiwan TAKISAWA was established in 1972, providing the customers with reliable products, while keeping innovation going. The key is to be consistent in upgrading and maintaining our products’ quality. Furthermore, we are also producing main components in-house in order to secure the stability of our production line.

IMNA: How does Taiwan TAKISAWA’S technology influence customers in Asia?

Mr Lee: Twenty years ago, we successfully developed the first CNC EX108 relying on our own technology. Now our the latest model, MX-800 is equipped with double spindles, left and right, and with top two opposite turrets. Allowing two processes operating at the same time.

Our technology has evolved over the years – regarding the diversity, we have evolved from supplying 2-axis CNC to 7-axis multi-functional machinery mill-turning machines. In terms of the size, the company made its progress in producing 150mm machines to 1100mm types of machine (from horizontal to vertical lathes CNCs).

Taiwan TAKISAWA’s products are well recognised by customers. We have also nurtured a strong partnership with our long term customers who grow along with the company. The company witnessed the journey of many end product manufacturers who transformed themselves from small-scale family business or OEMs to becoming a multinational company. Being able to obtain a sense of achievement together is priceless, and that is exactly why we insist in mastering machining technology.

IMNA: What image does your products known for?

Mr Lee: TAKISAWA is known for our precision and quality. The equipment has a long life-span, coupled with our reliable brand TAKISAWA of Japan since 1922, and Taiwan since 1972. We are dedicated to sustaining our long tradition of bringing excellence, innovation, and products that appeal to customers. 

IMNA: What strategies do you adopt to be competitive?

Mr Lee: We regularly visit and exhibit at international tradeshows to gain first-hand knowledge on product trends; customise our equipment based on clients’ requirements, and design specific regional products based from the feedbacks of our agents. METALEX 2017 was a great channel to inform our ASEAN clients of TAKISAWA Tech Asia’s official establishment.

IMNA: How is your business in South East Asia?

Mr Lee: Our revenue in South East Asia is NT$100 million per year and growing. In the future, we will cooperate more with partners in ASEAN, I am really positive about our South East Asia prospective.

IMNA: What is the key to Taiwan TAKISAWA’s growth?

Mr Lee: Constant innovation and refined quality. On the other hand, we are focusing on the topic of intelligent manufacturing, this includes speeding up the production with higher efficiency, with our multi-axis and multi-functional machineries. We also believe that adopting Industry 4.0 in our own factory and management system will eventually benefit two parties – both TAKISAWA and our clients. Thus applying close inspection, simulation and analysis of our production remains our core competiveness.