Blaser at 90: Supporting South East Asia's next phase of manufacturing growth

By: Kathryn Gerardino-Elagio

Ninety years after its founding in Switzerland, Blaser Swisslube continues to evolve alongside the industries it serves. At the recent Blaser International Sales Summit (BISS 2026) in Hasle-Rüegsau, around 800 employees and partners from 40 countries gathered to celebrate the company's 90th anniversary while discussing the future of manufacturing.

Across Asia, particularly South East Asia and Taiwan, that future is being shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor expansion, electric vehicles (EVs) and smarter production technologies. As manufacturers diversify supply chains and invest in advanced production, the region continues to strengthen its role in global manufacturing.

David Liu, Head of APAC

During BISS 2026, International Metalworking News for Asia spoke with David Liu, Head of APAC, and Weeming Soon, Managing Director, South East Asia and Taiwan, about the trends transforming manufacturing across the region.

IMNA: Artificial intelligence is influencing almost every industry today. How is it changing semiconductor manufacturing in Asia?

David Liu: AI has become the biggest catalyst for the semiconductor industry. Every new AI application requires more computing power, and that demand flows directly into chip manufacturing.

Investment in advanced semiconductor manufacturing is accelerating across Asia. China continues expanding domestic production, while Taiwan remains a global leader. At the same time, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are strengthening their roles within the regional manufacturing ecosystem as companies diversify their supply chains.

Today, resilient supply chains depend not only on technology but also on talent, infrastructure and innovation—and Asia is well positioned in all three.

IMNA: Electric vehicles have transformed the automotive industry. How has that affected machining?

David Liu: EVs haven't simply replaced one type of vehicle with another—they've changed what manufacturers actually machine.

Traditional engines relied on hundreds of precision-machined components. EVs reduce much of that complexity but introduce new machining challenges.

Manufacturers now work with far more aluminium and magnesium alloys while delivering exceptional surface quality for battery housings, motor components and structural parts.

Although some conventional machining operations are declining, expectations for precision, cleanliness and process stability continue to rise. We're seeing these same requirements emerge across South East Asia as EV production expands.

IMNA: Where do you expect the next wave of innovation in metalworking fluids to come from?

David Liu: Sustainability is one driver, but manufacturers also need fluids that deliver higher performance while meeting stricter environmental regulations.

Semiconductor manufacturing is pushing machining technology to new limits. As silicon carbide devices and thinner wafers become more common, cooling fluids must remove microscopic particles, protect delicate surfaces and maintain stable processes.

EV giga casting is another important area, requiring cutting fluids that leave minimal residue to avoid affecting downstream welding and bonding.

Together, these developments point towards smarter manufacturing with tighter process control.

IMNA: Blaser often talks about the concept of the "Liquid Tool." What does that mean in practice?

David Liu: We believe metalworking fluid should be viewed as part of the machining system—not simply a consumable.

When the fluid, tooling, machine and machining strategy are optimised together, customers achieve better productivity, longer tool life, improved component quality and lower operating costs.

Through Liquidtool Systems, we continuously monitor coolant conditions, analyse data in real time and automate fluid management, improving process consistency while reducing waste.

Ultimately, manufacturers aren't buying coolant—they're investing in process performance.

IMNA: Blaser has just celebrated its 90th anniversary. Looking ahead, what message would you like to leave with customers across Asia?

David Liu: We're proud of our 90-year history, but our focus is firmly on the future.

What impressed me most during BISS 2026 was seeing colleagues and partners from around the world sharing ideas about the future. That spirit of collaboration has kept Blaser growing for nine decades.

Asia remains one of the world's most dynamic manufacturing regions. Whether it's semiconductors, EVs, aerospace or precision engineering, customers continue raising the bar.

Our role is to grow alongside them by bringing new technologies, practical expertise and reliable support that help manufacturers become more competitive.

The next decade will bring new challenges—and even greater opportunities.

These trends are already evident across South East Asia and Taiwan, where investment in semiconductors, electronics, EVs and precision engineering continues to grow. Blaser has supported manufacturers across the region for more than 24 years through its operations in Singapore and Taiwan.

According to Weeming Soon, Managing Director, South East Asia and Taiwan, those regional investments are driving demand for stronger technical partnerships.

"What David shared reflects what we're seeing every day across South East Asia and Taiwan. Manufacturers are investing in advanced production across semiconductors, EV components and precision engineering. As their processes become more sophisticated, they're looking for partners who can optimise machining performance—not simply supply products."

Soon says Blaser's long-standing regional presence enables the company to provide that support.

"Every manufacturing operation is different. Our role is to understand each customer's process and recommend solutions that improve productivity, process stability and component quality. More than two decades in the region gives us a deep understanding of both the local manufacturing environment and our customers' technical requirements."

This reflects Blaser's "Liquid Tool" philosophy, where metalworking fluid is treated as an integral part of the machining system rather than simply another consumable. Backed by 90 years of Swiss engineering and more than 24 years of regional experience, Blaser Swisslube continues to support manufacturers across South East Asia and Taiwan as they prepare for the next phase of industrial growth.