Mr. Rodney Chaffee - FARO Singapore

Mr. Rodney Chaffee
Head of Sales, Asia Pacific
FARO Singapore Pte Ltd

At FARO, we firmly believe that Asia's metalworking industry will continue to see movement towards non-contact three-dimensional (3D) measurement and documentation.  In the beginning, parts, objects, material, equipment, and even buildings had to be ‘touched' to capture simple two-dimensional data and information.  The metalworking industry then moved on to capture 3D data and information with similar tactile measurement techniques. 3D capabilities opened plenty of opportunities for the industry, including better specifications and higher quality product. 

Now Asia's metalworking industry, along with many other industries around the globe, is capturing 3D measurements and documentation without coming into contact with the objects measured. The use of 3D scanning technology is the way everyone in the metalworking industry will document objects - parts, equipment, material, and even the entire factory - both now, and in time to come. The technology is becoming easier to use, smaller in form, and more affordable.  The combination of these three factors enables every member of Asia's metalworking industry to enjoy the benefits of non-contact, 3D measurement and documentation. 

For example, in 2011, FARO released the EDGE FARO Arm.  The EDGE includes a laser scanner that is very small and lightweight. The FARO EDGE captures 3D data quickly and easily, without touching the part.  FARO's "Focus 3D S, also released in 2011, is opening up 3D documentation opportunities never thought possible before, due to its small size, ease of operation, and attractive price point.  Product advances like these will continue to drive Asia's metalworking industry to non-contact 3D measurement and documentation.

FARO sees growth in every area in Asia.  In developed markets, such as Japan, we are leveraging and benefiting from the market's position of high quality and high efficiency manufacturing.  Developed markets must continue to improve efficiency and produce desirable, high quality products to compete with the lower cost markets like China, India, and Thailand.  Our solutions help these markets produce the best products at very high efficiencies.

In semi-developed markets, like China, we are enjoying the new opportunities, as well as continuing to penetrate the market that has existed for years.  As costs and competition in these markets increase, quality and efficiency must improve. FARO can apply the knowledge and experience gained from developed markets to help our customers compete and win in these growing markets, and help ourselves grow.

FARO is also experiencing healthy growth in developing markets, such as India and Thailand.  Opportunities appear everywhere in these developing markets.  We are using our global coverage and local presence to identify and create opportunities.  Again, our products, knowledge, and experience allow us to help these new markets learn the best practices to make them successful. 

The company expanded in 2011 by opening a direct sales office in Busan (South Korea), and offices in Chennai (India) and Chengdu (China). FARO will continue to expand our business in Asia in 2012. We will be adding sales and support personnel in many of the Asian countries. At the same time, our direct sales channel will grow, with expansion of several of our existing offices, as well as adding of new office locations. We will also be looking for sales partners to increase our distributor network. Through these efforts, we will be showing our products to more and more potential customers, and looking for opportunities to help others benefit from 3D measurement anAdidas