A new technology centre rises in Malaysia

World-class manufacturer Makino Asia and Newline Machine Tool Sdn Bhd, the sole agent and authorised distributor of Makino machines in Malaysia, recently launched its New Technology Centre with a grand celebration last 9 September 2011. The Makino Asia and Newline Technology Centre, located in Kawasan Industri Teras, Selangor, Malaysia, boasts of a spacious hall displaying top-of-the line machines and seminar rooms, equipped with multimedia facilities.
More than a hundred guests attended the occasion from Makino Asia, Newline Technology, international clients and suppliers.  Makino Asia President and CEO Mr. Jiro Makino graced the occasion, along with Mr. K.S. Sankaran, Makino Asia COO; and Mr. Jeffrey Choon, Newline Managing Director. Partners from Japan, Singapore and other countries also flew in to witness the auspicious occasion.

Opening ceremonies

Makino officials and guests were then invited to witness the 'Awakening of the Lion,' where the two 'lions' representing Makino Asia and Newline made a performance. Mr. Makino, Mr. Sankaran and Mr. Choon took turns applying paint to the different parts of the lion's face for prosperity and good fortune. The two lions representing the two companies did a dance symbolic of the excellent relationship between Makino Asia and New Line. Fruit offerings symbolised abundance. The lions then each proceeded to 'shake hands' with the guests of honour, to the amusement of the audience.
Next was the ribbon cutting of the New Technology Centre, where Mr. Makino, Mr. Sankaran and Mr. Choon performed the ceremonial cutting, ushering in guests into the Centre.
Everyone was then invited to take a tour of the Newline Technology Centre.  Guests entered the lobby through a reception area, leading to the main hall where state-of-the-art milling, EDM and wire cut, and grinding machines were on display. Makino Asia and Newline staffs were on hand to greet the visitors and give guests a tour of the technology centre. Brochures and catalogues were also on display to provide visitors more information about the products.  People from Makino Asia, Newline, suppliers, clients and guests milled around the exhibit area, inspecting the machines  on display and reading through materials provided by Makino Asia and Newline.  Apart from Makino machines, equipment from partner companies, such as Okamoto were on display. Engineers and technicians from Makino Asia and Newline thoroughly explained how each machine worked to those who inquired.
Later in the program, the guests of honour were asked to go up on stage for a ceremonial breaking of the Sake barrel. Mr. Makino, Mr. Sankaran and Mr. Choon and other VIP guests each hit the big sake barrel with a small wooden hammer, breaking the cover. Glasses of sake were then handed out for a ceremonial toast, each one raising a glass to the Technology Centre's success, and to the continued growth and progress of Makino Asia and Newline.

More than a showroom

As businesses and companies continue to set up operations in Malaysia, Makino Asia and Newline recognised the need to put up a technology centre that puts value both on machines and manpower.  With the current boom in Penang's semiconductor industries, the establishment of the Makino Asia and Newline Technology Centre could not have come at a better time.
Many metalworking companies have set up technology centres in Malaysia, but Makino Asia and Newline sets its technology centre apart from the rest with a different edge. "It offers so much more. It's not just a 'show-and-tell," shares Mr. Makino.   "Other technology centres just have machines on display. The Makino Asia and Newline TechnolZoom Lebron XII 12