Schunk chief sees automation picking up in South East Asia

Schunk President Mr Alexander Tijioe sees automation picking up not only in Thailand but the entire South East Asian region.

“Companies are trying to reduce manpower, but not to replace the people, rather to get more output from their businesses. This is what I have been seeing in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. These are the three big countries using automation,” he said.

He added, “Right now, it’s not about cheap labor cost anymore. It’s more on reducing work hazard. For example a factory with a very hot environment -- this is when automation comes in place. Schunk is number one in the world in terms of automation. Together with our partners and robot makers, we are on a very good edge to help strengthen the market position of our customers.”

Automation

In this current world of fast technological advancement there is a critical demand for the very best quality products and services that can only be supplied by a high level of productivity which requires automation.

Tijioe is seeing a lot of companies nowadays who want to use automation in their businesses. However, they want to start with something easy and simple that requires little time to set-up. A manufacturing process that is not automated at all can be very time-consuming, and the jump from no automation to semi-automation brings huge benefits. So they start with semi-automation to make certain tasks easier and faster, and later expand to full automation.

“Again we are not trying to replace man here.” We live in a golden age of technological progress. The global market requests for availability, quality, reasonable prices and services and increase productivity.”

Challenges, Investments, Plans

In every business there is always a challenge. “For Schunk, the challenge is always how we can differentiate ourselves. And how to educate people to understand what we are offering.”

Schunk is investing in every industrial sector. The company is willing to spend money and become a top player here in the region. “We engage in short and long term investments.”

Speaking of investments, the company recently acquired a technology center in Indonesia that is about 750-square-meters, which is located in the West of Jakarta. Renovations were being made during the time of the interview (November 2015).

This year, Alex mentioned that Schunk will invest in another technology center in Thailand followed by another planned investment in Ho Chi Minh City next year.