A visit from chief executives of one of the world’s leading machining technology manufacturers provides some insights into the importance of manufacturing and the advances in technology going forward.

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The President of Okuma Corporation of Japan, Dr Ieki, was interviewed on his recent visit to Australia from Japan taking time out to talk directly to the Okuma Australasian team and key customers.

 

How significant to Okuma are the markets of Australian and New Zealand:

Okuma established Okuma Australia and New Zealand more than twenty years ago and the Oceanian markets are important for the company. Whilst there was a slower build up in the early years, quite excellent results have been achieved in the last six years in particular with strong market development under a very competent management team.

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What are your thoughts on the future of manufacturing:

The future of manufacturing is poised to be transformative, driven by several key trends and challenges. These include Technological Advancements, Sustainability, Workforce Evolution, Global Supply chains, plus Customisation and Flexibility.

Overall the future of manufacturing will be characterised by a blend of technological innovation, sustainable efforts and a dynamic workforce. These changes promise to make manufacturing more efficient, resilient and environmentally friendly.

Okuma is heavily focused on advancing the automation of its CNC machines to enhance productivity, efficiency and precision in manufacturing, he said.

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What is Okuma’s direction in automation of Okuma CNC machines:

The principal directions include five important areas

  1. Integrated Automation Solutions:

    Okuma offers built-in automation technology in many of its machines, allowing seamless integration of automation controls and machinery. This includes systems for loading and unloading, conveyer and pallet systems and more.

  2. Custom Automation Solutions:

    For manufacturers looking to automate new Okuma machines, Okuma provides custom automation solutions tailored to specific needs. This flexibility ensures that automation can be implemented efficiently across different types of manufacturing environments.

  3. Advanced Robotics:

    Okuma utilises advances in robotics, including collaborative robots (cabots) and multifunctional robots like ARMAROID and STANDROID. These are designed to streamline operations, improve efficiency and reduce human error.

  4. Focus on Efficiency and Consistency:

    Automation in Okuma CNC machines aims to maximise spindle utilisation, reduce downtime and increase consistency and accuracy of manufacturing processes. This leads to higher productivity and profitability he said.

  5. Sustainability and Workforce Enhancement:

    By automating repetitive tasks, Okuma not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances the physical and mental well-being of operators. This allows workers to focus on more complex and critical tasks, fostering a more engaging and safer work environment.

    Dr Ieki further commented that Okuma’s direction in automation reflects a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to create smarter, more efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes.

 

A world expert speaking in Australia had commented that countries without a strong manufacturing base are going backwards – what is your experience:

The statement about countries without a strong manufacturing base reflects a significant concern in the global economic landscape. Manufacturing is often seen as a backbone of economic stability and growth for several reasons. Countries that lack a strong manufacturing base may face challenges such as higher unemployment rates, slower economic growth and increased vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions. This can lead to economic stagnation and a decline in living standards commented Dr Ieki.

The first visit to Australia of Okuma Corporation President Dr Ieki provided the perfect opportunity to acknowledge and present to ANCA Managing Director and Co-founder Mr Pat Boland with a framed photograph of their first Okuma Double Column machine installed in Australia by the company some 25 years ago. Today ANCA continues to be an important Okuma customer. ANCA employs in excess of 1,200 personnel and exports 99% of its production to 50 countries worldwide.

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On the occasion of the visit of Dr Ieki, a special cocktail function was held in Melbourne at which the President was able to acknowledge the more than forty Australian and New Zealand customers present representing more than 200 machines. Dr Ieki extended a warm welcome to all present and commented how happy he was to meet so many loyal customers. There were now in excess of 3,200 Okuma machines in operation in the Australasian market with 90% of customers’ full Okuma users, he said.

 

“Although Okuma had been in the Australasian market for fifty years, it was in 2002 that it was decided to establish Okuma Australia as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Japanese parent to better support the markets of Australia and New Zealand,” said Dr Ieki. “I am very proud of the outstanding results achieved here in the last six years through exceptional efforts and the trust of our customers with Okuma machine orders and installations increasing year on year including 7 Double Column machines recently delivered. We spend considerable time and resources to apply the principals of Monozukuri ‘the art of making things better’ to gain improvements in machine accuracy, reliability, productivity and technology as well as support for employees and customers. This flows down to provide you with a competitive market advantage. Okuma continues to invest in more R & D to increase robotics and automation whilst reducing power consumption, waste and heat and we are always listening to our customers to enable us to continue to improve,” he said.

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Even on a tight schedule Dr Ieki was able to visit a number of customers including Australian Precision Technologies (APT), McMillan Engineering and ANCA in Melbourne and Eilbeck Machining in Sydney to witness first hand some of the most advanced engineering and manufacturing operations in Australia.

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Richard Weinzierl, Managing Director from APT commented, “I was humbled that Dr Ieki would take the time to visit us and staff all commented they were honoured to receive such an important visitor.”

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With an emphasis on advanced technology, the variety of Okuma machines operating including the first installation of the Okuma OSP-P500 control system in Australia, Dr Ieki was greatly impressed with the very advanced machine shop which he commented was one of the best he had seen. This comment was replicated during all the plants visited during his tour and Dr Ieki commented that it was obvious that all were focusing on advanced technology which he stated was the secret to success.

ANCA Managing Director and co-founder Mr Pat Boland commented, “Dr Ieki was not only very interested in our advanced machine shop but he showed great interest in the machine tools produced by our company and took extreme interest in the world leading machine tool technology developed by ANCA."

 

“We have been delighted to welcome Dr Ieki and Mr Kato to Australia to witness first- hand the highest levels of world leading hi-tech manufacturing in which the latest Okuma machines play a vital role. The Okuma Australasian team and our customers have welcomed the opportunity of personally meeting Dr Ieki and to hear of the latest developments. To receive his wholehearted endorsement of our marketing approach and outstanding results is very encouraging,” said Dean McCarroll, Managing Director Okuma Australia and New Zealand. “It is this personal approach that is part of the principals of Monozukuri ‘the art of making things better’ that is so important to us,” he said.