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Automation Update

  • March 31, 2016
  • Industry Update

Summary

This content is courtesy of Automation.com

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Largest-ever U.S. delegation to attend fair

Penny Pritzker, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, announced that she will lead the largest-ever U.S. delegation to HANNOVER MESSE, the fair for industrial technology, taking place 25–29 April 2016 in Hannover, Germany. Because the U.S. is a partner country, the more than 270 businesses and economic development organizations in the delegation will be prominently featured in U.S. exhibition halls and during special events. President Obama will also participate in this year’s event, themed “Integrated Industry – Join the Network.”

The U.S. manufacturing industry has strong bonds to Germany, and the two countries have been vital partners in many geopolitical priorities. This year’s fair will be a milestone in transatlantic trade relations and an example of the Obama Administration’s commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Germany economic partnership.

The Department of Commerce will also host the U.S. investment pavilion, a centerpiece of the fair and host to state and local economic development organization exhibitors. International trade specialists from the International Trade Administration will be available on the show floor to provide insights into global industry trends, identify the best market opportunities for U.S. products, and facilitate introductions to international buyers, distributors, and investors

U.S. will be top manufacturing nation by 2020

The U.S. is expected to become the most competitive manufacturing nation over the next five years, with the current leader China sliding into second position, according to the upcoming 2016 Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Index report from Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited’s (Deloitte Global) Global Consumer and Industrial Products Industry group and the U.S. Council on Competitiveness.

The prediction is based on an in-depth analysis of survey responses from more than 500 chief executive officers and senior leaders at manufacturing companies around the world. The ability of the U.S. to take the top spot may be largely due to the country’s investment in research, technology, and innovation, which enhances the competitiveness of its industries and drives economic development, according to the study Advanced Technologies Initiative: Manufacturing & Innovation, a 2015 report also published by Deloitte Global and the Council.

The 2016 Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Index forecasts that the top eleven countries will remain consistent between now and 2020, with some exchange of rankings. In addition to China and the U.S. retaining the top two spots, Germany and Japan will remain at third and fourth, respectively. India, currently 11th on the list, is expected to jump up to as high as fifth place. South Korea, Canada, and Singapore are expected to drop one spot each due to India’s rise, while Taiwan and the U.K. are expected to drop two spots. Mexico, meanwhile, is expected to move up from eighth to seventh.

The next nine spots, however, show how the industry anticipates that developing markets will continue to mature and become more formidable over the next five years. Malaysia is expected to rise from 17th to 13th, Vietnam from 18th to 12th, and Indonesia from 19th to 15th. Conversely, European nations, including Switzerland, Sweden, Poland, and the Netherlands, are expected to drop as many as six spots in their ability to compete.

Rockwell Automation to automate Michelin

The Michelin Group has awarded a four-year contract to Rockwell Automation that designates the industrial automation and information company as the preferred provider to all the Michelin Group’s factories worldwide. The agreement extends to the Rockwell Automation industrial automation, power, control, industrial software, and services offerings.

The Rockwell Automation global resource network includes a global account team near Michelin headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France, and offices near Michelin plants in Greenville, S.C., and Shanghai. They support day-to-day operations and service to Michelin’s manufacturing facilities.

Minimizing hazards training

Fluke is offering a free online course in electrical measurement safety. Students will learn how to minimize potential hazards when performing electrical measurements. The four-hour course is intended for anyone who works with electricity, including electricians, maintenance professionals, engineers, construction workers, HVAC technicians, electrical contractors, and facility engineers. The course covers seven topics:

  • Risks, including shock and electrocution
  • NFPA, PPE, and safe work practices
  • Test tool standards and rating
  • Inspection requirements for test equipment
  • Best practices for a safer work environment
  • Practical tools and tips to extend your safety
  • Implementing a test tool training program

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