11 Dec 2024
Automation major to drive operational efficiency and digital transformation for Japanese tire & rubber products group
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd has selected Rockwell Automation to support digital transformation across its global tire and rubber manufacturing operations, Rockwell announced 10 Dec.
SRI, it said, will use Rockwell’s FactoryTalk ProductionCentre manufacturing execution system (MES) platform, as part of its strategy to integrate and standardise business and production data.
Deployment will begin at the tire & rubber group’s Shirakawa plant in Fukushima, Japan, "and expand to other plants worldwide following evaluation," said the automation vendor.
By implementing highly efficient production systems, SRI aims address business challenges, including rising material costs and skills shortages, according to the press statement.
Overall, it added, SRI's goal is to "standardise production global sites, which handle high-mix, low-volume production" via enhanced integration of its ERP system.
Targets for the digital initiative include strengthening the group's organisational structure next year, followed by significant step-up in digital transformation activities from 2026 onwards.
We aim to "standardise manufacturing management and enhance operational efficiency globally,” said Kenji Saito, executive officer and general manager of SRI's tire manufacturing HQ.
"SRI will continue to collaborate with Rockwell... and embrace new challenges with a forward-looking approach, making full use of AI,” added Saito.
According to Rockwell, SRI chose the FactoryTalk ProductionCentre for its compatibility with existing systems and its specialised knowledge in tire manufacturing.
Paybacks, it stated, will include 'enhanced operating efficiency, minimised manufacturing risks, reduced implementation costs and accelerated speed-to-market.'
Earlier this year, Rockwell announced link-ups with Michelin (ERJ report) and Prometeon (ERJ report) to support strategies for the digitalisation of tire manufacturing operations.
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