Page 29 - TTG-Taiwan Transportation Equipment Guide (TTG)-2021-09 Edition

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Trends and Updates

Companies could pledge to lower carbon for a more environmentally-friendly product line. In
emissions and aim for zero-carbon, though a more an interview with CENS at Taipei AMPA, Managing
straightforward change that companies have been Director Steven Lin says the new technology
implementing is increasing digitalization. IMD Professor addresses the new demands that EV trends have
of Innovation and Strategy Mark Greeven says named presented to manufacturers. Traditional metal bearings
countries like Singapore and China had accelerated weigh far heavier than Igus’ highly-engineered
digital technologies used during the pandemic, which composite plastic material-made bearings. The latter
has helped them improve track and trace systems. can improve battery efficiency and withstand wear and
usage much longer than conventional materials. For
Companies working with CENS, specifically in sustainable practices, Lin said the company had also
the auto parts industry, have expressed confidence invested in a chemical recycling company that turns
amid the pandemic, as some were already engaged the plastics into oil to make new products.
in strategic collaboration with localized companies
in certain countries to ensure that their production Can Trade Shows Still Go On?
and supply would not be hampered. This is mainly
due to how localization has been going on ever since International trade shows were hit hard throughout
the U.S.-China trade war prompted businesses to the pandemic, with some choosing to postpone it to
decentralize their production from China to other this year or 2022, while others were moved online.
areas. However, a look at event schedules worldwide would
indicate an optimistic Q3-Q4 in 2021, as countries with
Resiliency isn’t just about focusing on making sure higher vaccination rates move to ease restrictions.
profits come in or streamlining processes to ensure on- Cities like Las Vegas, where AAPEX is hosted, are
time lead times. Applying future-proofing technology hoping the reopening of international trade shows will
to traditional products is also another direction that bolster local businesses hampered by the year-long
companies need to consider. pandemic.

For instance, K.S. Terminals, a traditional supplier To ensure safe in-person events, show-hosting
and maker of terminals, connectors, wire accessories, companies like Messe Frankfurt have outlined
and crimping tools, is a good example of a traditional guidelines, while others have chosen to incorporate
industry supplier that successfully transitioned into VR and AR technology into their toolbox.
emerging markets. In an interview with CENS at Taipei
AMPA this April, K.S. Terminals Financial Manager However, whether global trade shows can harken
Tseng Yu-chin said the company had leveraged its back to pre-COVID circumstances will largely depend
expertise in traditional auto-use terminals, vehicle on vaccinations and whether governments can
and scooter connectors to make connectors and successfully contain future outbreaks fueled by the
EV connectors and charging plugs. Tseng offers an Delta variant as of writing.
optimistic view of the company’s future, as many
countries are looking to improve and expand EV
charging infrastructure, which requires connectors that
are more robust and can withstand high-amp charging.

Another example of upgrading existing products
comes from Igus Taiwan Company. They took metal
bearings and infused self-lubricating, corrosion-
resistant features, producing the bearings with
maintenance-free plastics for industrial equipment

In a time where stricter travel restrictions have prevented in-person shows from occurring, CENS at Taipei AMPA
welcomed visitors and buyers, often becoming a hub where suppliers met up to check out products in-person. (Photos
courtesy of CENS)