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1600kN / ton stamping line integrated with standard YSM bending line . that I see in sheet-metal markets . Companies that are heavily dependent on manual processes , requiring many people , have been deeply affected by the pandemic . They now realise the importance of reducing their dependency on manual processes and have begun to automate and integrate this process ,” he added .
Feeding into these trends , YSM ’ s standard modules offer customers greater flexibility to integrate several operations into a single platform , he told ISMR .
“ Our system is flexible — we can integrate modules that are manufactured by us as well as modules that are manufactured by other partner companies . This means tailor-made manufacturing solutions for customers ,” he explained .
multiple operations to be processed for a single part . These modules reduce the need for secondary operations to be done on a part , making production processes simpler ,” the CEO of YSM International in India , Gregory Wilfred , told ISMR .
YSM ’ s individual modular manufacturing systems offer its customers greater levels of flexibility to accommodate different part types on a single line . The modules are designed to reduce the need for special machinery manufacture by reducing the overall cost of the machinery .
“ For example , we integrated a 1600kN / ton stamping line with our standard YSM 39T bending line . This gives customers the flexibility of bending sheet metal of up to 3mm x 100mm , increasing their range capacity and giving them a competitive edge in part production ,” explained Gregory Wilfred .
This move towards standardising its machinery has also helped YSM ’ s customers to reduce their capital costs on projects . Reducing capital costs is crucial , explained Wilfred , as cost , revenue and profit are the three most important factors in determining the success of any business .
“ Our modular approach means that , despite the complexity of the part or the application , our machines can be set up to run each operation independently of each other ( thereby simplifying the process and reducing tool complexities and costs ). For example , the slides can be adjusted to align in either radial or linear operation , so that users have the flexibility to integrate several processes into one machine with minimal adjustments ,” outlined Wilfred .
“ With this process optimisation , we can deliver faster set-up times for part production ; small batch production that is no longer costly and time-consuming as well as reduced capital investment costs for customers . That means a corresponding increase in profits for them . Our customers have also been able to adapt their existing tooling onto our machines , with some modifications ,” he added .
Opportunities for growth
Gregory Wilfred sees numerous areas for growth and increased opportunities for YSM in various sectors and regions across the world . “ We are seeing a major increase in the production of vehicles worldwide as well as an expansion in the construction industry . These are major driving factors for growth in the sheet-metal industry . This growth has been restricted due to the manufacturing stoppages over 2020 / 21 , but we can expect to see a resurgence of this kind of growth in coming years or until there is a reduction in the levels of demand versus supply ,” said Wilfred .
He expects the Asia Pacific automotive sector , in particular , to register significant growth as well as infrastructure and industrial construction projects in various developing countries . These are likely to propel the demand for sheet metal .
“ Europe is more focused on driving new and advanced technologies , especially those relating to decreasing the environmental footprint . These factors are likely to influence the demand for lightweight sheet metal in the region ,” Wilfred clarified . “ Process automation and process integration are other trends
Gregory Wilfred , CEO , YSM International , India .
Lessons from the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic affected YSM ’ s operations and internal processes , as it did for other manufacturers . The company took numerous steps in response to the crisis and , as a result , strengthened its operations , processes and strategic focus .
“ The COVID-19 pandemic taught manufacturers the need to strengthen their supply chains by either building up support from more local suppliers or enhancing their existing manufacturing capabilities in-house . We were able to support our customers faster just by being closer to them through our local Technology Centres ,” Wilfred pointed out .
Building local capabilities for business continuity was a key objective for YSM . Its regional Technology Centres offer sales ; service ; technology support ; tooling trials ; maintenance ; training and various other services to YSM ’ s customers .
“ Previously , our support teams were all based in Taiwan . Today we have a new Technology Centre in Pune , India , for the southeast Asian Market and the Middle East . This centre also looks after
The YSM management team : ( L to R ) Norbert Wilfred , Managing Director , YSM International , India ; Chen , Tsung Cheng , General Manager , YSM Taiwan and Lin , Ching Tang , Vice General Manager , YSM Taiwan .