Mr. Hong Hock Seng, Executive Director at Mah Sing Plastics Industries Sdn Bhd on the sideline of the In.Tech Conference in Kuala Lumpur here said that automation works better for companies that have a smaller range of products than those having otherwise.
“It is more difficult to apply automation on a large range of product that required a high level of customization. Companies that specialize in only a few products have an advantage in this sense,” Mr. Hong explained.
Mah Sing produces pallet, container, furniture, and helmet, serving primarily the local Malaysia market at the moment. The company is looking to expand further to the export sector, where competition is also intense. Mr. Hong said, “We have to look at ways to improve productivities while enhancing product quality. Technology is the solution.”
The company is on its way in implementing i4.0 elements in the supply chain. The Executive Director said about 30 percent of the plant is fully automated and would continue to exploit the advantages of new technologies in the future.