Roland DG Corporation has begun construction on an expansion of its manufacturing facility in Thailand which will increase its wide-format inkjet printer production capacity by about 40% to 17,000 units per year.
“Manufacturing at the Miyakoda factory in Hamamatsu, Japan will be transferred to the factory in Thailand to help strengthen Roland DG’s cost competitiveness and will be operated as the centre of volume production,” the company announced.
The Thai factory began operation in October 2012 as Roland DG’s first overseas factory. The expansion will increase the total floor area of the factory from the current 6,907 m2 to 9,960 m2, and increase the current production area by approximately 40% to 7,162 m2.
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| Expected completion image of factory expansion. The new facility is on the right side of the main building in Samutsakhon, Thailand |
“Transferring production of inkjet printers, dental milling machines and other high-volume products currently made at the Miyakoda factory will double the existing 16 models to 32, with wide-format inkjet printer production capacity increased by approximately 40% to 17,000 units per year,” Roland DG said.
“Changes to the production area layout will ensure a smooth flow of operations, from receiving parts to storage, picking, production, and shipment to boost operating efficiency. Expansion work is planned to be completed by the end of November 2021, with full-scale operations of the entire factory including the expanded area slated to begin in January 2022.”
The Miyakoda factory will assume the role of manufacturing prototypes, assisting with the launch of new products, and developing advanced production technologies.
Roland DG is also making preparations to develop and market its cell production system as a digital solution for a broad range of multi-item, small-lot production manufacturers.
* Roland DG’s digital cell production system:
Roland DG products are manufactured using a proprietary digital cell production system. Assemblers follow the steps shown in a 3D graphical manual displayed on a computer monitor to utilize the proper parts, fasteners and electric screwdrivers as specified. The use of digital technology simplifies the memorization and concentration capabilities of human operators while achieving a high level of both quality and productivity. Another key advantage is an operating log data of each cell is stored on a server, allowing floor managers to monitor work progress and make improvements by analysing data, which in turn enables optimum control of not only each individual cell but also production of the entire factory.
The Miyakoda factory is further developing systems aimed at digitalizing entire factories, such as introducing robots and testing automated transport carts loaded with components required for assembly.
