Edited By Charles Bates
The Taiwanese refer to the current global manufacturing recession as an “economic tsunami,” one that could have devastating effects if preventative steps aren’t taken. The country’s concern is magnified because it is home to 450 machine tool builders and it exports about $3.8 billion (in 2008) worth of those builders’ products, making Taiwan the estimated fourth-largest machine tool exporter in the world.
So how does Taiwan plan to weather the tsunami and protect its lucrative machine tool industry? The answer, according to Dr. Ying-Jeou Ma, president of the Republic of China (Taiwan), is to invest in research and development to turn crisis into opportunity in the face of global financial turmoil.
While speaking at a press conference during the opening ceremonies of the TIMTOS tradeshow in Taipei in March 2009, President Ma said that despite a depressed market, his country would continue investing in research and development to stay competitive in the global market.
President Ma also spoke of increasing government procurement projects, intensifying efforts to stimulate the internal economy, and of diversifying sources of revenue for Taiwan’s machine tool industry by cashing in on emerging markets such as Russia, southwest Asia and South America. And he’s hoping to “win over” mainland China.
In Taiwan’s machine tool industry, research and development has keyed in on compact machine structures, particularly multi-axis machines, and emphasized high quality, functionality, competitive pricing and comprehensive service. Taiwanese builders have also directed research and development efforts toward high-precision, high production effectiveness and streamlined production processes.
Most of Taiwan’s manufacturing equipment makers showcased the results of their research and development at TIMTOS. The show hosted 895 exhibitors occupying 4,871 booths to demonstrate their products to nearly 39,000 domestic visitors. Here are some products highlighted at the show.
