Mesnac, Rockwell extending partnership

BEIJING (March 9, 2017) — Chinese machinery supplier Mesnac Co. Ltd. has extended an agreement with Rockwell Automation Inc. to conduct joint research on smart manufacturing in the tire and rubber industry.

Milwaukee, Wis.-based Rockwell is expected to help improve the performance of machines and support Mesnac in improving efficiency, while also reducing cost through engineering, the partners said.

The parties agreed to conduct in-depth research into automation and industry safety "with the aim to provide top quality products and services to the tire manufacturers and promote the smart manufacture process in the global rubber industry."

Speaking on the partnership, Mesnac Vice President Yu Mingjin said the Chinese company would continue to improve its application technologies, applying its smart manufacturing systems at the Hefei Wanli Tire Co Ltd. plant in Hefei, China, that was due to come on stream late in 2016.

Hefei Wanli — a joint venture involving Guangzhou Fengli Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd., and Chinese vehicle maker China Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co. Ltd. (JAC) — described the plant as "the world's first tire factory employing smart automation throughout processes from mixing to curing."

For that, Mr. Yu added, Mesnac will conduct joint research with tire manufacturers and suppliers to improve the "smart level of its products and solutions."

Bob Buttermore, managing director of Rockwell Automation Greater China, said the two companies have enjoyed decades of cooperation, both in China and worldwide.

"We expect to see a close cooperation in exploring the innovative technologies in smart equipment and information technology," Mr. Buttermore said.

"We will continue to support Mesnac to become a world-leading integrated solution provider for the rubber and tire industry."

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Shahrzad Pourriahi is a reporter with European Rubber Journal, a London-based sister publication of Tire Business.