Increased Production Capacity for Daifuku’s Semiconductor Production Line Systems in China and South Korea
To increase the production capacity of its semiconductor and LCD production line systems in anticipation of expansion in the semiconductor market in China, the Daifuku Group relocated the head office and plants of Daifuku (Suzhou) Cleanroom Automation Co., Ltd. (China) to a new location. The Daifuku Group company Clean Factomation, Inc. (South Korea) also renovated its Asan Plant to expand local production of systems for delivery to customers in South Korea.
New plant in China brings 1.4 times the production capacity and a 758-ton reduction in CO2 emissions
With semiconductors being used in an ever-growing number of areas such as electric vehicles, China is seeing the construction of numerous new semiconductor plants to meet the increasing demand. The Chinese government set a semiconductor self-sufficiency goal of 70% by 2025, and even more plants are expected to be constructed to meet this goal.
In anticipation of this increase in investment, in September 2023, Daifuku (Suzhou) Cleanroom Automation Co., Ltd. relocated operations to its new head office and plant in the Suzhou-Xiangcheng Cooperation Zone (an industrial park jointly developed by Suzhou Industrial Park and the Xiangcheng District of Suzhou). The new location consists of two buildings, one of which includes an office wing, with an expected production capacity 1.4 times higher than the previous location. The new plant contains two cleanrooms ensuring production environment cleanliness. It also includes a unit load automatic storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and a mini load AS/RS for storage of raw materials and increased production efficiency.
To better help customers understand Daifuku’s products, the plant is equipped with semiconductor and LCD production transport system demonstration lines, and an interactive theater is also available to help promote Daifuku’s brand image. Training facilities were renovated with accident experience equipment so employees can better understand the accidents that can occur at production and construction plants. Daifuku is working to further increase safety awareness not only at its Group companies in China, but also at partner companies as well.
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Demo line tour
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Unit load AS/RS for storage of raw materials
The new plant is also designed to conserve energy and reduce CO2 emissions. The roof of the plant includes a solar power system that generates approximately 1.5 million kWh per year, which is about 76% of the plant’s overall consumed power (when operating 12 hours a day). This system is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 758 tons per year. The lobby of the office building also features a special real-time display for the solar power system, providing visitors with information on the amount of energy the system is generating and how it is being used.
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Rooftop solar power system
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Solar power measurement display system in the office lobby
South Korean plant renovated, bringing expanded production capacity for improved local production
Clean Factomation, Inc.’s recently renovated Asan Plant is located in South Chungcheong Province in the western part of South Korea. The Asan Plant was established in 2005 and is home to semiconductor and LCD production line systems. In response to the aging of some buildings and facilities, the plant and office buildings were renovated and expanded. Post-renovation full-scale operations began in July 2023 with 1.3 times the production capacity.
The renovated plant building makes it easier to design and manufacture greater numbers of products that meet the needs of customers in South Korea, including the Zip Tower inter-story transport system, which can now be manufactured locally.
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The Asan Plant, equipped with a solar power system
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An inside look at the factory building
Creating new value through local production
As mass production of electric vehicles continues to increase around the world, the demand for power semiconductors is also rising. The spread of interactive AI is also expected to push demand for semiconductors even higher, and various countries and regions are looking to ensure economic security through heavy investment in local semiconductor production. To better meet this evolving situation, the Daifuku Group is dedicated to further localization of its production. As evidenced by the recently expanded production capacities in both China and South Korea, the Group is actively working to create a production system capable of meeting the diverse needs of its global customers.