Industrial Automation Magazine India

India is among the top 3 markets in the overseas business of Chen Hsong

Published on : Tuesday 02-11-2021

Aron Chao, Sales Manager, Chen Hsong, spoke to Jyothi Joseph, Industrial Automation.

Chen Hsong is a formidable name in injection moulding machines. What is the range of machines and accessories on offer?
Our machine range is from 30 tonnes to 6500 tonnes, and we can offer all kinds of standard accessories, such as hopper dryer, auto loader, robot, mould temperature control, etc. We can also offer turnkey systems to customers, such as IML and packaging system. 

In terms of technology, what are the emerging trends in injection moulding machines with the demanding requirements in auto and other various industries?
At present, data collection, integration and analysis for automotive industry as well as the other important industries, are among the key trends for development of injection moulding machines.

How are the full electric models doing vis-à-vis hydraulic driven machines in the market? How is the return on investment (RoI)?
The full electric machine has gradually become mainstream in the market. Especially for automotive industry, its demand has increased, as the requirements in this segment are relatively stringent. In terms of machine accuracy and stability, we can say that the full electric machines are more in line with the requirements in automotive industry than the traditional hydraulic driven machines.

Nowadays, energy saving and carbon reduction have become most important issues for environment-friendly policies. Chen Hsong is now launching the all-new 230-tonne electric injection moulding machine. In comparison with the traditional injection moulding machine, the all-new 230-tonne electric machine can save up to 40 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. It is our Corporate Social Responsibility to make the world a better place.

How has the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the business in terms of sales, and are there new opportunities rising under the new normal?
In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic indeed had a great impact on our sales in India. Now after a year of adjustment and recovery, the Indian market has gradually recovered and restored operations since early 2021. And also due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the world economic model itself has undergone a huge change, and the new business model is still not fully clear in terms of the long term impact.

Chen Hsong has a long association with India, and now a direct presence. How important is this market for the company? Any Indian client in auto application? 
Currently, India is among the top 3 markets in Chen Hsong's overseas business, and 30% of the sales in the Indian market is from the automotive industry. We expect the sales target in the Indian automotive industry can be increased to 40% in 2022.

There are reports of the company having some assembly operations in India – has this already begun?
Chen Hsong plans to set up an assembly plant at Pune, and expect to start the assembly work by the end of 2022.

How was the experience of setting up the plant in India?
It was quite difficult because on account of the language and cultural differences as well as the way we are doing business in Taiwan, which is quite different. While it was easy doing business as a trading company, setting up a manufacturing plant was not as easy, but we have done it and the factory is finally set up, though it is not yet ready for operations.