Roland DG Corp., parent company of Roland DGA Corp., Irvine, Calif., has opened a new manufacturing facility in Bangkok, Thailand, for the company’s digital printing equipment.
As Roland’s first facility to be located outside of Japan, the new production center is expected to strengthen the company’s manufacturing capabilities.
“We established this production center in Thailand primarily to plan and manufacture large-format inkjet printers for developing countries across Asia, but it also will serve Roland globally in the areas of design and development,” says Masahiro Tomioka, president of Roland DG Corp. “With Thailand’s good infrastructure, plus the availability of skilled labor and strong network of supporting companies, we believe this new production center will help us achieve our goals for global expansion.”
In establishing the factory, Roland will benefit from better procurement capabilities, lower operating costs and increased pricing competitiveness, according to the company.
The construction of the factory began in January 2012 and the facility became fully operational in October. The center was designed with a raised floor to help protect against the floods that plague the region. Additionally, 85-foot-long piles were used to further support the building.
Production at the new facility is based on Roland’s “Digital Yatai” manufacturing model, a cell-based approach that employs digital technologies, such as on-screen instructions and automated systems to assist employees in production.
The new facility also is part of Roland’s “Global One” initiative, which is underway to strengthen the ties between each subsidiary and partnering company in the 133 countries Roland serves.
“By setting up this manufacturing facility in Thailand, Roland is now able to produce more affordable products that meet the increasing demand for wide-format inkjet printers in Asia, as well as the rest of the world,” says Rick Scrimger, president of Roland DGA Corp. “It is exciting to see the company expand its reach in this way.”
For more information, visit rolanddg.com. — L.M.
