CLPA Global Activity Report

Mexico's manufacturing sector is expanding, thanks to an abundant labor force, government support measures and so on. It is particularly advantageous for the automobile industry as an export base for North America. This has lead to automotive-related manufacturers from various countries including Japan building their manufacturing bases in there. Automobiles and associated components comprise nearly 30% of Mexico's total exports. Industrial machinery accounts for over 10%; these are among the growth industries that are leading the Mexican economy through double-digit growth.
Manufacturing industries such as Japanese automotive manufacturers are also advancing into Thailand. The exports that account for the largest value are automobiles and associated components. Food manufacturers are also on the rise, and food-related industry exports in 2016 are expected to increase by 5.8% over the previous year. Both countries are in increasing need of automation in order to enhance their international competitiveness.
With this in mind, the CLPA opened branches in these countries for rapid expansion there of the CC-Link Family. Ana Erika Vargas, the Mexico branch representative, pointed out that in Mexico, "there has been growing expectations of CC-Link IE as a means to improve productivity and on-site safety." However, in the past, local technical training and so on had to be performed at the United States branch, which made it difficult to provide enough support to Mexico. The new branch addresses this situation while helping to support the Mexican market in general.
Meanwhile, Bovon Thiansawat, the Thailand branch representative, noted that "there has been interest in CC-Link IE as a means to realize the Industry 4.0 concept".
Both branches will be promoting awareness and adoption of CC-Link through various seminars and exhibitions. With the opening of these branches, local staff who share the same language and culture with the local users and technicians will start work, which is expected to further the momentum of market acceptance.