AmCham Shanghai's Tech & Innovation Committee, Manufacturing Business Council, and Smart Factory Kunshan are excited to cohost a half-day forum and site visit centered around smart factory development. Industry experts and business leaders will convene at the event to discuss how smart manufacturing has enhanced their businesses and how to navigate the current technological landscape. Manufacturers will share real-world success stories highlighting the implementation of automation to drive business outcomes and set the trajectory for future manufacturing excellence. And technology providers will share insight into the next generation of technologies that are coming to market, and best practices for successful adoption.

This event will take place at the German Industrial Park (No, 692 Depu Road, Kunshan) on October 12, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

*Bus transportation between Shanghai and Kunshan will be provided.

Agenda:

13:00: Departure for Kunshan at the AmCham Shanghai Office (Lobby, Infinitus Tower, No. 168 Hubin Road, Huangpu District)

14:00: Smart factory tours

14:45: Introductions & Opening remarks

15:00: Session #1 "The next generation of automation technology"

16:20: Networking break

16:40: Session #2 "Making automation work for your business"

18:05: Closing remark

18:10: Networking BBQ on factory roof

20:00: Return to Shanghai

21:00: Arrival at AmCham Shanghai Office

Speaker:

Erik Walenza, CEO, IoT ONE

IoT ONE is a digital transformation consultancy dedicated to helping companies grow in Asia by reinventing their products, services, and business models for the digital age. Erik is the CEO of IoT ONE and the Chair of the Technology and Innovation Committee at the American Chamber of Commerce. He has worked in China for 12 years where he is an active member of the Chinese business and innovation ecosystem.

Vivienne Xiang, China General Manager, Xometry

Xometry is a leading AI-enabled marketplace for on-demand manufacturing. With its proprietary technology, Xometry creates a marketplace that enables designers and engineers to rapidly source high-quality on-demand manufactured parts and assemblies. Vivienne has over 20 years of experience working for both large multinational tech corporations and cutting-edge startups. Vivienne specializes in driving digital transformation by leveraging the power of IT technologies to create new business growth and opportunities for traditional industries.

Ian Shih, President of Greater China, Rockwell

Rockwell Automation connects the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more intelligent, more connected and more productive.

Ian leads Rockwell Automation's greater China business with P&L responsibilities over a team of more than 2,000 employees. He has helped Rockwell establish an industry leadership position in smart manufacturing by developing technology to improve efficiency and support sustainability.

Julie Wang, Director of Marketing for Digital Experience & Sustainability, Emerson

Emerson is a leading global technology, software, and engineering company providing innovative solutions that make the world healthier, safer, smarter, and more sustainable for customers in industrial and commercial markets. Julie has 18 years of professional experience in strategic planning, new industry penetration and people management across diverse industries. At Emerson, she develops China's sustainability and digitalization strategic priorities, identifies business growth opportunities, and manages the sustainability and digitalization ecosystem of local authorities, research institutes and industry associations.

Ted Hornbein, Vice President, Zhejiang Grandwall Electric Science & Technology

Zhejiang Grandwall is a top three manufacturer of enameled copper wire in China with a team of 600 managing 120 production lines that produce a yearly output of more than 80,000 tons. Ted brings over 25 years of experience growing business in Asia Pacific, with expertise managing business operations for companies based in China. Ted's approach to strategy, operations and goal-setting is based on the Theory of Constraints (TOC) and aligning all departments across the organization to work towards the common goals of Quality, Timeliness, Waste Reduction and Innovation.

David Yang, Intelligent Manufacturing Director, OECHSLER

Founded in 1864, OECHSLER is a leading polymer technology company supplying customers worldwide in the automotive, sporting goods, healthcare, and innovative technology sectors. David has worked at OECHSLER for 12 years, where has led the company's initiatives to digitalize and automate their injection molding, assembly, and 3D printing systems. Their Kunshan factory deploys highly practical smart, connected solutions across every stage of the production process.

Sam Xia, Group COO and Executive Director of the Board, Goodbaby International

Goodbaby International is China's leading durable juvenile products company with 13,000 employees worldwide, 9 R&D centers, and operations in 11 countries. The group's core competencies are iconic design, innovative technology, and superior safety features. Sam is responsible for global supply chain strategy and execution, including production, procurement and logistics. He has led optimization of core business processes, sustainability production, and improvement of competitiveness across quality, cost, innovation and digital transformations.

Other speakers TBA.