Rockwell Automation has unveiled plans for an Asia Pacific Business Center (“The Center”) in Singapore that will begin operations in May 2006. The company expects to hire approximately 400 employees by 2008 when the Center will be fully operational.
“This Center will be the world headquarters for several business segments that are in demand in Asia, and highly strategic to the company’s global growth,” said Steve Eisenbrown, senior vice president of the company’s Automation Control and Information Group. “In addition, a software development center will be established there for our industry-leading Logix programmable automation controllers.”
Speaking at the introduction to the Rockwell Automation Asia Pacific Business Center, Mr. Teo Ming Kian, EDB (Singapore Economic Development Board) Chairman, said, "We welcome Rockwell Automation's decision to site its Asia-Pacific Business Center in Singapore undertaking activities across the entire value chain from headquarters, manufacturing, engineering to R&D. The announcement today is a strong testimony towards Singapore's continued attractiveness as a manufacturing location and is in line with our Manufacturing 2018 vision. Rockwell Automation is the largest independent industrial automation company in the world today and its presence in Singapore is a definite boost to our standing as a major hub for automation and controls companies."
“Singapore is a business friendly location with a technically competent workforce and excellent education from Singaporean Universities to help provide us with skilled professionals,” Eisenbrown emphasized. “Singapore also has a strong legal and intellectual property infrastructure that underpins this excellent business environment. With its ideal location and outstanding logistics capability, this Center expands our automation controls development footprint into one of the world’s largest growth areas.”
The company’s Allen-Bradley brand of Small Logic Controllers (SLC), MicroLogix, Distributed Input/Output modules, and Component Operator Display product lines will be headquartered at the new Center. In addition, engineering and marketing for the Component Drives business will relocate to the Center.
David Johnson, vice president and general manager of the Center, said “The Asia-Pacific region is an important market for these types of automation products. This center will enhance our competitive advantage with this significant presence near more of our emerging markets by providing global products that meet our customer's local needs.”
Many Singapore manufacturers and OEMs like PSB Corporation and Integral Systems Pte Ltd already use Rockwell Automation controllers. "Rockwell Automation is an important technology partner to us due to its strategic role in improving our product’s performance and engineering design efficiency,” said Andreas Lam, general manager, Integral Systems. “The relationship built up between their professionals and our engineers/managers, through the years, has strengthened our belief that Rockwell Automation will continue to be the best strategic partner we have."
Rockwell Automation has been operating in Singapore since 1991 with a regional sales and service support office, a training center and regional marketing center. The company also has a growing distributor and partner network in Singapore.
