Mitsubishi Continues (CONT’D FROM PAGE 54)
saving and Carbon Neutral targets,” Kitahara observed. “In Japan, customers request high quality small order pro- duction capability right now, while customers elsewhere in Asia want high quality, value-for-money machines.” As part of planned services development, MHI-MS is developing a remote monitoring system for its EVOL ma- chines. A trial test phase is underway that includes five Japanese customers. Testing is due to complete later this year. MHI-MS will begin contacting Japanese customers to join the remote monitoring programme in 2023, Kitahara said, while overseas customers will be approached to join once it will be ready. Carbon Neutral Strategy Meanwhile, MHI-MS is working to achieve its Car- bon Neutral strategy targets by March 2024, having an-
Kitahara said. “Japanese companies have also started paying attention to energy saving and CN targets recent- ly. European companies are facing an energy crisis more than others at the moment. Some customers are asking about our plans for energy saving and carbon emission reduction technology development.” While the MC 100’s introduction is intended to meet specific market needs, Mitsubishi’s EVOL dual slotter unit has been developed for overseas customers wanting higher volume production runs. “Our EVOL dual slotter unit provides double through- put; about 90 percent of our EVOL orders in North Amer- ica are for dual slotter models,” Kitahara said. “Box sizes
worldwide are getting smaller and lighter, but there is a problem as small-size board stacks are unstable and dif- ficult to transfer. But double-size board stacks are stable and easy to transfer, and then you have double produc- tion. That’s why our dual slotter unit is popular for export. Another thing with double output is that it is energy saving at the same time and contributes to carbon emission re- duction, so it’s an important feature.” New Pre-Feeder MHI-MS is preparing to launch a pre-feeder in North America following the success of the MPF-M/W Prefeed- er, developed initially for European customers with a Mit- subishi EVOL who wish to install a pre-feeder as part of overall plans to increase factory automation and produc- tion efficiency. The company offers two models, both were launched in 2019. The 2.5m mid-size MPF-M has a maximum feed speed of 400 sheets per min and is designed to combine with the EVOL 84 and EVOL 100. The wider 2.9m MPF-W is sup- plied to combine with the EVOL 115 and EVOL 125, and has a maximum production speed of 350 sheets per min. “We have sold 39 mostly mid-size prefeeders so far, predominantly in Europe and some in Japan,” Kitahara said. “We will supply our first pre-feeder to the U.S. soon.” Differing Market Requirements “In North America, most of our customers operate 24/7 and so they want high production, robust machines, but in Europe, with its energy crisis, the focus is on energy
nounced its target in October 2021 under its Mission Net Zero strategy plans. The company will contribute to so- ciety through its technical services to reduce CO2 emis- sions, Kitahara said. The targets set call for a 50 percent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 2014 across the MHI Group and across MHI’s value chain, and to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2040. “We are aiming for 2040 because if our customer’s own target is 2050, the same as our government, then they must prepare their equipment by 2045. To supply them in time we will need their order by in 2040,” Kitahara ex- plained. Mihara Machinery Works consists of three plants – Itosaki, Kohama and nearby Wadaoki. Initiatives on CO2 emissions will include pursuing energy saving initiatives; implementing electrification solutions; and installing solar power panels at the Wadaoki plant capable of generating 12 Megawatts (MW) to achieve self-sufficiency in renew- able energy to supply both the Wadaoki and Itosaki Koha- ma plants. “As part of our Carbon Neutral Mission our equipment will be assembled using renewable energy,” Kitahara con- cluded. “Our carbon saving by the end of March 2024 will equivalent to 10,000 tons of CO2 or 700,000 trees. Our mission includes using Mihara Machinery Works as Car- bon Neutral R&D Centre and proving ground for various technologies and Carbon Neutral solutions.”
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April 24, 2023
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