[Industry Alpha x Shion System] Why a cutting-edge AMR venture is expanding into Kyushu amid a boom in semiconductor-related factory construction

Industry Alpha, which contributes to the automation of factories and warehouses, collaborates with Shion System to fully expand into the Kyushu region

Industry Alpha Inc. (Head office: Itabashi-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Takumi Watanabe; hereinafter referred to as “Industry Alpha”), which is engaged in the business of making factories and warehouses smarter by developing and introducing low-floor AMRs, has collaborated with Shion Systems Inc. (Head office: Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture; CEO: Junji Nita; hereinafter referred to as “Shion Systems”) on AMR-related businesses to contribute to further automation in the manufacturing and logistics industries in the Kyushu region.

background

In Kyushu, semiconductor-related factories are being built one after another, and hopes are rising for the realization of Silicon Island. However, rising labor costs are becoming a serious problem, making it difficult to secure labor. Automotive parts manufacturers and food manufacturers that have long had bases in Kyushu are concerned about declining profit margins due to rising labor costs and declining production volume due to labor shortages. Factories and warehouses are facing the need for automation to achieve stable operation with fewer people.

Characteristics of both

Both companies have strengths in the field of automated transport, and possess the following characteristics.

Features of Industry Alpha

We develop both hardware and software as your partner for smartification

Our 185mm thinnest low-floor AMR, Kaghel, ranked #1 in the unmanned guided vehicle manufacturer rankings

Our unique FMS (AMR control system) flexibly responds to the rules and requests of each site

Features of Shion System

We handle both hardware and software, providing consistent support from development to site setup

We developed a 1000kg portable AGV and introduced it to metal processing plants, etc.

Based in Kyushu, we have built close relationships with local companies through detailed interviews, etc.

We are confident that by joining forces, two companies that place importance on meeting the needs of the site, we will be able to help even more companies.

Collaboration Scheme

Under this collaborative scheme, Industry Alpha will make a full-scale advance into the Kyushu region, relying on Shion System’s capabilities for implementation and post-implementation maintenance.

Previously, when Industry Alpha implemented AMRs in the Kyushu region, the lack of speed due to geographical distance was an obstacle in the context of conducting pre-implementation demonstrations and on-site support after implementation. Therefore, by collaborating with Shion System, which has a base in Kyushu and is trusted by local companies, we will solve these issues. Specifically, we will strive to further satisfy customer needs by permanently setting up Industry Alpha’s AMR at Shion System’s headquarters (Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture) to conduct demonstrations and cooperate on maintenance.