Expected improvement in production efficiency through MES solution

Kaneka Belgium, a subsidiary of Kaneka Corporation, a leading technology-driven chemical company, announced that it has selected Siemens' state-of-the-art MOM platform, SIMATIC IT UA PI, the Simultaneous IT Integrated Architecture for the Process Industries, as its new Manufacturing Execution System (MES).

Kaneka will implement Siemens MES solutions at three of its Belgian production sites, expanding its production lines to improve production capacity while reducing waste and preventing errors. Furthermore, to ensure its products meet the highest quality standards, the company will implement the SIMATIC IT R&D Suite for laboratory and field testing, seamlessly integrating it with its MES.

"To expand our business, we needed to increase our existing production capacity. Siemens' latest MES solution will help us achieve this goal," said Jean Vandael, Head of Kaneka's production site. "Kaneka Belgium is delighted to be implementing this digital strategy as a first step toward integrating our manufacturing operations and looks forward to further enhancing the value we deliver to our customers."

Kaneka Corporation is an innovative solutions provider operating across diverse markets, including chemicals, plastics, food, life sciences, synthetic fibers, and electrical and electronic materials. Kaneka Belgium, located in Westerlo, is a functional and foam plastics company with three plants producing high molecular impact modifiers, liquid polymers and foamed polyolefins.

Kaneka expects to improve its entire production process by implementing a strategic MES solution, including reducing yield loss, improving pelletizing operations, and optimizing and shortening batch cycle times. Kaneka aims to expand its production capacity without using additional resources, while also achieving cost savings through improved energy consumption and maintenance.

SIMATIC IT UA PI provides Kaneka with an integrated, open MES platform for business digitization. As part of the SIMATIC IT Integrated Architecture portfolio, this innovative Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) solution enables complete digitalization of manufacturing operations. By offering a new, integrated approach to manufacturing operations based on shared services, a common data model, and configuration applications, it paves the way for a scalable transition from disconnected applications to integrated, collaborative applications, enabling innovation.

“As Kaneka grows its business, it can leverage the benefits of Siemens’ SIMATIC IT UA PI solution,” said Rene Wolf, senior vice president, Manufacturing Operations Management Software, Siemens PLM Software. “This solution focuses on improving productivity and flexibility through innovative technologies and industry-leading functionality. This system will enable Kaneka to digitize its business in a scalable manner using integrated, collaborative applications.”