Weichai's high-end engine digital factory takes center stage

[Video/chinadaily.com.cn]

On June 12, Weichai Group's chairman Tan Xuguang announced that the company's high-end engine digital factory was in full production, marking the rollout of the facility's 15,000th product. This revolutionary factory is the world's first digitized, unmanned engine manufacturing facility, boasting a remarkable level of automation.

The facility showcases cutting-edge automation technologies, with fully-automated systems for machining as well as parts logistics and distribution and an 80 percent automation rate for assembly. The entire production process adheres to green and low-carbon principles.

With the full production of this digitalized factory, Weichai will introduce more high-end engines to the global market, catering to a wide range of applications in heavy-duty trucks, agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and other fields.

The Weichai new-generation engine digital industrial park is a major initiative in Shandong province and a cornerstone of Weichai Group's intelligent manufacturing strategy. Put into operation in November 2023, the park represents an investment of 10 billion yuan ($1.37 billion) and occupies an area of 500 mu (33.33 hectares). The engine factory stands as the largest steel structure grid workshop within the province, boasting an annual production capacity of 200,000 high-end engines.

Key components of the park include digitized factories, intelligent manufacturing production lines, and a smart logistics center.

A comprehensive information system within the park facilitates the real-time interaction and automatic adjustment of various energy data, enabling the park to achieve self-sufficiency in energy consumption and strive for "zero carbon" emissions.