Hyflux pumps S$30 million into automation, sets up new lab

Singapore

MAINBOARD-LISTED Hyflux has invested more than S$30 million to raise productivity through automation of its processes and will ramp up plans to boost its global competitiveness.

The water-treatment firm said it has pumped in funds over the last few years to build an automated steel structure fabrication processing line at its Tuas manufacturing plant. Hyflux also took up a grant from the Economic Development Board (EDB).

EDB would not reveal the figure, citing confidentiality reasons.

The plant will incorporate new technologies such as an industrial robot that uses high-definition plasma to cut 3D shapes. The company, which has main businesses in desalination plants, said that the investment in robotics and automation will "enhance operational productivity by about 25 per cent, improve the skill profile of its employees and reduce reliance on foreign labo…