Frans Van Neikerk is the
Managing Director of Atlas Copco India Holding. He leads the company’s
operations in India as well as Bangladesh.
Mr. Niekerk is a South
African citizen. His education includes studies in Accounting and Economics
from Lyceum Correspondence College, South Africa.Â
He has more over 23 years
of experience within the Atlas Copco Group. Most recently, he has lead the
Southern Africa Holding as Vice President. Prior to that, he has held a variety
of Business Control functions for the Mining and Rock Excavation Technique
business area in South Africa, as well as in Southeast Asia, Chile and Sweden.
Mr. Neikerk’s elaborate
international experience contributes immensely to Atlas Copco’s presence in the
Indian market. He was appointed Vice President of India holding effective
January 1, 2020.
The year 2024 brings
together breakthroughs in technology, the need for sustainability, and radical
changes in production paradigms in the dynamic field of manufacturing. This
crucial point in the industry's history indicates a significant shift towards
efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. It is clear from examining the
trends influencing manufacturing in 2024 that a new approach to production is
being indicated by this period.
Rise
of Smart Factories
Traditional manufacturing
methods are being redefined by the rise of smart factories. By 2024, these establishments
will have integrated systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of
Things (IoT) in place to coordinate smooth, self-sufficient operations. These
factories achieve increased efficiency and decreased downtime by optimising
output through the use of adaptive manufacturing processes, real-time data
analytics, and predictive maintenance.
Additive
Manufacturing Advancements
In 2024, the field of
additive manufacturing—also referred to as 3D printing—undergoes a revolution.
The technique advances beyond its earlier constraints, enabling mass production
of complex and robust components in addition to prototyping. Its viability
across several industries is strengthened by improved printing materials and
quicker printing rates, which enable on-demand, localised production and
customisation.
Embrace
of Sustainable Practices
In manufacturing,
sustainability becomes a non-negotiable focal point. In 2024, companies will
place a higher priority on adopting circular economy models, optimising resource
utilisation, integrating renewable energy sources, and adopting eco-friendly
practices. Manufacturers respond to the growing demand for environmentally
conscious products by aligning their operations with sustainable development
goals, which include lowering carbon footprints and adopting recyclable
materials.
Reshoring
and Localized Production
Manufacturing strategies
are being reevaluated globally, with a growing focus on localised production
and reshoring. Companies reevaluate outsourcing due to factors like supply
chain interruptions, geopolitical concerns, and the value placed on agility.
Closer manufacturing locations to consumer markets help manufacturers save
costs, shorten lead times, and improve their ability to adapt to changing
consumer demands.
Human-Machine
Collaboration
In 2024, human-machine
cooperation takes on a new significance. The emphasis is shifting to improving
the synergy between humans and machines as automation spreads. Collaborative
robotics, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) promote safer and
more productive work environments. Employees are more proficient in managing,
programming, and working with intelligent equipment, which boosts output
quality and productivity.
Data
Security and Digital Resilience
As digital technology
grow more integrated into daily life, cybersecurity and digital resilience
become critical issues. By 2024, manufacturers will have made significant
investments in strong cybersecurity defences to protect intellectual property,
production systems, and sensitive data. AI-driven threat detection and response
systems combined with a proactive approach to cybersecurity strengthen the
sector's defences against changing cyberthreats.
Personalization
and Customer-Centric Manufacturing
The shift in
manufacturing towards customer-centric production models places the era of mass
customisation front and centre. Businesses can now create customised products
at scale thanks to advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), which
gives them a detailed understanding of customer preferences. Manufacturing in
2024 responds to particular consumer requests, from personalised apparel to
customised electronics, strengthening brand loyalty and creating a competitive
advantage.
Biotechnology
Integration in Manufacturing
Traditional industrial
methods are disrupted by biotechnology integration in 2024. The combination of
biotechnology and manufacturing is revolutionising material supply and
production processes, from biofabrication for textiles to bioengineered
materials. Bio-based manufacturing methods and sustainable biomaterials emerge
as workable substitutes that minimise environmental effect and depend less on
conventional resources.
In 2024, manufacturing
will be shaped by a combination of technical advancements, sustainability
requirements, and flexible approaches. This revolutionary period is
characterised by smart factories, advances in additive manufacturing,
sustainability programmes, reshoring activities, and the peaceful coexistence
of humans and robots. Adopting these trends helps the sector move towards a
more sustainable and customer-focused future while also increasing operational
efficiency and productivity. These developments open the door to a reimagined
and dynamic industrial landscape in the years to come as manufacturing keeps
changing.