Recognition brings the company a total of four Lighthouse designations as global advanced factory for its breakthroughs in scaling Fourth Industrial Revolution

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced the World Economic Forum has named two of Agilent’s smart factories in Asia as a Global Lighthouse Network, a community of 189 global leaders leading the way in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in advanced manufacturing.

Agilent sites in Shanghai, China, and Penang, Malaysia, are two of 13 factories across the world that have just been added to the latest cohort of Lighthouses.

This recognition marks Agilent’s third and fourth Lighthouses for its breakthroughs in scaling AI, 3D printing, robotics, big-data analytics, and industrial internet of things (IIoT). Since 2022, two of Agilent’s manufacturing sites – Singapore and Waldbronn, Germany – have earned this prestigious distinction. The company remains the sole analytical and clinical laboratory technology company worldwide to be recognized by the Forum.

“This important milestone showcases Agilent’s leadership in building factories of the future by integrating advanced digital technologies across our end-to-end operations,” said Agilent CEO Padraig McDonnell. “Our factories of the future not only elevate our customers’ experiences and exceed their expectations, but they also continuously develop our future workforce.”

Agilent’s Shanghai factory serves as a global strategic manufacturing hub, integrating R&D, quality-assurance, supply-chain and logistics-management capabilities. To enhance the production of highly customized gas chromatography, it deploys smart manufacturing with AI-assisted instrument design, using cutting-edge indexed repository to optimize precision, efficiency, and innovation.

As a result, the site has improved productivity by 56%, lead time by 31%, and customer satisfaction on delivery exceeding 96%. Today, China has become the single largest market for Agilent outside of the U.S. and has been an important part of the company’s growth strategy. 

Agilent Penang deploys game-changing AI in 3D-printing to automate material configuration, optimize printing of highly customized components, and minimize waste. By integrating AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics into additive manufacturing, the factory reshaped a capacity-saturated site into a digital operation with real-time monitoring and predictive insights for smarter, more agile production capabilities.

Its integrated digital platform has improved productivity by 40%, manufacturing cost by 32% and delivery lead time by 48%. As one of Agilent’s global strategic facilities, the Penang factory hosts a state-of-the-art Global Instrument Design Center and a Biochemical Safety and Reliability Lab.  

“Empowering the frontline and fostering inclusive digital cultures is at the heart of success for Lighthouses,” said Fernando Perez, Senior Partner and Head of Operations Innovations, McKinsey & Company. “These pioneering sites are building resilient, future-ready workforces and demonstrate that investing in people is as crucial as investing in technology. It is the powerful combination of both that drives meaningful change that extends beyond factory walls to make positive impact across production ecosystems.”

Tapping into 4IR technologies, Agilent successfully built resilient value chain ecosystems capable of quick response to evolving market demands. These advancements provide scientists with faster access to the instruments they need, accelerating research discoveries. With its long-standing values of innovation, Agilent continues pushing its smart factories around the world to bring great science to life and serve as a beacon to other manufacturers globally.  

About the Global Lighthouse Network

Launched in 2018, the Global Lighthouse Network brings together and celebrates the success of the world’s leading industrial sites which achieved exceptional performance in productivity, supply chain resilience, customer centricity, sustainability and talent. This global community of influential innovators, deploying over 1,000 solutions in multiple industries, includes 189 sites, 25 of which are Sustainability Lighthouses. The network now spans over 30 countries and 35 sectors. The initiative was co-founded by the World Economic Forum and Mckinsey & Company. Learn more at WEForum.org.

About Agilent Technologies

 Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, delivering insights and innovation that help our customers bring great science to life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers’ most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.51 billion in fiscal year 2024 and employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com. To receive the latest Agilent news, subscribe to the Agilent Newsroom. Follow Agilent on LinkedIn and Facebook.

For Information

Media Relations, South Asia Pacific & Korea
Grace Thong
Agilent Technologies
+65 9688 2152
grace.thong@agilent.com

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SOURCE Agilent Technologies

Reduce Costs, Improve Efficiency

Promote Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction for Trucks

HONG KONG, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In late November last year, Hong Kong-listed company China International Development Holdings (00264.HK) announced that it signed the memorandum of understanding for the possible formation of a joint venture with its strategic partner, French-based Flex Fuel Energy Development Ltd (FFED), are going to form the JV Company as soon as practicable. The collaborate on the research and development, production and sales of the hydrogen injection cleaning system for motor vehicle’s engine, with an aim to address air pollution control for motor vehicles and non-road mobile sources in China, achieving energy-saving, emission reduction, cost reduction, efficiency improvement and contributing to the dual carbon goals of China.

Recently, Dacheng (National) Trustworthy Auto Repair Chain Co., Ltd. and Flex Fuel Energy Development (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. have reached a strategic partnership for deeper integration. Together, they will provide high-tech, high-efficiency hydrogen engine maintenance equipment to truck drivers and transportation companies across the country, achieving cost reduction, efficiency improvement, energy conservation, and emission reduction benefits—a cooperation worth noting.

As a leading player in the truck repair industry, Dacheng Truck Repair (National) Chain adheres to the principles of “maintenance over repair” and “green repair.” It is a pioneer in China’s truck repair chain industry. Its core business includes technical training, talent supply, vehicle coordination, centralized procurement of spare parts, vehicle lifecycle maintenance services for major clients, and financial services. Additionally, Dacheng Truck Repair and Xinzongan Coordinated Insurance leverage nearly 1,500 chain repair shops nationwide and numerous strategic logistics fleet partnerships to provide internal insurance services for logistics fleets. These services reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase accident repair volumes for repair shops. This dual approach not only lowers insurance participation costs for logistics fleets and truck drivers but also enhances safety assurance, offering nationwide rescue, joint guarantees, and unified services.

Flex Fuel Energy Development focuses on preventing pollution from motor vehicles and non-road mobile sources. By leveraging technological innovation, it plays a key role in supporting and leading efforts to protect blue skies. It contributes to achieving green, low-carbon, high-quality development while synergizing pollution reduction and carbon reduction. As a leader in “green repair” for the automotive industry, Flex Fuel Energy Development is committed to developing hydrogen-based energy-saving and emission-reduction technologies, helping the industry transition toward high-quality, sustainable, and low-carbon development.

Flex Fuel Energy Development (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. is the Asia-Pacific subsidiary of Flex Fuel Energy Development Ltd, a French technology company founded in 2008 and listed among the French Tech 120 Index. The company holds exclusive sales and production authorization for the Asia-Pacific region. Its hydrogen engine maintenance equipment has received official safety certifications from entities such as the French National Railway, the Marine Agency, and the Ministry of Environment. Currently, the group engages in hydrogen research and production equipment, offering comprehensive energy solutions tailored to customer needs. These solutions reduce costs, align with global trends, utilize renewable energy, directly reduce emissions, save energy, and meet commercial ESG standards.

Backed by Real-World Test Data

According to real-world test data, using Flex Fuel’s hydrogen engine maintenance equipment not only effectively improves engine combustion efficiency but also employs advanced hydrogen cleaning technology for engines in a more environmentally friendly and efficient manner. This significantly reduces the maintenance time required by technicians and lowers risks during repairs. For truck drivers, the benefits include improved combustion efficiency, enhanced horsepower, reduced fuel consumption, lower engine noise, reduced idling vibration, lighter throttle response, faster acceleration, elimination of exhaust odor, complete combustion in the engine chamber, and restored vehicle performance to near-new conditions—all in one go.

Advantages for Flex Fuel Energy Development (Shenzhen)

Through its strategic partnership with Dacheng (National) Trustworthy Auto Repair Chain, Flex Fuel Energy Development (Shenzhen) can rely on Dacheng’s extensive network of nearly 1,500 repair chain outlets nationwide and the resources of Xinzongan Coordinated Insurance, which covers nearly 200,000 insured vehicle owners. The hydrogen maintenance project will serve a wide range of truck drivers and logistics fleets. By offering regular maintenance services, large fleet maintenance plans, and value-added insurance services, the partnership between Dacheng and Flex Fuel not only helps truck drivers save costs but also empowers the Dacheng system with the principles of “maintenance over repair” and “green repair,” creating a better future together.

About French Hydrogen New Energy (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd

French Hydrogen New Energy (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. is an Asia-Pacific subsidiary of French French Hydrogen New Energy Co., Ltd. (founded in 2008, one of the French technology 120 index companies). It has the exclusive sales and production authorisation in the Asia-Pacific region. The engine hydrogen maintenance equipment has been officially certified by the French Railways Agency, the Oceanic Agency, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and other official safety certifications. At present, the group is engaged in hydrogen research and development and production equipment, providing a full range of energy solutions, applying its equipment and the hydrogen produced according to customer needs, so as to reduce costs, meet the world trend, apply renewable energy, directly reduce emissions and save energy, and meet the requirements of commercial ESG.

About Dacheng Car Repair (Nationwide) Chain

Dacheng Car Repair (Nationwide) Chain is the pioneer of China Car Repair Chain. Its business focuses on technical training, talent transfer, vehicle coordination, accessories collection, full life cycle maintenance services for large customer vehicles, and financial business.

Dacheng Car Repair and Xinzhong’an coordinated insurance, taking the opportunity of nearly 1,500 chain repair shops and many strategic cooperation logistics fleets across the country, not only to carry out internal protection for logistics fleets, reduce costs and increase efficiency, but also increase the maintenance volume of accident vehicles for repair shops, that is, reduce the participation fee for large logistics fleets and car friends, and obtain safety and security. . National rescue, joint insurance and continuous service.

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SOURCE CJEF Capital Partners Pte Ltd

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Blockchain gaming company MARBLEX today announced its rebranding initiatives reflecting future business operations. 

First kicked off in 2022, MARBLEX presented its latest slogan “FUN COMES FIRST” furbishing services that encompasses from Expanding Game Partnerships to Reinforcing User Compensation Systems, Strengthening Technology and Sustainability and Enhancing Community-centered Operations.

Moreover, MARBLEX unveiled new BI (Brand Identity) assets including a Mascot, Token Design and the Brand Logo all tied with its core mission related to its watchword of “Fun.”

MARBLEX’s first-ever mascot, a green goblin named “gObY” has been introduced, which is inspired by fantasy-themed goblin characters. gObY is designed to bring about playful wits and spirited energy to MARBLEX through its signature characteristics that are both amusing and mischievous.

The Token design has also been revamped featuring bright neon color palettes and incorporating full wits of gObY anticipated to resonate with younger audiences based on its unique design architecture. The refreshed Brand Logo harnesses a bubble-like design with curved accents, giving it a more approachable ambience.

Meanwhile, in virtue of the rebranding, MARBLEX has over ten game projects – including MMORPGs, casual games and simulation genre titles – in its onboarding blueprint by 2026, further bolstering its presence in the gaming industry.

MARBLEX is a blockchain-specialized subsidiary of the renowned game developer and publisher, Netmarble. The company will progressively integrate its proprietary blockchain ecosystem into upcoming titles through ongoing updates.

More information can be found on the MARBLEX’s official website, Telegram, and X. 

About MARBLEX

MARBLEX is a blockchain-powered subsidiary of Netmarble Corp. Netmarble Corp. is a well-established developer and publisher of mobile games comprised of more than 6,000 game industry veterans and blockchain technology experts from across the globe. MARBLEX aims to bring the highest quality blockchain games to market by providing key services such as a cryptocurrency wallet, decentralized exchange, token staking, and an NFT Marketplace. MBX, a proprietary blockchain ecosystem launched by MARBLEX, allows gamers to advance their experiences through organic engagement and rewards for participation. The MBX ecosystem can be enjoyed as part of popular Netmarble titles, such as Meta World: My City, A3: Still Alive, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds and Pocket Girls:Idle RPG. 

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2594423/MARBLEX__Image.jpg

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