Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon) has signed a MoU with Oxagon, the advanced manufacturing and innovation destination within kingdom's futuristic city Neom, to boost co-operation in the implementation of the Future Factories Programme. 

 

The programme is aimed at building a strong technology ecosystem enabling a sustainable digital transformation of the manufacturing sector in the kingdom and remodeling 4,000 existing factories in order to enhance the country's competitiveness on a global scale.

 

A key aspect of the MoU is the development of legislation, incentives and enablers that will support the Future Factories Program to remove barriers to industrial innovation in the kingdom.

 

Under this deal, experts from all parties will assess the industry's readiness and explore ways to integrate advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing and Internet of Things (IoT) into manufacturing industries at Oxagon, home to advanced and clean industries within Neom.

 

It further sets a framework for all parties to collaborate in driving a clean industry through the development and implementation of the Advanced and Clean Manufacturing Improvement Tool, which allows organizations to assess their readiness for change and move toward advanced manufacturing systems and processes.

 

The MoU, which was signed under the guidance of Bandar bin Ibrahim AlKhrayef, the Saudi Minister for Industry and Mineral Resources, lays the groundwork for implementing the Future of Factories Program by strategically unifying the efforts of the private and public sectors, said a senior ministry official.

 

"Through this programme, we aim to enhance the competitiveness of local industries and create significant job opportunities in key areas for the Saudi youth in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030," remarked Osama bin Abdulaziz Al Zamil, Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources.

 

According to him, both NEOM and Oxagon are pioneers leading the way in cutting edge technology and industry and are perfectly placed to inspire future industries and the next generation of talent in Saudi Arabia.

 

"We are promoting local manufacturing, enhancing current factories according to world-class standards, and establishing state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities that guarantee higher efficiency and increased productivity,” he stated while speaking at the signing ceremony.

 

On the key deal, CEO Nadhmi Al Nasr said: "NEOM’s objectives are in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. This memorandum represents a major milestone in realising the signatories’ shared ambitions to sustainably future-proof industries and drive economic diversification across the country."

 

Al Nasr pointed out that Oxagon represented the future of advanced clean industries and will be powered by 100% renewable energy.

 

"Together with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and Modon – who we enjoy close relationships with – we will deploy our considerable collective resources, and talents, to develop such industries for the Kingdom and the world,” he added.

 

As part of the MoU, Modon will provide the sites and selected factories to pilot the assessment. With Oxagon, a team of specialists will conduct a comprehensive analysis and outline the course of action that should be taken to carry out the Future Factories Program. 

 

The agreement is expected to enhance local content, localize strategic goods and promote national industries.

 

Oxagon CEO Vishal Wanchoo said: "We are continuously seeking new ways to transform the future of manufacturing and create a sustainable industrial blueprint for the world. By mixing the state-of-the-art approaches from Industry 4.0, utilization of solely renewable energy and circular economy principles, Oxagon will enable industries of the future to avoid environmental degradation  and preserve efficiency and profitability."

 

"The Advanced and Clean Manufacturing Improvement Tool will play a critical role in supporting local industry through this important transition," noted Wanchoo.

 

Over the next few months, Oxagon and Modon will form a joint working group to develop an action plan to implement the programmes as stipulated in the MoU. 

 

Efforts will be devoted to developing a policy program and work models geared toward developing future industries, he added.-TradeArabia News Service