Chris Infotainment

“Construction here has been halted. No one knows when it will resume.” A foreign worker encountered at the entrance to the construction site of the HLGA Battery Plant, a joint battery factory between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Ellabell, Georgia State (State), U.S., said on the afternoon of the 11th, “We hope everything returns to normal,” before adding these words. This is the site where U.S. immigration authorities conducted a surprise raid and seizure on the 4th of last month, arresting 317 Korean workers. The workers were released from detention early that day after a week but immediately returned to Korea, leaving the ongoing construction at a standstill. A source from LG Energy Solution said, “Effectively, work has come to a complete halt since the 4th.” From the entrance to the construction site, about a dozen cranes for high-altitude work stood motionless. There was one road leading to the construction site, with passenger vehicles occasionally passing through...

Strategic Expansion in Off-Highway Tyres CEAT Limited has taken a significant step forward in its Off-Highway Tyres (OHT) growth strategy by acquiring the CAMSO Construction Compact Line Business from Michelin Group. This acquisition includes the Midigama plant in Sri Lanka and the Casting Product plant in Kotugoda. The deal also grants CEAT global ownership of the CAMSO brand, which will be fully integrated across categories after a three-year licensing period. This move marks a major milestone for CEAT as it aims to become a leading player in the high-margin OHT segment. Over the past decade, CEAT has developed a strong agricultural tyre portfolio. With the addition of CAMSO's expertise in compact construction equipment tracks and tyres, the combined strengths open up opportunities with over 40 global OEMs and premium international OHT distributors. Michelin is stepping back from activities related to compact line bias tyres and construction tracks. Support from Key Stakeholde...

NAHCO Aviance Expands Its Ground Support Equipment Fleet Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO Aviance) has recently taken another significant step in enhancing its operational capabilities by commissioning and deploying a new batch of high-value ground support equipment (GSE). This move marks a critical phase in the company's ongoing efforts to modernize its services across the country. At the event, Dr. Seinde Oladapo Fadeni, Chairman of the Board of Directors, emphasized the company’s commitment to ensuring that it is fully equipped with the necessary tools by the end of 2026. He explained that the process of acquiring these new pieces of equipment began last year but faced some challenges due to production and shipping delays from the manufacturer. Fadeni highlighted that the investment in GSE is not only for the benefit of the company or its customers but also for the well-being of its employees. “The essence of these equipment is not just for the company alone or f...

Training and Development for Artisans and SMEs in Ghana The Design and Technology Institute (DTI) has successfully graduated 525 Mastercraft Persons, Artisans, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ho, located in the Volta Region. This milestone was achieved through the DTI/Mastercard Foundation Project Phase Two initiative, which focused on training participants in Precision Quality (PQ) at Work. The event took place under the theme “Precision Quality at Work: Integrating the Informal Sector into the Larger Ghanaian Economy.” The graduates included individuals with physical challenges, highlighting the inclusive nature of the program. This initiative not only aimed to enhance technical skills but also to instill a mindset of excellence, discipline, and continuous improvement. Mr. Edwin Faryosey, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at DTI, emphasized that the training was more than just skill acquisition; it was about shaping attitudes and raising industry standards. Participa...

Malaysia's Strategic Move in the Rare Earth Market Malaysia has taken a significant step in its efforts to secure a stronger position in the global rare earth market. By imposing a ban on the export of unprocessed rare earth metals, the country aims to bolster its domestic industry and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to develop downstream processing capabilities and attract foreign investment. The Malaysian government has emphasized that this move is intended to keep raw materials within the country for further processing. The minister of investment, trade, and industry, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, highlighted that foreign investors could participate in the downstream rare earth sector if their projects include local mineral processing, job creation, and technology transfers. This approach not only supports local economic growth but also positions Malaysia as a key player in the global supply chain. Existing Capabilities and ...

Strategic Partnership Between DICON and CSI to Boost Indigenous Defence Production The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the country's defence capabilities by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Consulting and Supply International (CSI) Limited. This collaboration aims to establish a modern ammunition production plant within Nigeria, marking a pivotal move in the nation's quest for self-sufficiency in military hardware. CSI, a prominent Nigerian-based company, specializes in the distribution of military, law enforcement, and security equipment. The firm supplies a wide range of products, including arms, ammunition, tactical gear, body armor, vehicles, and other essential security solutions. With its strong market presence and extensive network, CSI is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s defence sector. The partnership between DICON and CSI is part of broader efforts to strengthen ...

Innovative Technology Revolutionizes Prosthetic Fabrication In a significant advancement in medical technology, the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) in Australia has implemented hydrostatic pressure casting technology to create prosthetics for patients. This new method offers a more accurate and efficient way of producing prosthetics compared to traditional techniques. Unlike conventional methods that require patients to sit during the casting process, this innovative approach allows individuals to stand. This change is crucial because it enables the creation of prosthetics that better match the patient's natural posture and movement patterns. When a person stands, their body weight and muscle tension are distributed differently than when they are seated, which can affect the fit and functionality of the prosthetic device. According to Jessica Angus, the Director of Orthotics and Prosthetics at RBWH, one of the main challenges with traditional casting methods is that s...

Strategic Partnership Between Mitsubishi Fuso and Foxconn Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. has announced a new collaboration with Taiwan’s Foxconn, aiming to jointly develop and sell electric buses in Japan. This partnership marks a significant step for both companies as they aim to strengthen their presence in the growing electric vehicle market. Foxconn, known globally for its electronics manufacturing, is expanding its reach into the automotive sector, particularly in the development of electric vehicles. Mitsubishi Fuso, a subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, will take the lead in this initiative by producing Foxconn's existing Model T and Model U buses at its facility. These models will then be sold under the Mitsubishi Fuso brand. While the exact launch date remains unconfirmed, the collaboration is expected to bring innovative and sustainable transportation solutions to the Japanese market. Expanding the Scope of Cooperation Beyond the initial production of existing models...

China's Breakthrough in Semiconductor Manufacturing China is making significant strides in the field of semiconductor manufacturing with the development of its first domestically produced e-beam lithography tool. This advancement marks a crucial step forward in the country’s efforts to enhance its chipmaking capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign technology. Lithography systems are among the most complex machines ever created, playing a vital role in the mass production of chips. However, China is still in the early stages of developing such tools domestically. The newly developed machine, named Xizhi after the renowned ancient Chinese calligrapher Wang Xizhi, was created by a quantum technology lab at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou. It uses a focused electron beam to "write" chip circuits onto silicon wafers, offering a high level of precision and flexibility. The significance of this development comes against the backdrop of strict export controls that have lim...

Lucid's Gravity SUV Faces Production Challenges Lucid Motors has encountered several production hurdles with its Gravity SUV, primarily due to supply chain constraints. Despite these challenges, the company has made progress in addressing some of the issues and improving manufacturing efficiency. According to a spokesperson for Lucid, the initial problems were linked to supply chain bottlenecks, but many of these have been resolved. Currently, Lucid is delivering the Gravity SUV in the three-digit range. The automaker started production of the vehicle in early December 2024, but the ramp-up has been slower than anticipated. Interim CEO Marc Winterhoff acknowledged that the company is not yet where it wants to be with Gravity production. However, he expressed confidence that significant improvements will be made in the second half of the year. The company’s revised production target for 2025 is now between 18,000 and 20,000 units, down from an original goal of 20,000. This adjust...

Mikano Enters the Lighting Market with a Comprehensive Product Range Mikano has made a significant move into the lighting industry by introducing a complete portfolio of products that combine advanced LED technology, modern design, and exceptional durability. The product range includes a wide array of lighting solutions such as LED spotlights, downlights, highbays, tubes, battens, strip lights, panels, bulbs, solar and floodlights, outdoor lights, streetlights, and ceiling lamps. These products are designed to meet every lighting need, from home décor to industrial applications. Meeting Nigeria’s Lighting Needs In a market where energy efficiency, long lifespan, and consistent brightness are essential, Mikano Lighting offers products engineered to perform in real-world Nigerian conditions. Many of the products come with IP65-rated dust and waterproof protection, allowing them to withstand harsh environments. Additionally, they offer beam angle flexibility and lifespans of up to 30,0...

Empowering Women Through Food Processing Felicia Gbuka, a Nigerian entrepreneur, runs a successful business focused on processing rice and cassava into ready-to-eat snacks and other ingredients. Her products are made by combining these raw materials with additional ingredients that enhance their appeal and demand. She packages them in attractive and high-quality materials, making her offerings stand out in the market. Her range of products includes chinchin made from both rice and cassava, cassava flour, gari processed from cassava, and powdered rice. She also produces biscuits and various snacks, often incorporating peanuts derived from cassava and rice. Felicia notes that people sometimes purchase the raw products without processing, but her business offers convenience and variety. Felicia’s manufacturing facility is small, yet her products rival those of larger industries. She credits her success to training provided by the government and IFAD through a value chain development pr...

Key Themes and Objectives of the NME/NIRAM Expo 2025 Top government officials and industry leaders gathered in Lagos for the Nigeria Manufacturing & Equipment/Nigerian Raw Materials (NME/NIRAM) Expo 2025, where a clear message emerged: technology, innovation, and collaboration are the keys to unlocking Nigeria’s industrial potential. The event, themed “Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing Through Cutting-Edge Equipment And Technology Solutions,” served as a platform for policymakers to outline a bold new vision for a resilient, self-sufficient, and globally competitive manufacturing sector. Government Commitment to Industrial Transformation In his opening address, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, pointed out the federal government’s commitment to transforming the nation’s economy. He emphasized that the expo was a “call to action” to leverage new ideas and strong partnerships to boost manufacturing and create real opportunities for Niger...

Innovating Healthcare Solutions in Nepal In the heart of Kathmandu, the Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre houses a unique space known as the wheelchair graveyard room. This room is filled with hundreds of wheelchairs that once provided mobility to patients but now sit broken and unusable. Most of these wheelchairs were donated from various parts of the world, and due to their different brands and models, even minor damages render them irreparable. To address this issue, researchers at the Design Lab, a mechanical engineering lab based at Kathmandu University, are working on producing essential medical devices locally for patients with disabilities. Their goal is to make these devices more affordable and tailored to the specific needs of Nepali patients. Localising Medical Device Manufacturing Led by Assistant Professor Pratisthit Lal Shrestha, the Design Lab was established in 2019 to create a space where engineers can bring their ideas to life. The lab has since grown significan...