The technology giant Hon Hai Technology Group, better known as Foxconn, has achieved a new milestone on its path towards intelligent and sustainable manufacturing. The World Economic Forum (WEF) has recognized two new facilities of the company as lighthouse factories, bringing the group’s total to eight.
First lighthouse factory in Vietnam
Foxconn Industrial Internet’s facility in Bac Giang province has become Vietnam’s first lighthouse factory. This recognition highlights Foxconn’s ability to implement advanced technologies in its global operations.
According to the WEF assessment, the Vietnamese factory overcame initial challenges such as dependence on imported materials and developed local talent. By implementing over 40 Industry 4.0 use cases, including advanced planning and AI-driven automation, the plant achieved:
-190% improvement in labor productivity
-99.5% on-time deliveries
-45% reduction in manufacturing costs
Michael Wang, the factory’s strategic development manager in Vietnam, emphasized that lighthouse factories primarily enhance operational resilience. The interconnected system developed allows for rapid adaptation to various scenarios, improving global supply chain management and production efficiency.
First sustainable lighthouse factory in China
The Guanlan plant in Shenzhen, China, has been certified as Foxconn’s first sustainable lighthouse factory. This facility demonstrates how efficient manufacturing can go hand in hand with sustainability.
The WEF highlights that Foxconn Industrial Internet Shenzhen used AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and other Industry 4.0 technologies to optimize recycling, track carbon footprints, and innovate in sustainability. The results include:
-42% reduction in Scope 3 emissions
-24% decrease in Scope 1 and 2 emissions
-55%-75% increase in recycled material content
Wu Yanru, leader of the sustainable lighthouse factory project, stressed that advanced technologies enable balancing production quality with sustainability.
Impact and future
These new certifications reinforce Foxconn’s position as a leader in intelligent and sustainable manufacturing. The company plans to implement this model in all its global facilities, driving digital transformation across the industry.
Kiva Allgood, head of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains at the World Economic Forum, emphasized the importance of these developments: “These sites are integrating advanced technologies into their operations, not only to improve productivity, but to create a sustainable and inclusive future for their workforce and the community at large.”
With these additions, Foxconn continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and sustainability in global manufacturing, setting new standards for the electronics industry.
Source: Foxconn