Posted to News on 30th May 2014, 14:49
CLPA announces EUR10,000 support for CC-Link product developers
The CLPA is announcing funding support to help device and component manufacturers develop products with CC-Link technology for sales in Asia on-board. In order to qualify, businesses must meet certain criteria and commitments for developing devices. John Browett, General Manger of the CLPA says these qualifications "are not onerous and have only been put in place to make sure the funding is going to the right companies." The funding forms part of the CC-Link Partner Association's (CLPA) Gateway to Asia programme which includes China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and India and other growing economies in the region.
Any manufacturing or software development company that is involved in producing products that are used in a manufacturing, processing or other automated environments and is planning on selling or exporting to Asia should be interested. There are currently over 12 million CC-Link devices installed around the world and that number is growing both in Asia and in Europe, so it is certainly a requirement for full access to those markets.
Companies that take part will be joining many market leaders who are already active members, such as Balluff, 3M, FESTO, Weidmller and many more.
CC-Link is an open automation network technology that allows field devices from various manufacturers to be mixed and matched within a control network so that users are not constrained to a single make of products. The CLPA is the organisation of manufacturers and users of CC-Link technologies. It is responsible for the technical development of the network and promotes its adoption on a worldwide basis.
One of the CLPA's most successful initiatives has been Gateway to Asia ("G2A"), which helps European automation companies increase their business in Asia by using CC-Link as an enabling technology. The support package covers items such as ASIC's to embed in development devices, technical support in development and then marketing support including fairs, road shows and advertising to promote the products in Asia.
How to apply
The CLPA will be calling companies eligible for funding support in Germany, Italy and the UK to discuss the G2A programme during the first quarter of 2014, but the support is open to any company, from any region that qualifies. All the key details and an application form can be found at funding.clpa.eu.
