Crystal International Group Limited has been spearheading a smart transition across all operations in global factories. The knits division of Crystal International is building a new zone of Logistics Centre in its lifestyle wear factory in China, as part of the entire smart manufacturing model, with a year of development. Serving as the Logistics Centre, which will house the automated cutting workshop and centralised smart warehouse for materials and finished goods, the new establishment, powered by the rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system, demonstrates the forward-thinking production logic model for garment factories, in which materials are moved autonomously along the production process.
Expecting to ramp up full operations starting in first quarter of 2026, the new zone not only is a business expansion, but also signifies a breakthrough in smart manufacturing journey at the Group. Integrated with the automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS), the centralised smart warehouse enables autonomous flow of fabric materials and finished goods. Based on the real-time data, the AS/RS algorithmically analyse production demand, inventory data, and transport routes to determine the most efficient retrieval paths, optimising inventory management and enabling just-in-time delivery. The fabric transfer time can be saved up to 75%. On the other hand, the computerised AS/RS can deliver the required finished goods from the warehouse storage to the loading area autonomously as soon as trucks arrive, according to the monitored overall logistics schedules.
The centralised smart warehouse completes a fully closed-looped auto-material flow system. The information on raw materials, panels, parts, garments, and final shipments flows seamlessly through the production logic model that includes four Centres: newly established Logistics Centre, Parts Manufacturing Centre, Assembly Centre, and Finishing Centre.
In addition to the AS/RS smart warehouse, the new zone also comprises a new automated cutting area. The sewn parts are transferred automatically by the Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for unmanned flow of materials and goods.
“We are driving digitalisation and automation in line with the whole Group’s ambition, achieving smarter processes, higher operational efficiency and productivity, as well as better sustainability performance. The solution ensures us winning edge and continued success,” said Sam Lau, General Manager – Digital Manufacturing at Crystal International.
While the Group is working relentlessly towards the determined Crystal Sustainability Vision 2030, Crystal International remains strong-minded to transform all factories into smart factories, with the use of innovative technological solutions. Building on the success, the Group will continue to further craft advanced production models in different operating countries, coping with the evolving needs of customers and industry in the future.
