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Zoomlion's Breakthrough in Smart Manufacturing

On November 27, 2025, Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd., commonly known as Zoomlion, was officially acknowledged as one of the first fifteen industry-leading smart factories at the esteemed 2025 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference. This recognition underscores the company's significant contributions to the modernization and digitization of manufacturing processes in the heavy equipment sector.

A New Era of Production Efficiency

Zoomlion has made impressive strides in addressing a longstanding challenge in the industry: the efficient production of low-volume, multi-model heavy machinery. Its innovative approach involves a shared mixed-flow production line designed specifically for multiple types of heavy equipment. This method not only enhances flexibility but also brings a level of scale and automation that has become essential for modern manufacturing.

At the center of Zoomlion's success is the development of a shared smart excavator factory located in its Smart Industrial City. This facility achieved three world-first milestones:
1. Full-process intelligent manufacturing across six core stages, assuring end-to-end automation.
2. Operation of a mixed-flow line producing over 100 different models simultaneously.
3. An integrated collaborative production model that spans multiple equipment categories, showcasing the potential for synergy in manufacturing.

Transforming the Construction Machinery Landscape

Zoomlion's smart factory represents a modular, scalable cluster specifically for construction equipment. It is designed with interoperability at its core, connecting hundreds of steps throughout the manufacturing process. With the establishment of three shared manufacturing centers, Zoomlion has managed to push steel plate utilization above 90%, significantly decreasing construction costs by 15%.

A key component of this transformation is the use of automated logistics, which eliminates traditional storage requirements in favor of real-time transport solutions. This shift has led to a staggering 70% reduction in inventory levels, allowing for precise product distribution and an overall enhancement of operational efficiency.

Furthermore, Zoomlion supports its manufacturing innovation with a robust cross-regional research and development platform alongside a flexible shared supply-chain model. This extensive ecosystem not only amplifies efficiency but also promotes digital transformation across the industry, ultimately fostering a more interconnected manufacturing landscape.

AI-Driven Production at Its Best

The intelligent manufacturing model developed by Zoomlion is heavily influenced by data and artificial intelligence. At the heart of its excavator smart factory, over 80% of the processes are overseen by AI technologies, leading to an unprecedented level of self-organizing production that eliminates changeover times.

This immense efficiency is highlighted by the swift production cycle; it takes just 6.5 days to complete the entire process from steel plate cutting to final assembly. Remarkably, the factory is capable of producing one excavator every six minutes. By maintaining the shortest takt time within the industry, Zoomlion remarkably accommodates sales-driven, customized output while effectively minimizing inventory, thereby reconciling production with market demand.

Scaling Innovation Globally

The success of Zoomlion's smart manufacturing approach is not confined to one location. The company has already rolled out its intelligent production systems across more than 20 factories worldwide. Moreover, its influence extends to various sectors, including agricultural machinery, energy equipment, and emergency response vehicles.

As Zoomlion continues to harness advancements in AI and robotics, the company is poised to further integrate these technologies into its manufacturing processes. Plans for accelerating innovation in next-generation manufacturing practices, alongside sharing its smart factory model with global partners, are underway, positioning Zoomlion as not just a leader in the industry but a catalyst for change in the global manufacturing arena.

With these groundbreaking achievements, Zoomlion sets a new benchmark for what smart factories can achieve, signaling a transformative era in the world of intelligent manufacturing. As the industry evolves, the company aims to lead the way, ensuring a more sustainable, efficient, and interconnected future for manufacturing worldwide.