#China #Angel Yeast #Yichang #Smart Factory #Bioengineering

Establishing a New Standard in Smart Factories by Angel Yeast

Transforming the Future of Production

In a time marked by geopolitical challenges and rapid technological advancements, Angel Yeast is taking decisive steps to redefine the production landscape. The 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum has brought together nearly 3,000 leaders across various industries to discuss collaboration in an era dominated by artificial intelligence, dedicating a significant focus on addressing global challenges.

As a trailblazer in innovative yeast solutions, Angel Yeast (SH600298) is responding proactively to this global call, driving technological innovations that pave the way for the future of intelligent factories.

Intelligent Data-Driven Manufacturing

At Angel's Synthetic Biology Industrial Park in Hubei, China's Xiaoting District, the company's fully automated workshop showcases the potential of intelligent production. Robotic arms execute precise gripping, while smart robots facilitate seamless transportation, culminating in the impressive output of 2,000 tons of yeast products each month. This initiative, backed by a substantial 4 billion yuan investment, symbolizes a marriage between smart manufacturing and transformational workforce approaches, heralding a new technological era.

As the inaugural digital smart factory of the group, the Yichang facility has implemented an all-encompassing intelligent system covering everything from research and development to production. It boasts over 2,000 sets of integrated smart equipment harmonizing with various systems, including WMS, WCS, PCS7, and material flow automation systems, establishing itself as a highly automated, digital, and flexible full-process intelligent manufacturing facility with traceable data collection and information management.

Moreover, Angel's intelligent factory integrates fermentation data from 11 global production bases through a comprehensive industrial data platform, enhancing group efficiency. The intelligent transformation of vital processes and the introduction of the MES system in raw food materials and health supplements have modernized production lines, highlighting Angel's commitment to creating a smarter manufacturing ecosystem.

Eco-Collaboration in a Circular Economy

Within the Xiaoting Synthetic Biology Industrial Park, a robust industrial chain encompassing everything from fermentation raw materials to bio-manufacturing and product applications facilitates a tight-knit integration among four companies utilizing shared production cycles. Angel Yeast Yichang Company specializes in yeast and yeast extract production, while the Angel Enzyme Preparations Project focuses on enzymatic preparations and bioproducts. Complementing these are Hubei Maiggic Technology, dedicated to nutraceutical ingredients and functional materials for personal care, and Hubei PHAngel Biotechnology, which concentrates on developing biodegradable biobased PHA materials.

The synergy within this industrial chain is palpable. Angel's enzyme preparation company sends 600 tons of fermentation intermediaries monthly to Maiggic Technology for the production of Vitamin K2, with the return residuals from Maiggic being repurposed as raw materials for enzyme preparations. Interconnected aerial pipelines facilitate this “industrial metabolism,” while shared utilities for water, electricity, and gas have effectively reduced environmental protection costs by 30%. As noted by Maiggic Technology's technician Liu Wei, “These pipelines transport raw materials directly and save 30% on logistics costs. This park acts as our super supply chain.” With the impending trial production of PHAngel Biotechnology's 30,000 tons PHA project, the synthetic biology industrial cluster is taking shape.

Coexistence of Machines and Human Workforce

Facing the tide of automation, Angel Yeast has initiated a transformative plan prioritizing “zero layoffs + skills upgrades.” The experience of Mou Cui, a packaging workshop worker, illustrates this shift. Following the introduction of intelligent systems, her production lines expanded from one to three, resulting in a remarkable 20% increase in her income. “Now, I must understand equipment operations and data analysis. The company's training has made me a ‘jack of all trades,’” she remarked.

According to factory general manager Chen Yongqiang, “We will not proactively lay off any employees,” ensuring job security for the workforce. Through various training programs, over 10 employees have transitioned into principal operators on the new production lines, with several even moving into managerial roles. The shift towards intelligent production lines has significantly enhanced efficiency, yielding an 11% increase in per capita output and an overall labor productivity surge of 8% in 2024.

From traditional fermentation practices to synthetic biology, and from manual operations to digital integration, Angel Group is reshaping the industry's ecology through intelligent manufacturing. As the park evolves, this dual transformation in smart manufacturing and workforce development continues to propel the modernization and transformation of the manufacturing sector.