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SKEMA China Students Explore China's Smart Manufacturing in Shanghai
Twenty students from SKEMA Suzhou campus visited Shanggong Shenbe (Group) Co., Ltd. on October 30, exploring China's leading sewing equipment manufacturer as part of their digital marketing course and gaining firsthand insights into intelligent manufacturing during an immersive factory visit.
Smart Manufacturing Excellence
Shanggong Shenbe Group, listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, operates over 20 production facilities globally with 40+ subsidiaries worldwide. The company specializes in material connection processing equipment, from industrial sewing machines to ultrasonic welding systems and carbon fiber aircraft, featuring renowned brands including Dürkopp Adler, Pfaff Industrial, and beloved domestic brands Butterfly and Flying Man.
Led by digital marketing professor Yi Wu (TEME founder & Chief Strategy Officer) and academic coordinator Alex Gu, students explored cutting-edge manufacturing processes, including Industry 4.0 applications, intelligent production lines, and 3D sewing technology. Distinguished guests included Allen Dong (IXIAH founder) and Catherine Xiang (NOTHING2ONE founder).
Student Impact
Maël, IMBD student, reflected: "This visit was incredibly enriching. The evolution of sewing machines and current operations left lasting impressions. The showroom beside the assembly line allowed us to observe complete suit-making processes. Most impressive was precision equipment for automatic mold covering and the ICON aircraft experience!"
Aelita, IMBD student, emphasized strategic insights: "The integration of advanced manufacturing with traditional craftsmanship was fascinating. Their unified narrative of 'excellence and creativity' across diverse products demonstrated how brand storytelling and innovation enhance market influence."
Industry Partnership
Xue Zhong, Deputy Director at Shanggong Shenbe, shared: "We're honored to provide future business leaders with authentic insights into Chinese intelligent manufacturing. This builds bridges between academia and industry, Eastern manufacturing and international perspectives, inspiring deeper thinking about global industrial transformation."
Educational Integration and Sustainability project
This immersive experience provides real-world case studies for students, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application in smart manufacturing contexts. The visit supported THE GEN WE PROJECT, a sustainable design project launched by TEME, SKEMA and ecosystem partners in 2023, with students developing digital marketing strategies for the China Cup - THE GEN WE PROJECT Living Joy Design Competition.
