Gardner: 2016 World Machine Tool Survey (Data & Ranking by Country)

[AViet]

The point is that ANYONE can make a ball point tip, BUT then machinery and material required is often imported. I can bet anything, that this pakistani company would be importing its machinery and materials.




China still can't make 100% of the pen.

China has got the material, but it still lags behind in its precision engineering capability. The machines tools for this process would most likely be imported from Japan, and Switzerland.

Even the US depends on Japan or Germany for very precision machinery. However, the problem is that, China can move up the chain and reach the level of these top two or three countries, but I doubt the US can ever reach this level. Their workforce quality is simply not good enough. They lack smartness, discipline, punctuality, ... to make very precision machinery.

 

[Martian2]

Good news on SMTCL, high precision CNC machine is the apex of all manufacturing.

China (Mainland) is world's largest producer of machine tools (see post #1), but at the same time a even bigger user/consumer due to massive demand across all industries in gigantic downstream manufacturing base, even more than next five nations combined! In fact after IC ($200B annual deficit, largely with Taiwan, Korea), machine tool is a major imports and deficit item for China, biggest deficits are with Japan, Germany.

There's been a lot of talks about China IC strategy, what about machine tool? When do you think the trade situation will improve vs Japan & Germany? Can Taiwan, very good in machine tool tech and world's 3rd largest net exporter, increase production in Mainland?

Taiwan's ITRI partners with American MachineWorks to challenge Siemens and FANUC

The two major suppliers of machine tool software are Germany's Siemens and Japan's FANUC. China has written new laws that allow for low- or no-tariff sales of machine tools with domestic software. Since Taiwan is considered a province of China under the "One China" policy, Taiwan's ITRI has partnered with America's MachineWorks to create a joint-venture that qualifies for domestic software categorization in machine tools.
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ITRI shaping Taiwan CNC industry with MachineWorks Software | MCADCafe

 

[Shotgunner51]

The two major suppliers of machine tool software are Germany's Siemens and Japan's FANUC. China has written new laws that allow for low- or no-tariff sales of machine tools with domestic software. Since Taiwan is considered a province of China under the "One China" policy, Taiwan's ITRI has partnered with America's MachineWorks to create a joint-venture that qualifies for domestic software categorization in machine tools.

It's good to know that China has legislation to incentivise domestic CNC industry, every catalyst is needed. A pragmatic target is not to surpass Siemens and FANUC in immediate term, but to significantly close the gap or perhaps even reach parity. If it takes years for a nation to excel in electronics, it may take decades if not centuries in machining. When I visit Japan and Germany, machining for them is not business, it's not even tech, it's like a spirit, a culture, almost religious. China is massively promoting vocational skills, elevating status of craftmen & technicians, but it needs time to cultivate this industry.

Didn't know much about ITRI before, very useful info, even tech behemoths like TSMC and UMC can trace their origin to ITRI! I suggest Mainland CNC firms drastically increase collaboration with ITRI as well as CNC industrialists in Taiwan. I also suggest Mainland financial institutions (e.g funds) actively involve, build capital ties with Taiwanese CNC industry.

 

[Shotgunner51]

Announcement from National Science and Technology Major Project (国家科技重大专项)
http://www.nmp.gov.cn/gzxgz/skjc/201703/t20170330_5046.htm

Google translate:

Domestic high-end CNC machine tools and equipment for
aerospace science and technology
Date: March 30, 2017​

March 28, high-end CNC machine tools and fundamental manufacturing equipment,science and technology major projects to promote the application of the scene will be held in the Aerospace Science and Industry Group. This is the first high-end domestic CNC system in the aerospace field implementation and promotion. In the China Aerospace Science and Industry Group, third institute, missile assembly plant, an array of large-scale five-axis interlinkage machine display, operating in accordance with the procedures set in conjunction with the trial production of products. This large-scale high-end domestic machine tools, in the third institute have 41 units, respectively for missile engines, thermo-forming, precision manufacturing. By these "upstart" armed digital flexible production lines and intelligent manufacturing workshop has become a model, will become the backbone of the future of digital production. With the application of their promotion, will accelerate the upgrading of China's equipment manufacturing industry, a strong support for "China made 2025" strategic initiatives.

The implementation of more than 8 years, a total of technical research and innovation platform for the construction of steady progress, heavy forging equipment, part of the machine tool average time between overhaul has reached 2000 hours or more. Numerical control and other core components made a significant breakthrough, key features in the field of aerospace industry, the key products in the field of aerospace products, the key components of the key manufacturing equipment, the key components of the key products in the field of precision, reliability.

 

[Shotgunner51]

@TaiShang @Martian2

After acquiring German maker MAG Group in 2015, FFG (Fair Friend Group, Taiwan) just acquired another few Italian makers, see below. FFG is among world's largest machine tool conglomerates, last year (2016) revenue only trails after DMG Mori Seiki, Yamazaki Mazak. FFG pursues a hybrid organic growth plus M&A growth strategy, it might become world's largest in this year, let's see how it goes. Congrats on the deals!

​

https://www.ffg-werke.com/en/news/p...experts-meccanodora-morara-and-tacchella.html
https://www.ffg-werke.com/en/news/p...chliesst-akquisition-der-mag-gruppe-ab-1.html
http://www.jc35.com/news/detail/62424.html

 

[AndrewJin]

Announcement from National Science and Technology Major Project (国家科技重大专项)
http://www.nmp.gov.cn/gzxgz/skjc/201703/t20170330_5046.htm

View attachment 394958

Google translate:

Domestic high-end CNC machine tools and equipment for
aerospace science and technology
Date: March 30, 2017​

March 28, high-end CNC machine tools and fundamental manufacturing equipment,science and technology major projects to promote the application of the scene will be held in the Aerospace Science and Industry Group. This is the first high-end domestic CNC system in the aerospace field implementation and promotion. In the China Aerospace Science and Industry Group, third institute, missile assembly plant, an array of large-scale five-axis interlinkage machine display, operating in accordance with the procedures set in conjunction with the trial production of products. This large-scale high-end domestic machine tools, in the third institute have 41 units, respectively for missile engines, thermo-forming, precision manufacturing. By these "upstart" armed digital flexible production lines and intelligent manufacturing workshop has become a model, will become the backbone of the future of digital production. With the application of their promotion, will accelerate the upgrading of China's equipment manufacturing industry, a strong support for "China made 2025" strategic initiatives.

The implementation of more than 8 years, a total of technical research and innovation platform for the construction of steady progress, heavy forging equipment, part of the machine tool average time between overhaul has reached 2000 hours or more. Numerical control and other core components made a significant breakthrough, key features in the field of aerospace industry, the key products in the field of aerospace products, the key components of the key manufacturing equipment, the key components of the key products in the field of precision, reliability.

The mother of all machine tools!

 

[Shotgunner51]

The mother of all machine tools!

Yes, directly or indirectly, everything is made by machine tools. Mainland companies (SMTCL in Shenyang, DMTG in Dalian) are progressing very fast (especially in high-precision 5-axis interlink CNC), it will help China reduce trade deficits (with Japan, Germany), boost overall industrial upgrade (as per Made in China 2025) as well as strengthen national defence (e.g. advanced aeronautical engine; stealth submarines).

Taiwan FFG is doing great, see post #65.

Group revenue of FFG already ranks world #3, trace only behind Yamazaki Mazak and DMG Mori Seki, has already overtaken traditional CNC powerhouses like Okuma, Makino. With acquisition of SNK (Shin Nippon Koki), FFG group is the now world's #2 largest CNC maker for aerospace/defence industry.

Jimmy Chu - Chairman of FFG (友嘉FFG集團總裁朱志洋) at a SNK exhibition booth.

 

[Shotgunner51]

DMC2017 to open in Shanghai on June 13, showcasing equipment and technologies that herald the transformation of the mold and die sector
News provided by Shanghai International Exhibition Co., Ltd.
17 May, 2017, 01:39 ET

- By boosting precision and collaborative manufacturing, while developing mold and molding technologies, DMC2017 will drive the next stage in the evolution of the mold manufacturing sector

SHANGHAI, May 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The 17th China International Exhibition on Die & Mold Technology and Equipment (DMC2017), co-organized by the China Die & Mold Industry Association and Shanghai International Exhibition Co., Ltd., will be held from June 13 to June 16, 2017 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. This theme of this year's event, "boosting precision and collaborative manufacturing, while developing mold and molding technologies", reflects the transformation of the sector, with thousands of exhibitors from nearly 20 countries and regions, including Switzerland, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Italy and France, displaying new equipment and technologies across the 60,000+ square-meter space spanning five halls, from E1 to E5.

Leading Chinese mold brands will showcase a wide range of high-end precision processing, automation and molding equipment at the event

China is a major player in the mold making sector with an output value having reached 220 billion yuan (approx. US$32 billion) for 2016. The landscape of the mold sector is characterized by steady development and accelerated transformation with expectations for further improvements in production quality and efficiency. Roughly 500 of China's most iconic mold manufacturers will be displaying their advanced mold making technologies in the E4 and E5 Halls.

With a focus on high precision processing equipment as well as innovative technologies for improved precision and surface quality, DMC2017 will showcase the most advanced precision processing equipment, including world-class machining centers and high-speed milling machines, CNC grinders, CNC special machining tools, measuring equipment, among a wide array of high-precision cutting, measuring and fixture tools, in the E1, E2 and E3 Halls.

360° Die & Mould Making: the driving forces of productivity in die & mould

A focus on the mold sector for over 30 years with the aim of creating China's most professional international mold exhibition

Launched over 30 years ago, DMC has now become the world's largest mold exhibition. The organizers aim to create a professional mold exhibition for the top-down ecosystem backed by continuous innovation, breakthroughs and deep insights into the sector.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele...ion-of-the-mold-and-die-sector-300459058.html

 

[AndrewJin]

DMC2017 to open in Shanghai on June 13, showcasing equipment and technologies that herald the transformation of the mold and die sector
News provided by Shanghai International Exhibition Co., Ltd.
17 May, 2017, 01:39 ET

- By boosting precision and collaborative manufacturing, while developing mold and molding technologies, DMC2017 will drive the next stage in the evolution of the mold manufacturing sector

View attachment 403725

SHANGHAI, May 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The 17th China International Exhibition on Die & Mold Technology and Equipment (DMC2017), co-organized by the China Die & Mold Industry Association and Shanghai International Exhibition Co., Ltd., will be held from June 13 to June 16, 2017 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. This theme of this year's event, "boosting precision and collaborative manufacturing, while developing mold and molding technologies", reflects the transformation of the sector, with thousands of exhibitors from nearly 20 countries and regions, including Switzerland, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Italy and France, displaying new equipment and technologies across the 60,000+ square-meter space spanning five halls, from E1 to E5.

Leading Chinese mold brands will showcase a wide range of high-end precision processing, automation and molding equipment at the event

China is a major player in the mold making sector with an output value having reached 220 billion yuan (approx. US$32 billion) for 2016. The landscape of the mold sector is characterized by steady development and accelerated transformation with expectations for further improvements in production quality and efficiency. Roughly 500 of China's most iconic mold manufacturers will be displaying their advanced mold making technologies in the E4 and E5 Halls.

With a focus on high precision processing equipment as well as innovative technologies for improved precision and surface quality, DMC2017 will showcase the most advanced precision processing equipment, including world-class machining centers and high-speed milling machines, CNC grinders, CNC special machining tools, measuring equipment, among a wide array of high-precision cutting, measuring and fixture tools, in the E1, E2 and E3 Halls.

View attachment 403726
360° Die & Mould Making: the driving forces of productivity in die & mould

A focus on the mold sector for over 30 years with the aim of creating China's most professional international mold exhibition

Launched over 30 years ago, DMC has now become the world's largest mold exhibition. The organizers aim to create a professional mold exhibition for the top-down ecosystem backed by continuous innovation, breakthroughs and deep insights into the sector.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele...ion-of-the-mold-and-die-sector-300459058.html

Have you taken part in this expo?

 

[Shotgunner51]

Have you taken part in this expo?

I really want to but couldn't find time, but my colleague will go. It's a world-class exhibition, many top-notch machine tool makers are here!

 

[Shotgunner51]

Advanced computer-directed machine tools are taking charge
By Ren Xiaojin | China Daily | Updated: 2017-06-27 08:23

Advanced computer numerical control machine tools, or CNCs, have boosted China's key manufacturing sectors and added over 70.6 billion yuan ($10.3 billion) to industrial output over the past eight years, a senior government official told a media briefing on Monday.

CNC machining is the automated process in the manufacturing sector, where computers are used to control machine tools such as lathes, mills and grinders.

They produce precise parts and increase productivity. China has invested 9.1 billion yuan in R&D since CNCs were listed as one of 16 national science and technology major projects in 2009, and their utilization has made smooth progress, said Luo Junjie, a senior official from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

"CNC machine tools are vital for the country's major manufacturing areas such as the auto, nuclear power, aeronautics and astronautics sectors," said Luo.​

"It was behind the success of some keynote projects as the launch of Long March-5 heavy lift carrier rocket and the Tianzhou 1 cargo spacecraft," Luo added.​

Lu Bingheng, chief engineer of the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Center, said that in 2016 the Chinese-proposed testing standards for five-axis CNC machines gained international approval.

"It is the first standard China has set for high-tier CNC machine tools," Lu said.​

The rapidly progressing local CNC technology is also breaking into a market dominated by foreign technology. According to Lu, domestic high-tier CNC technology has caught up with international standards and its market share of the Chinese market has expanded from 1 percent to 5 percent. It has been applied in massive production in important sectors such as aeronautics, astronautics and military.

Medium-end CNCs have also secured a quarter of domestic market in 2016, a jump from the previous 10 percent in 2009, with total sales now at around 4 billion yuan in the past eight years.

The ministry's Luo said Chinese-made punch press production lines for automobile parts had taken 30 percent of the global market. "We have exported our production lines abroad to, among others, Ford Motor Co in the United States," Luo said.​

Shenyang Machine Tool Group, one of the leading companies in independent CNC R&D, said it had developed a number of intelligent and online customized machine tool manufacturing modes.

"We used to supply products to customers, but now we provide a set of solutions" said Guan Xiyou, chairman of the group.​

"It is a transformation from being a manufacturer into becoming a product services provider."​

In the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20), the goal of the CNC project was to improve domestic R&D capabilities and catch up with advanced countries. Ministry official Luo said that by 2020, the domestic CNC sector should be able to meet 80 percent of manufacturing demand from key areas like aviation, aerospace and automobiles.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2017-06/27/content_29898086.htm

 

[Shotgunner51]

A new dawn for Shining 3D
May 24, 2016 Nick Hall

Shining 3D launches its new headquarters in Hangzhou May 25th and it is potentially a landmark moment in the company’s history.

The company is one of China’s 3D printing pioneers and it will now move into a 25,000 square meter facility that will cement its position among the tech elite. This innovation center will put most 3D printing companies to shame.

The company is targeting a position at the head table of the 3D printing and scanning world. It is expanding aggressively throughout the world and is advertising for international partners on its website.

A chance to talk

It has also used the launch to invite 500 of the leading lights of the 3D printing industry to its new headquarters for a conference to discuss the future of the business and potential partnerships. It also has government support as the local authority will launch the Zhejiang 3D industrial zone at the same time.

Effectively the local government will use Shining 3D as the champion for the cause and it has literally everything going for it right now.

The consumer level Einstart is a solid printer, the professional iSLA printer is capable of taking the fight to the big names and the company has an even bigger line up of scanners. They include handheld, desktop, specialist dental scanners and more. It also supplies laser engraving machines and has more than 10 major products on sale, as well as a vast range of high quality printer filament.

Each of Shining 3D’s printers, scanners and engravers has enjoyed the input of 230 Research and Development engineers. They will get a state-of-the-art facility as part of the new building.

The signature dish right now is a scanner

The Einscan-Pro is used by designers around the world and is its signature dish right now. The company is determined to build on its potential, though, and create a stable of famous products that could rival the likes of XYZPrinting in the future.

It simply hasn’t had that kind of impact on Europe or the US to this point. But there’s no reason that cannot change with a solid product line-up, a new HQ and a determined attitude.

Shining 3D’s new headquarters brings manufacturing, sales and a customer experience center under one roof. It will also form the epicentre of what Shining 3D calls Internet+

Technically this Cloud-based ecosystem is online, so it could be anywhere. But this extensive 3D printing platform and online modelling community will be central pillars of Shining 3D’s marketing and sales efforts for the years ahead. So bringing all their staff into one building will help the Chinese company make a major impact on all fronts.

A print service could be the future

The company knows that not everyone needs or even wants a 3D printer in their home and some companies are reluctant to make the jump to full ownership. That’s why the 3D printing center, which is part of the new HQ, is destined to become a pillar of the business.

A team of experts can help companies and individuals realise their dreams with rapid prototyping and limited runs in almost any material. This contract printing service could even expand further into mass production as Shining 3D makes its own advances with the hardware.

The company has 10 printing centres across China and wants to build up to 100 more in the coming years. But the Hangzhou facility can become a true center of excellence.

The best of the best in Hangzhou

It could take on the challenges facing 3D printing, form partnerships with some of China’s more advanced technical community and that in itself will establish the company as leader in the field. It can then reap the rewards of this halo work with increased sales of consumer units.

The new online printing platform will make it easier for client and members of the public to simply upload and order a design that is then delivered to their door. This could change the way we order basic household items as a vast range of designs could be printed on demand. It works for individual clients right through to major automotive companies ordering thousands of parts, so it’s a potentially massive step for the company.

Alibaba is also in Hangzhou and is an inspirational tale for Shining 3D. It changed the way that the Chinese shop and now this 3D printing company can cement its place at the top table and change the way China thinks about manufacturing.

If this headquarters helps it do that, then you’re looking at one of the future global superpowers.

https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/new-dawn-shining-3d-80171/

 

[Shotgunner51]

Shining 3D's EMEA office in Stuttgart takes company step closer to 24/7 global sales support
Shining expect to follow up the opening of its Stuttgart office with a similar base in San Francisco.

by Sam Davies 22 June 2017 00:05

Operating from the capital of China’s Zhejiang province, Hangzhou, for the last 13 years has been Shining 3D. A consistently ambitious company, Shining hasn’t let the sheer scale of its goal consume it. One step at a time, the company has sought to establish itself as, first a significant player in the Chinese 3D technology market, and as recent performance has proven, the leader. But there’s a whole world out there. And rest assured, Shining has that in its sights too.

The opening of the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) office in Stuttgart, Germany is the first step in the company’s aim to achieve a global profile. Stuttgart, a hub of industry and manufacturing, was championed by Oscar Meza, Shining 3D’s Vice President of Global Sales since September 2016. Before his arrival, Dusseldorf seemed the most likely destination for Shining 3D’s first overseas office. But citing Stuttgart’s industrial repute and close proximity to France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria, Meza was adamant the Baden-Wurttemberg capital was the prime location.

Shining 3D’s EMEA office, to be directed by Sunny Wong, a Shining employee since 2004, represents the value the company has for its customers. At the grand opening, in the nearby ARCOTEL Camino Hotel, the commitment to delivering a proficient support service to the users of Shining technology was clear.

Shining’s 3D scanning technology has quickly forged a reputation for quality​

“The geographic location is perfect for us to reach most of our resellers in Europe and of course it’s a prime location for companies in our industrial market and consumer end products as well,” Meza told TCT. “The idea is to be closer to our resellers and our common users so we can provide a more expedited response in terms of resell support and post-sales support to our existing and incoming customers.”​

A 280-square metre office, the EMEA base will ensure Shining 3D is providing support to two thirds of the globe, 16 hours a day. In 2018, a North American office for the same purpose, with the same level of commitment, will open, probably in San Francisco. If it’s as identical to the German office as Shining suggest, it will include a showroom, training room, and demo room. It will house Shining technology, and that developed by two of its three main subsidiaries: Industrial 3D printer manufacturer, E-Plus 3D, and 3D Scanning and metrology company, Beijing TenYoun. It will also have experts onsite, ready to assist end-users.

Next, and it’ll be ‘very very soon’ according to Li Tao, Shining 3D’s CEO, will be a manufacturing base in Germany, and later the United States. The impending expansion of Shining 3D comes after five years of increased growth. In 2012, the company employed 149 people. On April 21st 2017, the day of the EMEA office’s grand opening, that figure had risen to 625. By the end of the year, Shining expect to have exceeded 700 employees. Of the current workforce, 40% operate from Shining’s HQ, with 41% in the tech-based subsidiaries and the remaining 19% in Shining’s third main subsidiary, e-Print 3D, a rapid manufacturing service network which recently partnered with HP. But the most telling figures to come out of Li Tao’s financial breakdown of the company, were those demonstrating Shining’s commitment to research and development. Boasting a 60% year-on-year growth, Shining put 20% of its revenue back in to R&D for 2017, with a pledge to keep increasing this amount every year. Additionally, the company has nearly half of its manpower operating on R&D.

The newly launched EinScanSE​

“The amount of resources we put back into R&D is very important,” Meza assesses. “With previous experience, I’ve worked with two of our biggest competitors. I have never seen any other company in this area of business putting so much [of its] resources back into R&D. That’s something that makes a very clear and strong distinction between Shining 3D and the rest.”​

Shining weren’t just talking the talk. In addition to the leading Shining personnel and partners in Stuttgart, was a spread of Shining technology – two devices being launched that day. Following the EinScan-Pro+’s introduction at CES in January, the company marked this occasion by introducing the EinScan-SE and EinScan-SP desktop 3D scanners, under the EinScan-S series.

Both models of the EinScan-S line, developed off the back of an online questionnaire gauging customer purchase motivation, are multi-functional. They feature auto and fixed scan modes, and can scan items small to large with enhanced efficiency. Notably, the EinScan-S scanners are not only compatible with Shining 3D printers but also a host of other machines currently on the market. Though Shining is brimming with pride with regards to its vast range of 3D technology, it believes strongly in open architecture and feels forcing customers into buying a Shining printer just to match the scanner to be counter-productive.

These additions to that range of tech, the SE (E for Elite) and SP (P for Platinum), cater for desktop printers and more professional solutions, respectively. Shining recommends the SE - which supersedes the EinScan-S - for novices, educators, and those interested in reverse engineering, animation, data sharing, virtual reality and augmented reality. The SP, meanwhile, gives designers access to faster, more accurate, and more reliable scans. With dimensions of 215 mm x 210 mm x 570 mm, the SE is retailing at $1,199, while the SP, 245mm x 210mm x 600m, is available at $2,299.

The EP-M100T is a metal SLM printer that TCT saw at TCT Asia​

Since the EMEA office’s grand opening, Shining has followed up with another scanning system, the RobotScan E0505, launched from the CONTROL exhibition in Stuttgart. The company’s fourth product launch of the year already, it highlights the company’s fruitful productivity, its commitment to delivering technologies to its wide customer base, and that the heavy investment in research and development is paying off. Ever since Shining’s foundation in 2004, it has held ambitions to be top of the pile, in China, and around the world. It seems there was a clear pathway to get there: Show willing to maximise the company’s scope in a variety of technologies, make the business profitable, re-invest in R&D, and always strive to be better.

“We are confident that we are the best in China because we have achieved the top sales and revenue in the China market for four years, constantly,” Tao told TCT. “Last year, our financial record showed that the difference between our revenue and the second [best Chinese] company is bigger than ever before, and on the technology side we have many innovation centres which are built together with local governments to help the users use our technology. We are not just a machine manufacturer. We are also a company that applies this technology in the practical world.”​

Meza follows up: “And everything that distinct us from the rest of the pack in China in terms of our own domestic competitors is the fact that we cover the whole spectrum of 3D technology, from 3D scanning all the way to printing technology. That sets us apart. Our biggest challenge is improving our own work. We know that we’re leading the pack, we just have to get better.”​

From consumer 3D printers, to scanners, to industrial metal solutions, Shining’s sheer range of 3D technologies now seems unparalleled. Does Shining think its array of technology will serve it just as well against global competitors?

“Absolutely,” Meza concludes convincingly. “The thing that I have learned in my years of experience is that people like to have the least possible number of suppliers for the products that they use.”​

Having its customers at the forefront of its mind is an approach that has got Shining where it is today, operating inside two continents, and will perhaps get it where it wants to be tomorrow, on top of the world.

http://www.tctmagazine.com/3D-printing-news/shining-3d-emea-office-stuttgart-global-sales-support/