The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) is continuously expanding its support for automation vendors, machine builders and users in key markets around the world. The organization is addressing the growing demand for the CLPA’s open network technologies while exchanging the global knowledge gained from each application to support local partners.

Founded in Japan in 2000 and established in Europe the following year, the CLPA has grown into a premier network technology institution that strives to advance industrial communications solutions and enable the creation of the e-F@ctories of the future. The CLPA’s technologies, particularly CC-Link IE open gigabit industrial Ethernet and the Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) compatible CC-Link IE TSN, are now widely used around the world. This has led the global installed base for the CC-Link family of open automation network technologies, as a whole, to reach 30 million devices.

Strategic appointments build on the association’s continued success surrounding global expansion, helping it deliver superior technology and networking opportunities to automation specialists. One recent example is Alberto Griffini, who has over 25 years of experience in industrial automation, serving businesses across EMEA in a number of product management roles. Since 2014, he has been working at Mitsubishi Electric, where he assisted in the growth of strategic partnerships, such as the CLPA and e-F@ctory Alliance.

Based in Italy, Griffini will focus on developing initiatives aimed at supporting both CLPA technology users and the organization’s members while facilitating the exchange of valuable insights between EMEA and the Americas. He will work synergistically with the association and its members to help companies in different industries identify how CC-Link IE and CC-Link IE TSN can advance their operations and improve their productivity.

“I am excited to be supporting the widespread adoption of the CLPA’s leading network technologies globally. My expertise will be highly beneficial to support device vendors in implementing CC-Link IE TSN devices that address market needs. I am confident that together we will develop innovative solutions for Industry 4.0 applications that advance the operations of end users,” Griffini said.

Tom Burke, global strategic advisor at CLPA, concludes: “We are thrilled to welcome Alberto onboard our organization. With him now part of our team, we are in a strong position to help drive the competitiveness of our customers. His extensive experience in the industrial automation sector will support both local and international partners while nicely complementing the skillset of our wider team.”