Eczacıbaşı Group’s division, VitrA Tiles, has been celebrated for its innovative implementation of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies. This achievement marks the first time a ceramics producer has been inducted into the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse Network, affirming its status as a leader in adopting 4IR advancements.
VitrA Tiles, a central division of Türkiye’s Eczacıbaşı Group, has been honoured with entry into the Global Lighthouse Network (GLN), as a Factory Lighthouse among 21 newly admitted members. This inclusion in the World Economic Forum’s initiative recognises VitrA as a vanguard in the realm of manufacturing innovation.
The awards ceremony at the Davos Summit on January 15, 2024, featured speeches by Atalay Gümrah and Hasan Pehlivan, the CEOs of Eczacıbaşı Group and VitrA Tiles respectively. They discussed the company’s dedication to technology-enhanced operations and the broad implementation of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies in their manufacturing processes.
This recognition is especially meaningful for VitrA Tiles, as it is the first company within the ceramic tile industry to be acknowledged by the World Economic Forum for its adept use of 4IR technologies.
Embracing Challenges as Catalysts for Innovation and Growth
Atalay Gümrah, CEO of Eczacıbaşı Holding, conveyed his pride in this accomplishment, stating, “We are thrilled that our Bozüyük Production Facility has been selected as one of GLN’s Factory Lighthouses, in recognition of the leadership we have shown in deploying Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. Facing disruptions in manufacturing from climate change, a volatile financial landscape, and geopolitical crises that have led to fluctuating energy prices, particularly in Türkiye, this recognition underscores how we looked at these challenges not as setbacks, but as catalysts for further innovation and growth, harnessing 4IR to enhance our operational competitiveness.”
GLN is a consortium of manufacturing innovators utilising 4IR technologies to transform their factories, value chains, and business models for significant financial and operational gains. The Factory Lighthouses are shining examples of how advancements in manufacturing have enhanced performance and enabled companies to successfully navigate through market volatility.
Remarkable Outcomes from Digital Transformation Focus
The digital transformation at VitrA Tiles’ Bozüyük site, centred on intelligent process and production control, led to a remarkable 19% increase in Overall Equipment Effectiveness, a 56% reduction in scrap, a 14% decrease in energy consumption, and a 43% increase in the use of recycled materials in the last year.
Hasan Pehlivan, CEO of VitrA Tiles, reflecting on their achievements, noted, “While our solutions might be unique, the challenges we face are global, and we recognise the value of a global community in solving global challenges. The future of manufacturing is not about just one company, or one sector, or a single country, but about bringing the global community together to address major challenges. I believe the GLN has much to contribute to this journey, and I welcome this excellent latest initiative from the World Economic Forum.”
Global Manufacturing Revolution Fueled by AI and Machine Learning
In the current landscape of fast-paced technological progress, rising geopolitical tensions, and the pressing reality of climate change, Global Lighthouse Network members are embracing leading-edge technologies to enhance their operational efficiency and sustainability. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, these Lighthouse factories are at the helm of a global production revolution. Notably, 85% of Lighthouse factories reported less than a 10% revenue loss during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing resilience that far exceeds that of most other manufacturers.
These Lighthouse factories are trailblazers, shaping a significant global impact in manufacturing. They are incorporating innovative solutions into their extensive networks, leading the way towards a sustainable future and marking the beginning of a new era of transformative, enduring change. This strategic focus on innovation is revolutionising the manufacturing sector, demonstrating the powerful impact of advanced technology in tackling global challenges.