VitrA Tiles, part of the Eczacıbaşı Group, has been acknowledged for its outstanding integration of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, becoming the inaugural ceramics producer in the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse Network. This induction highlights VitrA’s leading role in embracing 4IR advancements.
Türkiye’s Eczacıbaşı Group celebrates as its VitrA Tiles division joins the Global Lighthouse Network (GLN), classified as a Factory Lighthouse amongst 21 new members. This recognition from the World Economic Forum’s initiative marks a significant milestone in manufacturing innovation.
At the Davos Summit awards ceremony on January 15, 2024, Atalay Gümrah and Hasan Pehlivan, CEOs of Eczacıbaşı Group and VitrA Tiles respectively, addressed the audience. Their speeches underscored the company’s commitment to integrating Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies into their production operations.
This recognition is noteworthy as VitrA Tiles is the first company in the ceramic tile industry to be recognized by the World Economic Forum for its innovative application of 4IR technologies.
Innovative Growth in Challenging Times
Atalay Gümrah, CEO of Eczacıbaşı Holding, expressed his delight at this achievement, 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. Confronting manufacturing disruptions from climate change, economic instability, and geopolitical crises affecting energy prices in Türkiye, this honor highlights our approach to convert these challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth, utilising 4IR to boost our operational competitiveness.”
The GLN comprises leading manufacturers who have effectively used 4IR technologies to transform their factories, value chains, and business models, thereby achieving significant financial and operational benefits. Factory Lighthouses demonstrate the effectiveness of manufacturing innovations in enhancing performance and managing market volatility.
Digital Transformation Leads to Significant Outcomes
At VitrA Tiles’ Bozüyük facility, a focused digital transformation strategy on intelligent process and production controls led to a 19% improvement in Overall Equipment Effectiveness, a 56% reduction in scrap, a 14% decrease in energy use, and a 43% increase in recycled material use over the past year.
Hasan Pehlivan, CEO of VitrA Tiles, on this accomplishment, stated, “While our solutions might be unique, the challenges we face are global, and we recognise the value of a global community in solving these issues. The future of manufacturing is about bringing together the global community to address major challenges. I am optimistic about the GLN’s role in this journey, and I am excited about this latest World Economic Forum initiative.”
AI and Machine Learning Spearheading Manufacturing Evolution
In an era marked by rapid technological changes, geopolitical instability, and climate change concerns, Global Lighthouse Network members are adopting advanced technologies for increased productivity and sustainability. Utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, these Lighthouse factories are revolutionising global manufacturing. Notably, 85% of Lighthouse factories experienced less than a 10% drop in revenue during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, showing a level of resilience unmatched by most other manufacturers.
These Lighthouse factories are setting new standards in global manufacturing influence, incorporating innovative solutions across their networks, leading towards a sustainable future and initiating a new era of transformative, lasting change. This strategic focus on innovation is transforming the manufacturing sector, highlighting the critical role of advanced technology in addressing contemporary global challenges.
