The Eczacıbaşı Group’s VitrA Tiles has been recognised for its leading-edge adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, securing a coveted spot as the first ceramic producer in the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse Network, showcasing its commitment to 4IR technology.
Türkiye’s Eczacıbaşı Group boasts its ceramic division, VitrA Tiles, as the latest inductee into the Global Lighthouse Network (GLN), identified as a Factory Lighthouse among 21 new members. This recognition by the World Economic Forum’s initiative highlights VitrA as a beacon in manufacturing innovation.
At the Davos Summit award ceremony on January 15, 2024, speeches were given by Atalay Gümrah, CEO of Eczacıbaşı Group, and Hasan Pehlivan, CEO of VitrA Tiles. They detailed their journey in embracing tech-powered operations and expanding Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies across their production arenas.
The acknowledgment of VitrA Tiles as the first company in the ceramic tile sector to be recognised by the World Economic Forum for its pioneering use of 4IR technologies marks a significant industry advancement.
Turning Adversity into an Engine for Innovation and Growth
Atalay Gümrah, CEO of Eczacıbaşı Holding, conveyed his delight at this recognition, 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. In the face of manufacturing disruptions from climate change, financial instability, and geopolitical crises leading to energy price fluctuations in Türkiye, this honour emphasizes our strategy of transforming these challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth, leveraging 4IR to enhance our operational competitiveness.”
GLN is a group of leading manufacturers who have skillfully applied 4IR technologies to transform their factories, value chains, and business models, achieving significant financial and operational results. The Factory Lighthouses serve as shining examples of how manufacturing innovations have elevated performance, helping companies to overcome market volatility and achieve widespread success.
Digital Transformation Leading to Exceptional Achievements
By focusing on intelligent process and production controls in its digital transformation strategy, VitrA Tiles’ Bozüyük facility achieved a remarkable 19% increase in Overall Equipment Effectiveness, a 56% decrease in scrap, a 14% reduction in energy consumption, and a 43% increase in recycled material usage in the last year.
On this achievement, Hasan Pehlivan, CEO of VitrA Tiles, commented, “While our solutions might be unique, the challenges we face are global, and we recognize the importance of a global community in solving these challenges. The future of manufacturing is about uniting the global community to tackle major challenges. I am confident in the GLN’s role in this journey, and I am enthusiastic about this latest World Economic Forum initiative.”
Revolution in Global Manufacturing through AI and Machine Learning
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, with increasing geopolitical tensions and climate change challenges, members of the Global Lighthouse Network are leveraging cutting-edge technologies for enhanced productivity and sustainability. Through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, these Lighthouse factories are revolutionising global manufacturing. Impressively, 85% of Lighthouse factories reported less than a 10% revenue loss during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, outperforming the majority of other manufacturers in resilience.
These Lighthouse factories are pioneers, setting new benchmarks for global manufacturing influence. They are integrating innovative solutions throughout their networks, leading the charge towards a sustainable future and initiating a new era of transformative, lasting change. This strategic focus on innovation is redefining the manufacturing landscape, showcasing the crucial impact of advanced technology in addressing the global challenges of today.