Eczacıbaşı Group’s VitrA Tiles has been applauded for its innovative use of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, becoming the first ceramics producer to join the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse Network, highlighting its pioneering role in 4IR adoption.

VitrA Tiles, the leading ceramics division of Türkiye’s Eczacıbaşı Group, is the latest member of the Global Lighthouse Network (GLN), recognised as a Factory Lighthouse among 21 new additions. This induction into the World Economic Forum’s initiative underlines their leadership in manufacturing innovation.

At the Davos Summit on January 15, 2024, CEOs Atalay Gümrah of Eczacıbaşı Group and Hasan Pehlivan of VitrA Tiles gave speeches at the award ceremony. They discussed the strategic scaling of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies across their production networks and the role of tech-enhanced operations in their success.

VitrA Tiles being the first in the ceramic tile sector to be acknowledged by the World Economic Forum for its use of 4IR technologies marks a significant industry landmark.

Innovation and Growth in Response to Challenges

Atalay Gümrah, CEO of Eczacıbaşı Holding, shared his joy on 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. Confronted with manufacturing disruptions from climate change, financial volatility, and geopolitical crises causing energy price fluctuations in Türkiye, this accolade emphasises our approach to transform these challenges into drivers of innovation and growth, leveraging 4IR to strengthen our operational competitiveness.”

The GLN consists of manufacturing leaders who have excelled in applying 4IR technologies to transform their factories, value chains, and business models, achieving remarkable financial and operational benefits. The Factory Lighthouses are testament to how manufacturing innovations have improved performance and enabled companies to navigate market volatility successfully.

Notable Achievements from Digital Transformation Initiatives

VitrA Tiles’ Bozüyük facility, following its digital transformation agenda focused on intelligent process and production controls, recorded a 19% increase in Overall Equipment Effectiveness, a 56% drop in scrap, a 14% reduction in energy usage, and a 43% increase in recycled material use in the past year.

Reflecting on this progress, Hasan Pehlivan, CEO of VitrA Tiles, remarked, “While our solutions might be unique, the challenges we face are global, and we recognise the importance of a global community in addressing these challenges. The future of manufacturing hinges on uniting global efforts to tackle significant challenges. The GLN is a vital part of this journey, and I am excited about this latest initiative from the World Economic Forum.”

AI and Machine Learning Revolutionising Global Manufacturing

As the world grapples with swift technological changes, geopolitical uncertainties, and climate challenges, Global Lighthouse Network members are adopting avant-garde technologies for enhanced productivity and sustainability. Employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, these Lighthouse factories are pioneering a global manufacturing revolution. Notably, 85% of Lighthouse factories experienced under a 10% revenue decline during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating a resilience not common among other manufacturers.

These Lighthouse factories are redefining global manufacturing standards, integrating innovative solutions across their networks, and leading the way towards a sustainable future and a new era of transformative change. This strategic emphasis on innovation is revolutionising the manufacturing landscape, demonstrating the impactful role of advanced technology in solving current global issues.