Heading towards an Industry 4.0 logic: the experience of ICT SpA in Italy
ICT SpA in Italy has embarked on an improvement process in the converting department by adopting 4.0 solutions.
It was essential to strategically and consciously take advantage of the potential offered by digitisation based on key factors, such as people, processes and infrastructures.
The main features introduced include:
- automatic identification of times and causes of downtimes
- quality control management in digital format
- independent maintenance management in digital format
- availability of detailed and immediate reports
- assisted selection of the format change parameters
The expected results namely relate to:
- Increased productivity
- Optimisation of internal procedures
- Improvement in the level of product quality
- Greater involvement of staff
Today, thanks in part to the Industry 4.0 approach adopted also in other company departments, the company recognises itself as being stronger in its own production and management capabilities.
PM2 energy efficiency projects
The focus of ICT on the environment continues: the company has carried out two important energy efficiency projects on the paper machine PM2 at the Piano della Rocca site.
The first project consisted in improving the efficiency of the approach system by replacing the existing fan pumps with new, accurately sized pumps. In addition, state-of-the-art motors and inverters were installed replacing the previous supply system. As expected when designing the project, the adopted solution saves a significant amount of electrical energy and, as a result, reduces CO2 emissions for the production of paper.
The second one concerned the drying stage, where the heat loss of the Yankee dryer was reduced installing specially designed insulation systems. This intervention ensures a reduction I n gas consumption and the related polluting emissions during the drying of paper; it has also resulted in improved environmental working conditions for the operators.
ICT Ibérica is ISO 50001 certified
Once again, ICT Ibérica is strengthening its commitment to sustainability, as it has now obtained the ISO 50001:2018 energy management system certification.
This management system will help us to maintain our targets of continuous improvement in the energy industry, in all of our company’s processes. As we move into this new phase, we will be aligning ourselves with the UN Sustainable Development Goal “SDG 13 - Climate Action”, which pledges to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
ICT France keeps on growing
Another important phase in the expansion of the ICT France plant in Montargis has just been concluded.
The project involved installing an additional state-of-the-art production line to increase the offer and strengthen leadership in the French market.
Once again on this occasion, the ICT Group reaffirmed its commitment towards continuous improvement by always placing great emphasis on quality.
A special thank you goes to everyone who, with great determination and despite the hardships brought about by the current health emergency, succeeded in completing the project.
Christmas competition at ICT Ibérica
As every year, ICT Ibérica has launched its traditional Children's Christmas Drawing Competition.
In this 7th edition, we have received a total of 90 drawings that are brightening up and filling the walls of our company with colour these days.
We are very grateful for the fabulous reception that this initiative has had year after year by the families and for the enthusiasm demonstrated by the children in each of the drawings presented.
Although every year they make it more difficult for us, after the popular vote and the final election of the jury, the final result has been as follows:
In the 0-4 years category we received 32 drawings, and the selected finalists were: Sergio Sánchez (2 years old), Ayanet Alcaine (4 years old), Leo Vallejo (4 years old) and Pablo Gómez (2 years old). The winner was Ayanet Alcaine.
In the 5 to 8 years category we received 39 drawings, and the selected finalists were: Héctor Velázquez (5 years old), Adrián Gómez (5 years old), Iker Escalona (7 years old). The winner was Adrián Gómez.
In the 9 to 12 years category we received 19 drawings, and the selected finalists were: Adriana Terreu (10 years old), Belen Ruiz (10 years old), Adan Velázquez (10 years old) y Varinia Lapuente (11 years old). The winner was Belén Ruiz.
Many thanks once again to our "little artists" for participating and congratulations to the three winners of this year.
Foxy for Unicef: a long-lasting partnership supporting children
Since 2013, ICT Ibérica, together with Foxy, has been collaborating with Unicef on national and international projects.
In 2020 we reiterated our commitment with a total contribution of Euro 250,000, allocating a considerable part of this donation (Euro 150,000) to funds for the purchase of health and protection supplies for the Covid-19 emergency in Spain.
Meanwhile, we remain greatly determined to pursue the “Girls at School” project in the Ivory Coast, in which we collaborate directly in the complete schooling of 3,020 girls between 9 and 16 years old, and indirectly in that of another 3,000 children enrolled in the 20 schools involved in the project.
These two collaborations strengthen our social commitment and our global contribution in all sectors.
UNICEF is active in over 190 countries and territories around the world with the aim of guaranteeing the rights of all children.
If you wish, you too can collaborate with UNICEF https://www.unicef.org/
The small changes make the difference.
Foxy, always close to you.
ICT Poland: workshop on feedback
In previous years, we dedicated a lot of time and commitment to developing a culture of respect at our company. We have now taken it to the next level and honed skills in sincere conversation, on both easy and challenging topics, applying the principles of mutual respect. For this purpose, we will use the capacity to offer feedback. This is important because through sincere conversation it is easier to establish and nurture relationships with others, in addition to creating a good work climate that undoubtedly affects the sense of safety and satisfaction in the workplace. To tackle such a challenge, in September and October this year we held workshops on “Providing feedback in line with the culture of respect”. These workshops involved all of the leaders of our organisation such as Managers, Foremen, Coordinators and Head Engineers. About 190 people in all.
The main objective of these workshops was to reflect on the current situation regarding feedback, creating a common position on the aim to pursue and learning a simple technique on how to give feedback. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, workshops were carried out in compliance with safety guidelines.
A new investment to reduce emissions and save energy
ICT continues to make progress in pursuing the goal of reducing the impact on the environment and announces a new sustainable investment: the methane gas burners of the hoods on machine 4, installed at the Piano di Coreglia plant, have been replaced. The hood blows hot air on the paper, which helps to dry it. This revamping project involved the installation of two new high energy-efficient burners with low CO (carbon monoxide) and NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions.
The first Foxy fit 2020 run for employees was held!
This year the traditional event “Kostrzyńska Dziesiątka” [The Ten of Kostrzyn] was not held, but we did not give up.
More than 50 employees decided to participate in a unique initiative, i.e. the Foxy Fit Virtual Run. In fact, for many the virtual alternative was also a bit of a way to get back to normality in these strange times. With the Endomondo app we were able to connect regardless of the position and the distance that separated us. Each participant was rewarded: those who ran 5 km received an exclusive water bottle, and those who finished 10 km got a thermos. Participants were able to organise the Virtual Foxy Fit run differently and individually. During the weekend the weather was good for outdoor exercise. Route and time were chosen by the participants: some ran in groups, others ran the distance alone, while others chose to participate in recreational activities with their families or to run in the stadium. It is important that each of us had fun during the run!
ICT Ibérica committed to Sustainable Development. We contribute to Goals 12 and 14 by reducing single-use plastics
ICT Ibérica reinforces its commitment to Sustainable Development by initiating the campaign to reduce single-use plastics consumption within the organization and contributing, in particular, to the Sustainable Development Objectives (SDO) of underwater life and responsible consumption.
From the first moment, we have counted on the collaboration and involvement of all the organization's personnel, initiating good practices with the removal of plastic cups from water fountains and replacing them with a more sustainable choice. In addition, we are working with the coffee machine supplier to also eliminate the plastic generated by this service.
From now on, we will continue to be involved with this cause to try to eliminate all sources that generate this type of waste, whenever possible.