IT WILL INCREASE FROM THE CURRENT 17,000 M² TO 60,000 M² BY THE END OF THE YEAR

The Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, accompanied by the Spanish Government’s Delegate in Catalonia, Carlos Prieto, the Executive President of the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB), Pere Navarro, and the CZFB’s Director General, Blanca Sorigué, presided this morning over the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of DFactory Barcelona — a strategic project that will triple its total surface area and consolidate the Catalan capital as one of the leading international hubs of Industry 4.0.

With this expansion, DFactory Barcelona will increase from the current 17,000 m² to a total of 60,000 m², thanks to an estimated investment of around 50 million euros. The project foresees the creation of up to 1,500 direct jobs and around 5,000 indirect jobs, strengthening the economic, technological and social impact of the ecosystem in the Barcelona metropolitan area.  Inaugurated at the end of 2021, DFactory Barcelona is currently fully occupied, with 44 companies established in fields such as robotics, sensorics, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, 3D printing, virtual and augmented reality, blockchain, cybersecurity and nanotechnology. This collaborative environment has become the leading Industry 4.0 ecosystem in southern Europe and one of the major international benchmarks.

At present, the DFactory Barcelona ecosystem generates more than 300 direct jobs and 1,200 indirect jobs — figures that will multiply with the expansion. The companies based there have developed 63 patents and demonstrate a high level of specialisation: 45% of employees hold a university degree and 20% have a PhD. Moreover, 30.9% of the companies within the ecosystem are international, mainly from Europe, the United States and Asia.

During this event, the mayor explained that “today we are laying the first stone of a major project that creates new urban spaces and physically represents the city’s progress in a new area, with a new way of producing that is the way of the future: Industry 4.0,” and added that “we are a country and a metropolitan area that has made industry one of its hallmarks and a key driver of progress and transformation, and we are committed to an industry that is sustainable, compatible with urban life and, moreover, strongly focused on talent, added value, technology and innovation.”

Collboni highlighted that “all the efforts being made by Barcelona City Council, whether on its own or in cooperation with other public administrations or companies, are aimed at guaranteeing the right to stay in Barcelona, because there is affordable housing and because there are spaces of economic opportunity to work in the city.” Finally, he stressed that “at a time when we receive daily news about war and its impact on the economy due to some irresponsible leaders who govern the world, at the local level, those of us who work to guarantee the future of the people in our cities around the world do the exact opposite: not only defending and calling for peace, but also generating projects for prosperity and projects for the future so that people can live better and earn a better living.”

Pere Navarro, Executive President of the CZFB, explained that “the laying of the foundation stone for Phase 2 of DFactory Barcelona symbolizes a decisive step in the industrial transformation of the Zona Franca. We are building a strategic project, unique in the world, that continues to grow in order to consolidate Barcelona as a benchmark for the new industry. Today, 44 technology companies have already committed to this ecosystem, turning DFactory into one of the most important Industry 4.0 hubs in Europe, where talent, technology, and business are connected, and where new projects and partnerships are created.” He added: “At the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona, we work to create the conditions that make industrial innovation possible, generating spaces and ecosystems where companies can grow, collaborate, and adapt to the challenges of the future. This expansion is key to continuing to drive a model that transforms an industrial estate into a District 4.0 and positions Barcelona at the forefront of industrial innovation”.

For her part, Blanca Sorigué, Director General of the CZFB, stated that ‘at DFactory we provide the runway for companies to innovate, connecting different worlds through public–private collaboration. Here, we make it possible for companies, technology, talent, universities and institutions to work together so that innovation truly happens. With this expansion, we will triple DFactory’s space and consolidate it as one of Europe’s major technological industrial ecosystems.’

Finally, the Government Delegate in Catalonia, Carlos Prieto, stated during his speech that “the expansion of DFactory Barcelona is very good news for Barcelona, for Catalonia, and for Spain as a whole, because it shows that our industry is not only still alive, but is evolving, innovating, and generating new opportunities. This project transforms a space historically linked to industrial production into a benchmark for Industry 4.0, capable of attracting investment, talent, and highly qualified employment. From the Government of Spain, we support and promote initiatives like this, which connect economic progress, technology, and the future. It is evident that our country is growing, and this is reflected in proposals like this.”

A strategic expansion serving the new economy

The expansion of DFactory Barcelona initially includes the construction of four new buildings. One of the highlights is the Cub building, covering an area of 1,100 m² and conceived as a space for major international events related to Industry 4.0 and the new economy, as well as for public events and community activities. In addition, two further buildings will be constructed, featuring a ground floor dedicated to manufacturing and three upper floors housing laboratories, technology centres and offices. These new spaces will help attract highly innovative companies and foster the creation of synergies, joint projects and new lines of applied research.

The project also includes a services building with dining areas and other facilities, reinforcing the concept of an integrated industrial campus designed to attract both national and international talent. The works are expected to be completed during 2026, with the first companies scheduled to move in at the beginning of 2027.

Health, agro‑industry and advanced technology

In addition to the traditional sectors of Industry 4.0, the expansion of DFactory Barcelona makes a firm commitment to attracting technology companies linked to the fields of health, food and advanced agro‑industry — key sectors of the new economy and closely connected to quality of life and sustainability.

DFactory Barcelona is the core of the new 4.0 District, promoted by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona. This strategic project aims to attract major global corporations, strengthen public‑private collaboration and accelerate the digital transformation of the industry. Located in a privileged position between the Port and the Airport of Barcelona, and just ten minutes from the city centre, the 4.0 District aspires to become a global benchmark in industrial innovation, talent and technology, consolidating Barcelona as one of the world capitals of the industry of the future.

About the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona

The Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona is a public company that acts as a driver of technological and industrial development by supporting companies in their transition towards the digital era, because of CZFB’s strategic vision to lead Industry 4.0.

It promotes District 4.0 by driving the transformation of Industry 4.0 from the DFactory Barcelona technological ecosystem, champions innovation through the 3D Incubator and the Logistics 4.0 Incubator and connects the new economy and its key socioeconomic sectors. It organises congresses of economic interest for Barcelona, such as Spain’s and southern Europe’s largest logistics fair, SIL, as well as major flagship events in an innovative format such as Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) and Barcelona Woman Acceleration Week (BWAW).

Its plenary includes representatives from the Spanish government, the Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona City Council, and the city’s main economic institutions.

CZFB Can be contacted at :

FaceBook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X | YouTube | BKSY

For more information:

Lluís López Yuste
Director – Departament de Comunicació
Department of Corporate Communication of CZFB

Av. del Parc Logístic, 2-10
Pol. Ind. Zona Franca – 08040 Barcelona

Lluís López Yuste can be contacted at :

LinkedIn | E-mail | Website | Tel: +34 609 358 475 | Tlf. 932 638 111

Earlier Articles :

The post DFactory Barcelona Expansion appeared first on Industry4o.com.

Alca Technologies, an Italian company that is a benchmark in the development of accessible, lightweight, and collaborative robotic solutions, has announced the opening of its new facilities in the Spanish market within DFactory Barcelona, the leading Industry 4.0 ecosystem in Southern Europe, promoted by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB). With this opening, the company strengthens its international presence and positions Barcelona as a strategic hub for the development of advanced technologies in Europe.

The arrival of Alca Technologies at DFactory will boost the adoption of collaborative robotics within the business ecosystem, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises. This morning, the CZFB’s Executive President, Pere Navarro, held a meeting with Alessio Carignola, CEO of Alca Technologies, to welcome the company to DFactory Barcelona.

Innovation Arriving in Barcelona: Key Solutions

Among the most advanced technologies that Alca Technologies brings into the DFactory ecosystem are collaborative-robot palletizing systems, integrated with AI‑based vision systems and combined with autonomous mobile robots (AMRs); a self-learning painting cobot, adaptable even to ATEX environments; and mobile welding robotics designed to enhance precision, safety, and efficiency in industrial processes.

The establishment of Alca Technologies at DFactory Barcelona will enable the company to work closely with system integrators, machinery manufacturers, and technological institutions. This collaborative approach is a central pillar of the company’s strategy, aimed at creating added value and accelerating the adoption of intelligent technologies across the industry.

“Our arrival in Barcelona is a key step in our growth strategy. DFactory provides us with an ideal environment to advance in collaborative innovation and bring our solutions closer to the companies looking to transform their industrial processes. We do not aim to replace local companies that also work in robotics, but rather to offer the Catalan and Spanish markets our know-how and our solutions already tested in the Italian market. In addition, our software, which incorporates artificial intelligence and has undergone significant internal development, will enable our new partners to deploy applications with a very high return on investment, while keeping costs and implementation times under control” says Alessio Carignola, CEO of Alca Technologies.

For his part, Pere Navarro, Executive President of the CZFB, stated that “DFactory Barcelona is increasingly consolidating itself as a hub of attraction for companies that lead Industry 4.0 at an international level, and the incorporation of Alca Technologies is excellent news both for the ecosystem and for the city. We are convinced that their presence will help drive new synergies while reinforcing our commitment to creating a cutting-edge industrial ecosystem based on collaboration and innovation.”

Accessible Robotics for a More Competitive Industry

Founded in April 2021, Alca Technologies operates from its headquarters in Italy, where it has a 2,000‑square‑meter production facility and a team of 22 professionals. Its mission is clear: to democratize robotics by enabling companies of any size to adopt lightweight and collaborative automation. The company targets both SMEs and large industrial corporations, offering solutions that help improve manufacturing processes, reduce cycle times, minimize errors, and eliminate repetitive tasks. Its goal is to enhance the competitiveness of European industrial fabric in the face of emerging economies.

About the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona

The Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona is a public company that acts as a driver of technological and industrial development by supporting companies in their transition towards the digital era, because of CZFB’s strategic vision to lead Industry 4.0.

It promotes District 4.0 by driving the transformation of Industry 4.0 from the DFactory Barcelona technological ecosystem, champions innovation through the 3D Incubator and the Logistics 4.0 Incubator and connects the new economy and its key socioeconomic sectors. It organises congresses of economic interest for Barcelona, such as Spain’s and southern Europe’s largest logistics fair, SIL, as well as major flagship events in an innovative format such as Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) and Barcelona Woman Acceleration Week (BWAW).

Its plenary includes representatives from the Spanish government, the Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona City Council, and the city’s main economic institutions.

CZFB Can be contacted at :

FaceBook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X | YouTube | BKSY

For more information:

Lluís López Yuste
Director – Departament de Comunicació
Department of Corporate Communication of CZFB

Av. del Parc Logístic, 2-10
Pol. Ind. Zona Franca – 08040 Barcelona

Lluís López Yuste can be contacted at :

LinkedIn | E-mail | Website | Tel: +34 609 358 475 | Tlf. 932 638 111

Earlier Articles :

The post Alca Technologies Arrives at DFactory Barcelona appeared first on Industry4o.com.

Robsurgical, Founded in 2012 as a spin-off of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and the Institut de Bioenginyeria de Catalunya (IBEC), its mission is to democratize high-precision surgery, making it more accessible, efficient and safe for hospitals of all sizes.

Barcelona, 19 november 2025.- Robsurgical, a Catalan company specialized in minimally invasive surgical robotics, has just joined the DFactory Barcelona ecosystem with its own space. This morning, the State’s Special Delegate at the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB), Pere Navarro, and the CZFB’s General Director, mets with Mario Ferradosa, Managing Director of RobSurgical, to learn first-hand about the activities they are developing and their future plans.

Robsurgical, Founded in 2012 as a spin-off of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and the Institut de Bioenginyeria de Catalunya (IBEC), its main mission is to democratize high-precision surgery, making it more accessible, efficient, and safe for hospitals of all sizes. The company has a production plant in El Prat de Llobregat, and its Bitrack robot has been successfully tested in urological surgeries. It is currently in the process of expanding its surgical indications.

RobSurgical designs, develops, and markets a surgical robot that improves efficiency and usability in the operating room and enables hybrid surgeries, combining MIS (minimally invasive surgery) and MIRS (minimally invasive robotic surgery) techniques in a single procedure. The system is designed to be portable, flexible, and quick to install, facilitating its adoption in small and medium-sized hospitals and expanding access to robotic surgery.

Mario Ferradosa, Managing Director of RobSurgical, explained: DFactory Barcelona offers us an advanced innovation environment that is ideal for developing cutting-edge technology in surgical robotics. Moreover, it allows us to attract highly qualified talent in engineering, robotics, and biomedicine, and fosters connections with research centers and technology companies, thereby accelerating the development of innovative medical solutions.

Mr. Pere Navarro – The Special State Delegate at the Consorci de la Zona Franca de
Barcelona (CZFB), Mr. Mario Ferradosa – Managing Director of RobSurgical &
Mr. Carlos Vives – CFO of RobSurgical

For his part, the State’s Special Delegate at the CZFB, Pere Navarro, highlighted: The incorporation of RobSurgical into the DFactory Barcelona ecosystem reinforces the importance of Industry 4.0 applied to healthcare. RobSurgical’s commitment to democratizing high-precision surgery, making it more accessible and safer, is an example of the positive impact of technology on people’s lives. We are delighted to host projects that transform the industry and improve people’s health and the quality of care”. Navarro has added that “RobSurgical’s arrival at DFactory Barcelona demonstrates the potential of our ecosystem to attract projects that transform society. Robotics applied to healthcare represents innovation with a real impact on quality of life. At the CZFB, we work to ensure that pioneering companies find the ideal space here to grow and collaborate”.

 Leading Industry 4.0 from Barcelona

DFactory Barcelona promotes open and collaborative innovation among companies that jointly develop technological projects and solutions. It has now become the leading international Industry 4.0 ecosystem, hosting 40 multinational corporations, medium and small enterprises, and research centers that are pioneering projects in fields such as robotics, sensors, 3D printing, cybersecurity, augmented and virtual reality, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and nanotechnology.

Last July, expansion works began to increase the current surface area from 17,000 m² to 60,000 m² by the end of 2026. To achieve this, four new buildings are being constructed: the Cubo building – 1,100 m², which will host major international events; two buildings of 24,370 m² and 11,640 m² respectively — dedicated to manufacturing, housing new companies, laboratories, technology centers, and offices; and a 2,300 m² service building for companies within the ecosystem.

About the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona

The Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB) is a public entity that acts as a driving force for technological and industrial development, supporting companies in their transition to the digital era. This stems from the CZFB’s strategic vision to lead Industry 4.0.

It promotes the District 4.0 by fostering the transformation of Industry 4.0 from the DFactory Barcelona technological ecosystem, and it champions innovation through initiatives such as the 3D Incubator and the Logistics 4.0 Incubator. The CZFB connects the new economy with its key socioeconomic sectors.

It also organizes major economic events in Barcelona, including SIL, the largest logistics trade fair in Spain and Southern Europe, as well as flagship events with innovative formats such as the Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) and the Barcelona Woman Acceleration Week (BWAW).

The CZFB’s plenary includes representatives from the Spanish Government, the Government of Catalonia, the Barcelona City Council, and the city’s leading economic institutions.

About the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona

The Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona is a public company that acts as a driver of technological and industrial development by supporting companies in their transition towards the digital era, because of CZFB’s strategic vision to lead Industry 4.0.

It promotes District 4.0 by driving the transformation of Industry 4.0 from the DFactory Barcelona technological ecosystem, champions innovation through the 3D Incubator and the Logistics 4.0 Incubator and connects the new economy and its key socioeconomic sectors. It organises congresses of economic interest for Barcelona, such as Spain’s and southern Europe’s largest logistics fair, SIL, as well as major flagship events in an innovative format such as Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) and Barcelona Woman Acceleration Week (BWAW).

Its plenary includes representatives from the Spanish government, the Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona City Council, and the city’s main economic institutions.

CZFB Can be contacted at :

FaceBook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X | YouTube | BKSY

For more information:

Lluís López Yuste
Director – Departament de Comunicació
Department of Corporate Communication of CZFB

Av. del Parc Logístic, 2-10
Pol. Ind. Zona Franca – 08040 Barcelona

Lluís López Yuste can be contacted at :

LinkedIn | E-mail | Website | Tel: +34 609 358 475 | Tlf. 932 638 111

Earlier Articles :

The post RobSurgical’s joins the DFactory Barcelona Ecosystem appeared first on Industry4o.com.

Hon’ble CM Shri Siddaramaiah Inaugurated Bengaluru Skill Summit 2025 Strengthening Karnataka’s Position as a Global Hub for Workforce Innovation and Skilling Excellence

Leaders highlighted collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation as key to preparing India’s workforce for 2030

Bengaluru, 4th November 2025 – The inaugural edition of the Bengaluru Skill Summit 2025 opened today at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru, marking the beginning of a two-day dialogue on workforce innovation and future readiness. Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka graced the inaugural event joined by Shri D. K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, and Dr. Sharanaprakash R. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood, Government of Karnataka and Medical Education.

 The Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood (SDEL) is spearheading this initiative to enhance employability and build future-ready skills. The summit is hosted by the Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC) in collaboration with the Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA), with the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) as the Knowledge Partner while the event is managed by Trescon Global Business Solutions Pvt.Ltd. It highlights Karnataka’s progressive journey in empowering its youth workforce through innovation and skill-driven initiatives, while also serving as a platform to explore global partnerships and employment opportunities.  Notably, Germany joins as the Country Partner for this edition of the summit.

The inauguration ceremony commenced with a vibrant cultural performance under Karnataka Rajyotsava Sadagara. Smt. Shivakantamma (Kanta) Naik, Chairperson, Karnataka Skill Development Corporation and Karnataka Vocational Training & Skill Development Corporation, delivered the welcome address.

Guests of Honour included The Hon. Muhammad Reza Cassam Uteem, Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations, Republic of Mauritius; Shri. Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj and Information Technology & Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka; Shri. Sharanabasappa Darshanapur; Minister for Small Scale Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of Karnataka; Dr. Manjunath Bhandary, Hon’ble Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), Government of Karnataka; Shri Radhakrishna Doddamani, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Kalaburagi Lok Sabha Constituency;His Excellency Dr. Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to India — who addressed the gathering virtually; Dr. E. V. Ramana Reddy, IAS (R), Chairman, Karnataka Skill Development Authority; and Shri. Ashutosh Gupta, Managing Director – India and Asia Pacific, Coursera.

Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka during his remarkable speech highlighted, “Skill is not built in a day, it’s a product of patience , perseverance, and continuous learning. He urged students to stay consistent, noting that motivation gets you started, but consistency keeps you growing. Karnataka has always been at the forefront of skilling, being among the first states in India to set up a dedicated Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in 2016/17.”

“The Kaushalya Karnataka Yojana took skill development to every corner of the state, surpassing the initial target of training 5 lakh youth. Under the Yuga program, over 1 lakh youth were trained in IT, electronics, and animation, ensuring Karnataka’s lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Karnataka government empowers, enables, and uplifts the youth of the future nation.

“Karnataka aims to become the Skill Capital of India and a 1 trillion economy by 2032, powered by talent, technology, and tenacity. The world looks out to Karnataka not only for innovation but for inspiration. Every thought, every heart, and every hand will build the Karnataka of our dreams.” he added.

Highlighting the noble initiative undertaken by Dr. Sharanaprakash R. Patil, Shri D. K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka stated, “Wherever innovation happens, Karnataka has always led first. The state has consistently set benchmarks in various sectors. The State of Karnataka is open for discussions, collaborations, and knowledge sharing to strengthen the ecosystem of skill and innovation. The long-term global partnerships, especially with German institutions, have been key to Karnataka’s ongoing success story in innovation and skill development and it will keep growing under the current government’s initiative to skill & upskill the youth workforce.”

Dr. E. V. Ramana Reddy, IAS (R),Chairman – Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA) said “Bengaluru Skill Summit strengthens our ‘Workforce 2030’ vision — a roadmap where scale, systems, and synergy come together. By aligning Karnataka’s skilling strategy with global benchmarks, we are preparing young minds to navigate and lead in a rapidly evolving economy.”

Mr. Sanjeev Gupta, CEO of Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) said, “Karnataka has always been at the forefront of connecting talent with opportunity – from nurturing India’s IT capital to now shaping the AI Workforce of 2030. The Government of Karnataka’s forward-looking skilling initiatives are bridging the crucial gap between education and employability by integrating industry, academia, and technology. At Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, our focus is on building a future-ready talent ecosystem, one that equips every youth, from Bengaluru to the Beyond Bengaluru clusters, to thrive in an AI-augmented economy. The Bengaluru Skill Summit 2025 exemplifies our vision of a scalable and synergistic talent ecosystem that empowers every youth, not just in Bengaluru, but across all clusters, to thrive in an AI-driven economy. This Summit transcends showcasing progress – it charts an inclusive and innovative pathway for India to lead the world in workforce development and global employability. It also aims to encourage employers to get closely connected with academia and the participation of Industry on Campus going high up is the aspiration here”

Over the next two days, the Bengaluru Skill Summit will host a dynamic series of conference sessions featuring renowned industry leaders, including Subroto Bagchi, Co-Founder of Mindtree and Former Chairman of the Odisha Skill Development Authority; B. V. R. Subrahmanyam, IAS (R), Chief Executive Officer, NITI Aayog; and Ravi Venkatesan, Chairman of the Global Energy Alliance and Former Chairman of Microsoft India and Bank of Baroda. These thought leaders will share their insights on the future of workforce development, emerging skill trends, and Karnataka’s pivotal role in shaping India’s skilling revolution.

Day 2 and 3 of the summit promise an engaging lineup of activities, including insightful roundtables, keynote addresses, the Skillathon Finals, the Kaushalya Karnataka Awards, and vibrant cultural performances. Discussions across the two days will revolve around key themes such as ‘Karnataka’s Dialogue on Local Skills for Global Opportunities’, ‘Green Skills for a Sustainable Future’, ‘Global Best Practices in Skilling’, ‘Building Tomorrow’s Skills Today’, ‘Country Partner Session by German Missions in India’, ‘Advancing Automation for Industry 4.0’, and ‘Karnataka as the Skills Gateway to the World’, among other areas of strategic focus.

For more details and updates, visit www.bengaluruskillsummit.com.

For any media related queries, please contact:

Imran Mushtaq | Sr. PR & Media Executive | 77809 02815 | imran@tresconglobal.com
Reeha Haris | PR & Media Executive | reeha@tresconglobal.com

Bengaluru Skill Summit 2025 Social Media Platforms:

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Announcement Press Release :

The post Bengaluru Skill Summit – Inaugurated appeared first on Industry4o.com.

Barcelona, November 4, 2025. The Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB) is participating in the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC 2025), the world’s most relevant event in the field of smart cities, held from November 4 to 6 at Fira de Barcelona. The CZFB is presenting District 4.0, which is transforming the Zona Franca Industrial Estate in Barcelona with the goal of leading the digital transformation of industry. Within District 4.0, DFactory Barcelona plays a key role as the nerve center of this economic activity area, driving Industry 4.0 through innovation and sustainability, and has already started works to expand its area from the current 17,000 m² to 60,000 m² by the end of 2026.

This morning, the State Special Delegate to the CZFB, Pere Navarro, and the General Director of CZFB, Blanca Sorigué, gathered companies from District 4.0, DFactory Barcelona, and its startup incubators to present the details of the DFactory Barcelona expansion. During the event, they unveiled the model of the expanded Industry 4.0 ecosystem, which will involve an investment of around 50 million euros, and shared the most significant details of this expansion phase. The expansion of DFactory Barcelona will initially include four new buildings: the Cub building (1,100 m²), Building A (24,370 m²), Building B (11,640 m²), and Building D (2,300 m²).

“We have great news: DFactory Barcelona is now fully occupied,” said Pere Navarro. The State Special Delegate to the CZFB added, “This means there is demand and that it is useful for these companies, which are installed in DFactory and are part of Industry 4.0, to have a reference point. A global and worldwide benchmark for Industry 4.0. Therefore, we have decided to move forward with the second phase, and the idea is that this expansion, consisting of four buildings, will be completed by the end of 2026 and that companies interested in locating here can do so at the beginning of 2027.”

Four new buildings

The Cub building will host major cultural, artistic, and musical events in Barcelona, as well as international events related to Industry 4.0 and the new economy, or presentations, conventions, and conferences organized by the ecosystem’s own companies. Buildings A and B will each have four floors: a ground floor for manufacturing and three floors with laboratories, technology centers, and offices. In addition to companies related to robotics, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, IoT, sensors, Blockchain, etc., with solutions applicable to all types of industries, the aim is also to attract technology companies dedicated to the health and agri-tech sectors.

The DFactory expansion also includes a Building D to provide services to installed companies, such as a dining area or various spaces for physical activity. The forecast is that these expansion works will be completed by the end of 2026 and that new companies can be accommodated at the beginning of 2027.

For her part, the General Director of CZFB, Blanca Sorigué, was ambitious and stated, “We want to be District 4.0 not only of Barcelona, but of the world. We have fertile ground to be a global benchmark because Barcelona is a city connected to the world, that creates and attracts talent, with a great entrepreneurial ecosystem, top-level technology and international development centers, world-renowned universities and business schools… Therefore, all the conditions are in place to lead the digital transformation of industry and attract large corporations investing in technology. This is already happening in District 4.0.”

A meeting point to create connections

CZFB’s participation in the Smart City Expo World Congress also responds to the public company’s desire to foster synergies, projects, and collaboration networks among its business ecosystem to accelerate digital transformation and the competitiveness of the territory. For this reason, CZFB has developed a comprehensive program of demonstrations during the three days of SCEWC 2025, so that companies located in District 4.0, DFactory Barcelona, and the Logistics 4.0 Incubator can showcase their most outstanding activities and developments. Likewise, it will also host various networking activities to strengthen ties within its business community and generate opportunities.

About the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona

The Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona is a public company that acts as a driver of technological and industrial development by supporting companies in their transition towards the digital era, because of CZFB’s strategic vision to lead Industry 4.0.

It promotes District 4.0 by driving the transformation of Industry 4.0 from the DFactory Barcelona technological ecosystem, champions innovation through the 3D Incubator and the Logistics 4.0 Incubator and connects the new economy and its key socioeconomic sectors. It organises congresses of economic interest for Barcelona, such as Spain’s and southern Europe’s largest logistics fair, SIL, as well as major flagship events in an innovative format such as Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) and Barcelona Woman Acceleration Week (BWAW).

Its plenary includes representatives from the Spanish government, the Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona City Council, and the city’s main economic institutions.

CZFB Can be contacted at :

FaceBook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X | YouTube | BKSY

For more information:

Lluís López Yuste
Director – Departament de Comunicació
Department of Corporate Communication of CZFB

Av. del Parc Logístic, 2-10
Pol. Ind. Zona Franca – 08040 Barcelona

Lluís López Yuste can be contacted at :

LinkedIn | E-mail | Website | Tel: +34 609 358 475 | Tlf. 932 638 111

Earlier Articles :

The post Barcelona’s District 4.0 appeared first on Industry4o.com.

Country Partner 

Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood, Government of Karnataka Is set to host the Inaugural Edition of the Bengaluru Skill Summit 2025

The summit focuses on positioning Karnataka’s workforce for global employability fostering overseas partnerships, language training and certification systems

Bengaluru, October 2025 – Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC), in collaboration with the Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA), Knowledge Partner, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), and Country Partner, Germany, is all set to host the inaugural edition of the Bengaluru Skill Summit 2025 — positioning Karnataka as a global hub for workforce innovation and skilling excellence, from 4th to 6th November at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru.

The event will be inaugurated on 4th November by Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, in the august presence of Shri D. K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, and Dr. Sharanaprakash R. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood and Medical Education, Government of Karnataka. The event will host Special Invitees, including The Hon. Muhammad Reza Cassam Uteem, Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations, Republic of Mauritius; His Excellency Dr. Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to India; and Mr. Ashutosh Gupta, Managing Director – India and Asia Pacific, Coursera, along with other distinguished dignitaries.

The theme of this year is “Workforce 2030: Scale, Systems, Synergy”, which underscores the focus on expanding opportunities at scale, strengthening systems for quality and relevance and building synergies among various stakeholders. The summit will host 3,000+ attendees including policymakers, corporate leaders, academic experts, innovators, etc.; 100+ speakers including ministers, global leaders, academic pioneers etc., and 50+ exhibitors & partners.

Some of the notable speakers in summit are- Mr. Subroto Bagchi [Co-Founder of Mindtree, Former Chairman of Odisha Skill Development Authority India], Mr. Ravi Venkatesan [Chairman Global Energy Alliance and Former Chairman Microsoft India & Bank of Baroda, India], Shri. Atul Kumar Tiwari [IAS, Former Secretary to Government of India], Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam [Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog], Mr. Naveen Narayanan [Global Head HR, Biocon Biologics], Ms. Saraswathi Ramachandra [Managing Director & Country Head, Lightcast.io], Gi Soon Song [Director (South Asia), Human and Social Development Sector Office, Asian Development Bank], Mish Eastman [Deputy Vice-Chancellor Vocational Education and Vice President, RMIT University & Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD), Australia] among many others.

An exclusive ministerial panel is scheduled on 5 November 2025, at the plenary stage on the topic “Convergence of Education, Skills & Industry for a Trillion USD Economy by 2032.” The session will bring together senior policymakers and industry leaders to discuss how aligning education, skilling, and industrial priorities can accelerate India’s journey toward a trillion-dollar economy. It will emphasize building an integrated ecosystem that fosters innovation, employability, and sustainable economic growth. The panel will feature Dr. Sharanaparakash Rudrappa Patil, Hon. Minister for Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood and Medical Education; M. B. Patil, Hon. Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development; Priyank Kharge, Hon. Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, and E, I.T. & Bt.; and Dr. M. C. Sudhakar, Hon. Minister for Higher Education, all from the Government of Karnataka. The session will be moderated by Madan Padaki, Managing Trustee, Head Held High Foundation.

The summit invites participation across industries including Aerospace & Defence, AgriTech, Automotive, Real Estate, Banking & Finance, Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Media, Retail, Software, Telecommunications, Hospitality, and others. It aims to position Karnataka as a global hub for skill innovation, fostering collaboration across sectors to build a future-ready workforce.

Delegates will have the opportunity to explore emerging skilling innovations, network with government and industry leaders, participate in live showcases and policy dialogues, and discover career and partnership opportunities.

Other key highlights from the summit would include Skillathon 2025, a national-level innovation challenge for college students aimed at harnessing young creative minds to reimagine India’s skilling ecosystem and design impactful solutions for the future of work; the Kaushalya Karnataka Awards, recognizing both corporate and institutional excellence by spotlighting progressive practices and collaborative models that drive inclusive growth, innovation, and workforce competitiveness across the state; and the Skill Expo Pavilion, showcasing the latest training technologies and EdTech solutions. The event will also feature a cultural performance, Karnataka Vaibhava, a grand showcase celebrating the rich heritage and vibrant traditions of Karnataka.

In addition, the Summit will host masterclasses, deep-dive sessions, policy roundtables, and a dynamic Youth Zone connecting students and young professionals with career opportunities. It will reflect upon four major areas comprising-

Commenting on the maiden project/initiative, Dr. Sharanaprakash Rudrappa Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood and Medical Education, said,

“Bengaluru Skill Summit reflects Karnataka’s determination to lead India into the next era of workforce development. Our priority is to build a skilling framework that is inclusive, industry-aligned, and globally benchmarked – empowering young people to shape the future economy as skilled professionals, innovators, or entrepreneurs.”

Echoing this vision, Dr. Gayathri Vasudevan, Chairperson, LabourNet Services India Pvt. Ltd., and Trustee, Sambhav Foundation, added,

“The intent of the Bengaluru Skill Summit is to bring together innovations in technology and people development to explore how skill-building can truly translate into employability and meaningful employment for young people.”

Participants are invited to join the movement shaping India’s future workforce from 4–6 November 2025 at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru. For registration and more details, visit www.bengaluruskillsummit.com.

For any media related queries, please contact:

Imran Mushtaq | Sr. PR & Media Executive | 77809 02815 | imran@tresconglobal.com
Reeha Haris | PR & Media Executive | reeha@tresconglobal.com

Bengaluru Skill Summit 2025 Social Media Platforms:

LinkedIn | YouTube | X | Instagram | FaceBook

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BlackBerry Radar sales engineering leader Ryan Bivinetto recognized for impact, innovation, and leadership across North America, selected through a two‑stage competition scored by a six‑judge panel of NAASE

The North American Association of Sales Engineers (NAASE) today announced that Ryan Bivinetto, Sales Engineering Manager, Global at BlackBerry Radar, has been named 2025 Sales Engineer of the Year. The annual honor recognizes standout practitioners who deliver measurable customer outcomes, advance solution innovation, and strengthen the sales engineering community.

Bivinetto, based in California, brings an operations‑first perspective to telematics from prior roles as an EMT,electrician, and fleet maintenance professional. At BlackBerry Radar he averages about 10 enterprise wins per year, serves on the Radar Product Council, and contributes to patent‑backed capabilities. Customers credit his analytics dashboards and a maintenance module with surfacing new revenue and reducing overdue service events by more than 25 percent within a quarter. He also builds reusable demo frameworks and SE toolkits, and mentors Future Leaders cohorts. Ryan was nominated by 18 of his peers.
“Ryan exemplifies what great sales engineers do for customers and teams,” said Diana Diaco Cervantes,President of NAASE. “He translates complex requirements into clear solutions, proves value quickly, and invests in the people around him. This recognition reflects consistent results, thoughtful innovation, and the community mindset our profession depends on.”

“Sales engineering is the art and science of engineering a sales process that leads to customer success. Ryan embodies that craft: he speaks both business and technology, earns the trusted‑advisor seat with customers,and turns know‑how into assets the rest of the team can reuse,” added Sachin Wadhawan, NAASE Board Member and author of Trust Your SE.

The call for entries drew strong interest across North America, with more than 600 downloads of the nomination materials, resulting in 67 entries via self and peer nominations from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Texas (11) and California (9) led the top locations; candidates varied in seniority level, and came from multiple industries, led by Manufacturing (21) and Software (19). After eligibility and technical review, qualified nominations went to a panel of six NAASE Advisory Board judges who scored submissions on impact,innovation, and leadership. Ten finalists advanced to a video round, eight submitted presentations, and each was scored independently by three judges using a composite that included clarity, difference made, and outreach.

2025 NAASE Sales Engineer of the Year Finalists

The finalists were selected through a multi‑judge review led by the NAASE Board with support from external advisors. Judges scored submissions independently, and then the scores were calibrated. Evaluation focused on the last 12 months: measurable customer and revenue impact, innovation in solutions and process, and leadership or service to the SE community. Evidence in each packet was evaluated in the context of the candidate’s role, territory, and industry, and was supplemented with publicly available information to ensure consistency. We also applied conflict‑of‑interest recusals and basic consistency checks. Finalists are listed below in alphabetical order.

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Jason Evans
Sales Engineer | NOV ReedHycalog | Texas, United States | Oil and Gas

Jason is a sales engineer in the Permian Basin who pairs nearly two decades of drilling and downhole expertise with rigorous customer-facing skills. After years as an application specialist and field advisor, he joined NOV ReedHycalog to translate diagnostics into repeatable playbooks for operators. He was nominated for building a formation‑specific parameter roadmap that teams adopted across campaigns, cutting runs and boosting reliability while standardizing execution.

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Moon Jung

Sr. Sales Engineer | Samsung Electronics America | New Jersey, United States | HVACR Components Solution

Moon Jung is a Sr. sales Engineer at Samsung Electronics America who grew from component engineering into a customer-facing role serving HVAC OEMs. He helped introduce rotary compressor and VFD technology to North America and partnered with major OEMs to embed it in high-efficiency ducted split systems. His nomination recognizes bridging component and system teams and more than 100 validation tests that spread inverter adoption and led to broad market uptake.

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Juwan Kadir
Senior Solutions Engineer | Ontra | Texas, United States | Software Development

Juwan is a senior solutions engineer who brings a decade of experience in real estate operations and finance to presales. After roles in asset management and investor relations, she moved into SE at RealPage and AppFolio, eventually leading a team and shaping discovery, demo strategy, and enablement for complex accounting workflows. Nominated by 11 peers, Juwan was recognized for building repeatable demo assets, mentoring new hires, and turning tough evaluations into successful customer decisions.

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Lance Lynn
Support Architect & Presales Engineer | Techneaux Technology Services | Texas, United States | Software Development

With two decades in RF and network infrastructure, Lance moved from the field to presales, bringing hands-on credibility to customer conversations. He led a multi-site industrial wireless redesign that stabilized SCADA communications and improved uptime, and created reusable RF planning and rollout kits that cut project effort. New to presales, he is nominated for translating 20 years of fieldwork into stable, multi‑site wireless designs and reusable RF playbooks that help teams deliver faster and more consistently.

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Amanda Malpass
Director of Sales Engineering and Business Development | Neenah Foundry | South Carolina, United States | Manufacturing

Amanda is a sales engineering leader who has grown from civil and airfield design into customer-facing work, pairing deep infrastructure expertise with clear storytelling. This year, she guided a DOT-aligned product redesign, utilizing FEA to secure conditional approval and deliver safer, lighter castings that reduce emissions and costs. She also built SOPs and training for a five-person SE team, speeding ramp, and raising standards. Her nomination recognizes this redesign and enablement.

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Rahul Mode
Senior Director | Capital One | Washington, United States | Financial Services

Rahul is an enterprise presales leader who grew from a software engineer at VMware to a technical marketing manager at NetApp, then led solutions architecture at Amazon Alexa before joining Capital One Software. A visible voice in the SE community, he champions repeatable, customer outcome-based practices. He was nominated for building the presales engine for Slingshot, creating field playbooks and workshops that accelerated enterprise adoption while mentoring SEs into leadership roles.

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Paul Parsons
Technical Sales Engineer | PG Forsta | Ontario, Canada | Software Development

Entrepreneur-turned sales engineer, Paul brings a storyteller’s lens to CX technology. He built a library of sub-two-minute “sizzle” videos that help reps qualify earlier and make buying easier. Adopted across North America and EMEA and used hundreds of times, the program has opened meaningful pipeline. He led it end to end, from ideation to production and cross-functional buy-in. He was nominated for its broad adoption and enablement impact.

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Sameer Sahay-Kausar
Senior Solutions Consultant | Homerun Presales | Ohio, United States | Technology, Information and Internet

Sameer is a builder in presales who grew from software engineering to SE leadership. As the founding Senior Solutions Consultant at Homerun, he designed presales, onboarding, and support playbooks, automated data migrations, and trained a global enterprise team to realize value fast. He champions our craft as co-host of Diary of a Sales Engineer. Nominated for leading a complex enterprise rollout that scaled adoption and proved repeatable across accounts.

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Charli Kate Townsend
Sales Engineer | Corpay | Indiana, United States | Financial Services

Charli Kate is a sales engineer who came up through frontline sales and project work, pairing a tech‑centric BS with an MBA and current DBA studies. A hands-on presales partner, Charli helped establish SE SOPs, mentors sellers and new SE leaders, and turns customer insights into product improvements. She was nominated for consistently enabling year‑end quota attainment and coaching new hires to the President’s Club while elevating the SE function’s impact.

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About NAASE:

The North American Association of Sales Engineers (NAASE) is a group of professional and dedicated sales engineers/ technical sales representatives/ solution consultants from a wide range of industries. We help run the technical engine of the broader economy. **We have just expanded our reach, via the EASE – European Association of Sales Engineers.

The North American Association of Sales Engineers (NAASE) is a professional association dedicated to advancing the role and impact of sales engineers across industries. NAASE provides community, resources, and recognition programs that highlight excellence in technical sales and solution leadership. Learn more at https://sales-engineering.org

NAASE Mission:

We aim to foster a base of Certified Sales Engineers across North America and Europe, enable them to connect with one another, and actively promote the profession while serving organizations through reducing the uncertainty of new hires.

NASSE can be contacted at  :

E-mail | LinkedIn | X | Website

President of NAASE :

Diana Cervantes, CSE
Business Partner
Victus Defense

With over 18 years of experience in SaaS and the technology space, Diana helps companies turn clients into long-term partners through exceptional Customer Success and Implementation. Diana blends strategic thinking with hands-on support to deliver seamless onboarding, successful projects, and outstanding customer experiences—particularly in remote and hybrid environments.

Known for building trust, reducing churn, and leading cross-functional teams, Diana thrives on helping customers and colleagues achieve their goals. Diana is skilled in Salesforce, Jira, Zendesk, and leading CPQ platforms.

Diana is especially interested in working with startups and SMBs in full-time or fractional (part-time) roles. Open to remote or Chicago-based hybrid Customer Success and Implementation positions—let’s connect!

Media Contact : Diana Diaco Cervantes – NAASE :

Phone : 1 (866) 231-2093 | E-mail | Website | LinkedIn

SOURCE : NAASE

Also read NASSE‘s earlier article :

The post NAASE’s Sales Engineer of the Year 2025 appeared first on Industry4o.com.

 Barcelona, October 13, 2025.- The Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB) had a very prominent participation in the 11th edition of the World Free Zones Congress, organized by the World Free Zones Organization (WFZO) from October 10 to 12 at the Hainan International Conference and Exhibition Center in Haikou (China). As part of this congress, the WFZO General Assembly was also held, serving to renew its governing body. In this context, the General Director of CZFB, Blanca Sorigué, was re-elected as Vice President of the World Free Zones Association, a position she has held since May 2023. Mohamed Alzarooni, meanwhile, will continue as the global president of the association.

The World Free Zones Congress featured a total of 2,000 attendees from 160 countries and brought together leaders of free zones, policymakers, innovators, and partners who are shaping the future of global trade and investment. Over three intense days, a total of 114 speakers highlighted how free zones can expand opportunities, strengthen economic connectivity, and foster a new era of global cooperation.

It was three days of strategic dialogue, global networking, and leadership development, where the emerging role of free zones as platforms for inclusive growth and cooperation was emphasized. In this context, the General Director of CZFB, Blanca Sorigué, presented the entity’s strategic vision to lead the digital transformation of industry through Barcelona’s District 4.0, which is projected globally as the economic activity zone where companies leading Industry 4.0 are present.

Participation in Two Sessions

In a context marked by technological change, the transformation of supply chains, and climate imperatives, zones are emerging as platforms that prioritize resilience, inclusion, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda. For this reason, the World Free Zones Congress hosted a session dedicated to giving visibility to women leading the free zones sector, in which the General Director of CZFB, Blanca Sorigué, participated alongside the directors of the Free Zones of Port Klang (Malaysia) and JSEZA (Jamaica).

Sorigué, who also participated in a session on collaborative leadership, emphasized that “the World Free Zones Congress has once again provided a space for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and alliance building, equipping key stakeholders with strategies to face challenges, seize opportunities, and position zones as essential drivers of global progress”. The General Director of CZFB added that “in this scenario, we have once again seen how the Barcelona Free Zone model is a benchmark and is admired throughout the sector as a success story to follow, generating opportunities for its territory by creating qualified jobs, manufacturing, attracting, and retaining talent”.

During the World Free Zones Congress, the General Director of CZFB also visited and learned firsthand about the China Institute for Reform and Development (CIRD), a public research center specializing in reform and development policies, acting as an independent think tank with a strong international vocation. Among its main functions are public policy research, government advisory, training and capacity building, as well as international cooperation. Chi Fulin, president of CIRD, welcomed the delegation of the World Free Zones Organization (WFZO).

Blanca Sorigué also held a meeting with the Vice Governor of Hainan, Yang Guoqiang. Hainan is emerging as a strategic industrial benchmark, thanks to its transformation into a Free Trade Port (FTP), with high technology (artificial intelligence, blockchain, biotechnology, semiconductors, and digital economy) as one of the main pillars of its economy.

About the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona

The Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona is a public company that acts as a driver of technological and industrial development by supporting companies in their transition towards the digital era, because of CZFB’s strategic vision to lead Industry 4.0. It promotes District 4.0 by driving the transformation of Industry 4.0 from the DFactory Barcelona technological ecosystem, champions innovation through the 3D Incubator and the Logistics 4.0 Incubator and connects the new economy and its key socioeconomic sectors. It organises congresses of economic interest for Barcelona, such as Spain’s and southern Europe’s largest logistics fair, SIL, as well as major flagship events in an innovative format such as Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) and Barcelona Woman Acceleration Week (BWAW). Its plenary includes representatives from the Spanish government, the Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona City Council, and the city’s main economic institutions.

CZFB Can be contacted at :

FaceBook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X | YouTube | BKSY

For more information:

Lluís López Yuste
Director – Departament de Comunicació
Department of Corporate Communication of CZFB

Av. del Parc Logístic, 2-10
Pol. Ind. Zona Franca – 08040 Barcelona

Lluís López Yuste can be contacted at :

LinkedIn | E-mail | Website | Tel: +34 609 358 475 | Tlf. 932 638 111

Earlier Articles :

The post Blanca Sorigué, re-elected as Vice President of the World Free Zones Organization appeared first on Industry4o.com.

DFactory Barcelona, the internationally renowned Industry 4.0 ecosystem promoted by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB), will host the first edition of the Global AM Hubs Summit from September 16 to 18, the major international forum and meeting point for Additive Manufacturing in Europe. This pioneering international event will bring together key leaders, organizations, hubs, associations, and entities from the Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) ecosystem, as well as numerous technology providers from across the additive manufacturing value chain.

The Global AM Hubs Summit, supported by CZFB as the institutional partner of the event, will mark the official launch of Addliance, the new European alliance of 3D printing hubs. Addliance aims to establish a stable and collaborative international framework to promote the adoption of these technologies and is driven by sectoral entities, organizations, and institutions from across Europe.

The Global AM Hubs Summit will be a milestone event, bringing together for the first time more than 20 additive manufacturing hubs and organizations from across Europe, along with industrial leaders, experts, sectoral associations, universities, and institutional representatives leading the transformation of advanced manufacturing. This first edition will feature a comprehensive approach focused on people, planet, and prosperity, addressing key topics such as the impact of additive manufacturing in various sectors (healthcare, mobility, defense, sustainability…), the development of talent and specialized training, cross-border cooperation, and the role of additive technologies in Europe’s industrial resilience and competitiveness.

The Special State Delegate at the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB), Pere Navarro, stated: “We are very pleased that DFactory Barcelona will be the meeting place for this first gathering and important international forum that will bring together the main 3D printing and additive manufacturing ecosystems in Europe. This is a historic milestone that will allow, through public-private partnerships, the projection of a shared vision of the transformative role of additive technologies in industry, and all of this will take place in Barcelona, specifically at DFactory.”

Meanwhile, Blanca Sorigué, General Director of CZFB, added: “Hosting such an important international event as the Global AM Hubs Summit reaffirms DFactory Barcelona as the leading Industry 4.0 ecosystem in Europe and the cathedral of digital transformation in industry.”

The Global AM Hubs Summit will feature a full program of conferences including panel discussions, roundtables, and presentations, as well as live demonstrations and hands-on experiences to explore the potential of additive technologies. It will also include an Application & Technology Showroom at DFactory Barcelona, where leading companies in the sector will showcase their solutions, materials, software, demonstrations, and real success stories of AM applications in various fields. The event will also offer various institutional and industrial networking activities, as well as a program of visits to centers of excellence and innovative companies within the additive manufacturing ecosystem in Catalonia.

If you wish to attend the Global AM Hubs Summit, please register using the code VIP4GLOBAL at the following link:

https://event.meetmaps.com/5454545356/en/registration

About the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona

The Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona is a public company that acts as a driver of technological and industrial development by supporting companies in their transition towards the digital era, because of CZFB’s strategic vision to lead Industry 4.0. It promotes District 4.0 by driving the transformation of Industry 4.0 from the DFactory Barcelona technological ecosystem, champions innovation through the 3D Incubator and the Logistics 4.0 Incubator and connects the new economy and its key socioeconomic sectors. It organises congresses of economic interest for Barcelona, such as Spain’s and southern Europe’s largest logistics fair, SIL, as well as major flagship events in an innovative format such as Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) and Barcelona Woman Acceleration Week (BWAW). Its plenary includes representatives from the Spanish government, the Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona City Council, and the city’s main economic institutions.

CZFB Can be contacted at :

FaceBook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X | YouTube | BKSY

For more information:

Lluís López Yuste
Director – Departament de Comunicació
Department of Corporate Communication of CZFB

Av. del Parc Logístic, 2-10
Pol. Ind. Zona Franca – 08040 Barcelona

Lluís López Yuste can be contacted at :

LinkedIn | E-mail | Website | Tel: +34 609 358 475 | Tlf. 932 638 111

Earlier Articles :

The post Global AM Hubs Summit in Europe appeared first on Industry4o.com.

The State Special Delegate at the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB), Pere Navarro, and the Director General, Blanca Sorigué, visited the EBRO FACTORY in Barcelona, accompanied by Rafael Ruiz, President of EBRO EV MOTORS; Pedro Calef, CEO of EBRO MOTORS; and Johnson Xu, Vice President of EBRO FACTORY.

Barcelona, 3 July 2025. – The State Special Delegate at the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB), Pere Navarro, and the Director General, Blanca Sorigué, visited the EBRO FACTORY in Barcelona this morning, accompanied by Rafael Ruiz, President of EBRO EV MOTORS; Pedro Calef, CEO of EBRO MOTORS; and Johnson Xu, Vice President of EBRO FACTORY. The directors of EBRO EV MOTORS and Chery, the Spanish company’s industrial and technological partner, held a meeting with the top representatives of the CZFB, in which they had the opportunity to present the current status of the automotive project that has resulted in the reindustrialisation of the Barcelona plant, a unique example in Europe of restoring industrial activity.

The delegation toured the plant, visiting the vehicle assembly line where the factory currently produces two mid-size SUVs, available with PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) and combustion engines, and the recently launched s400, the smallest and most urban model in the range, with a hybrid engine and ECO label. The aim is to place the models among the best sellers in their segment by 2025. The vehicles are marketed throughout Spain via a distribution network that already boasts more than 60 sales outlets.

EBRO FACTORY began operations last November with the production of the first two EBRO models, the s700 SUV and the s800 SUV, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the historic Spanish brand, which is now making a comeback. Sales of the first units started in December. Last May, the s400 was unveiled at the Barcelona Automobile Show; its production has already started at the plant, and the first units are now reaching dealerships.

Rafael Ruiz, President of EBRO EV MOTORS, expressed his satisfaction with the visit: “We are very pleased to welcome Pere Navarro to the EBRO FACTORY. The Consorci de la Zona Franca has been one of the key players in the reindustrialisation project of this plant. We have worked together to fulfil the commitments agreed at the reindustrialisation table, which have already borne fruit in terms of employment—our priority—and in restoring industrial activity for car manufacturing in Barcelona. EBRO EV MOTORS and our partner Chery want to open a new chapter in sustainable mobility in our country and become a benchmark for the entire sector.”

For his part, the State Special Delegate at the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona, Pere Navarro, acknowledged that “seeing the EBRO FACTORY production plant in operation is very exciting because the reindustrialisation process was extremely complex and under a great deal of pressure, as solutions had to be found for the workers affected by the plant’s closure, especially in the initial stages of negotiation.” Navarro added that “this is a success story that demonstrates that when everyone pulls in the same direction and is eager to achieve the same objective, anything is possible. We all aligned and managed to turn what was a major crisis into what today is a great opportunity.”

The start of production at the EBRO FACTORY marks the recovery of jobs at the plant, as committed to at the reindustrialisation table, and the gradual integration of the local supplier network, thereby strengthening the value chain and having a positive impact on the surrounding industrial fabric.

About EBRO EV Motors

EBRO EV MOTORS is a Spanish industrial company dedicated to the design, manufacture and marketing of new technology vehicles for mobility, and to the research of sustainable mobility systems, with the aim of contributing to the decarbonisation of the automotive sector. The company is the parent company of EBRO. EBRO EV MOTORS is listed on the BME Growth market of BME MTF Equity. Its shares are traded continuously under the ticker EBROM.

EBRO EV Motors Can be contacted at :

FaceBook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X | YouTube

About the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona

The Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona is a public company that acts as a driver of technological and industrial development by supporting companies in their transition towards the digital era, because of CZFB’s strategic vision to lead Industry 4.0. It promotes District 4.0 by driving the transformation of Industry 4.0 from the DFactory Barcelona technological ecosystem, champions innovation through the 3D Incubator and the Logistics 4.0 Incubator and connects the new economy and its key socioeconomic sectors. It organises congresses of economic interest for Barcelona, such as Spain’s and southern Europe’s largest logistics fair, SIL, as well as major flagship events in an innovative format such as Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) and Barcelona Woman Acceleration Week (BWAW). Its plenary includes representatives from the Spanish government, the Generalitat of Catalonia, Barcelona City Council, and the city’s main economic institutions.

CZFB Can be contacted at :

FaceBook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X | YouTube | BKSY

For more information:

Lluís López Yuste
Director – Departament de Comunicació
Department of Corporate Communication of CZFB

Av. del Parc Logístic, 2-10
Pol. Ind. Zona Franca – 08040 Barcelona

Lluís López Yuste can be contacted at :

LinkedIn | E-mail | Website | Tel: +34 609 358 475 | Tlf. 932 638 111

The post ReIndustrialisation of Barcelona appeared first on Industry4o.com.

Aero Club of India (ACI) and Sakthi Aircraft Industry Sign Landmark Agreement to Manufacture 200 DA40 NG Trainer Aircraft in India

New Delhi, March 11, 2025 – Sakthi Aircraft Industry Private Limited (SAIPL) and the Aero Club of India (ACI) today announced a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to manufacture and supply 200 Diamond DA40 NG trainer aircraft in India. This strategic partnership, aligned with the Government of India’s “Make in India” initiative, aims to revolutionize the commercial pilot training landscape by ensuring a consistent and cost-effective supply of advanced training aircraft to FTOs across the nation.

Under the agreement, ACI will act as the central aggregator, consolidating demand, managing aircraft allocation, and facilitating seamless handovers to FTOs. SAIPL, in a joint venture with Diamond Aircraft Industry, Austria, will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in India to produce, sustain, and provide comprehensive lifecycle support for the DA40 NG. 

The MoU was formalized by Shri Vaibhav D, Chief Executive Officer, SAIPL, and Capt. Arvind Badoni, Secretary General, ACI, in the presence of Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India and Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India and Sr. Vice President, Aero Club of India along with senior officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Airport Authority of India (AAI).

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

Significant Manufacturing Commitment: SAIPL will commence deliveries by May 2025, with an initial target of 70 aircraft by the end of 2025, and subsequently scale-up to produce 100 aircraft annually.

Largest Trainer Aircraft Order: This initiative represents one of the largest single orders for trainer aircraft, significantly enhancing India’s pilot training infrastructure.

Pilot Training Capacity Expansion: The collaboration is projected to train 1,000 pilots annually and 10,000 pilots over the next 10 years, equipping them to operate the entire range of commercial aircraft.

Financial Accessibility: ACI will collaborate with financial partners to offer commercial lease arrangements, reducing the capital burden on FTOs and making training more accessible.

Enhanced Training Standards: The deployment of uniform, high-quality DA40 NG aircraft will standardize and elevate pilot training across India.

Economic Impact: With significant investment from SAIPL, this initiative is expected to generate approximately 250 direct and exponentially more indirect jobs, contributing to economic growth and a robust aviation ecosystem.

Leadership Perspectives:

Shri. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, said, “I would like to congratulate Aero Club of India and Sakthi Aircraft Industry Pvt. Ltd. on this historic occasion. The signing of this MoU is a significant milestone in our vision to establish India as a global hub for flight training organizations. I would like to especially congratulate Sakthi Aircraft Industry on becoming the first private company in India to manufacture training aircraft in India. I see this development as a testament to our growing capabilities in aerospace innovation and manufacturing. It empowers the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat envisioned by our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. By manufacturing these aircraft indigenously, we are not only reducing dependency on imports but also fostering a self-reliant ecosystem for pilot training in India.”

Shri. Rajiv Pratap Rudy, President, Aero Club of India (ACI), stated, “This partnership with Sakthi Aircraft Industry marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to bolstering India’s aviation sector. By ensuring a reliable supply of Diamond DA40 NG aircraft, we are addressing the growing demand for skilled pilots and strengthening our flight training infrastructure. This initiative aligns perfectly with the ‘Make in India’ vision, fostering self-reliance and excellence in aviation.”

Shri. Vaibhav D, CEO, Sakthi Aircraft Industries Private Limited (SAIPL), commented, “We are proud to join hands with the Aero Club of India to drive India’s aviation manufacturing and training capabilities. Local production of the DA40 NG will not only address the critical shortage of trainer aircraft but also stimulate innovation, create high-skilled jobs, and establish India as a global aviation hub. This collaboration underscores our commitment to investing in the future of Indian aviation.”

About Aero Club of India (ACI):

Established in 1927 and affiliated with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) since 1950, ACI has been instrumental in developing flight training organizations in India. As the largest owner of training aircraft in India, ACI supports numerous government, semi-government, and public-private partnership FTOs.

About Sakthi Aircraft Industry Private Limited (SAIPL): 

SAIPL is a subsidiary of the renowned Sakthi Group of Coimbatore, dedicated to advancing India’s aviation manufacturing and training capabilities through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. About Diamond DA40 NG Aircraft:

The Diamond DA40 NG (“Next Generation”) is a modern, single-engine, four-seat aircraft renowned for its efficiency, safety, and advanced technology. It is constructed from durable composite materials, contributing to its aerodynamic performance and long life.  A key feature is its Austro Engine AE300 turbocharged diesel engine, which offers significant fuel efficiency and reduced operating costs compared to traditional avgas engines.  The DA40 NG is also equipped with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit, typically featuring the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, providing pilots with enhanced situational awareness and advanced flight management capabilities.  This combination of features makes the DA40 NG a popular choice for flight training organizations and private owners alike, and is valued for its reliability, performance, and modern design.

Edited & Crafted by :

Mr. D.K. Karthikeyan
Editorial Director – Industry4o.com
Director – Texas Ventures.

Mr. D.K. Karthikeyan can be contacted at

dk@texasventures.us / hello@industry4o.com

Mobile : +91 98430 24566 / +91 97860 12122

The post Wings of Future appeared first on Industry4o.com.

By Mr. Ken Lambert, Vice President of North American Association of Sales Engineers (NAASE)

As the sales engineering landscape continues to evolve, 2025 is shaping up to be an interesting year for professionals in the field. In this article, I’ll share broad insights for the first half of the year, informed by discussions within the North American Association of Sales Engineers (NAASE) and observations of current trends.

Optimism in the Job Market

Feedback from industry leaders indicates cautious optimism about hiring trends in 2025. Many recruiters report increased hiring activity in certain sectors, particularly in technology-related roles. While there are concerns about some sectors experiencing budget tightening, overall opportunities remain robust for sales engineers who can demonstrate measurable impact and adaptability.

At the same time, there’s been a noticeable trend toward more performance-based compensation packages, reflecting employers’ careful approach to hiring and budget allocation. For job seekers, staying flexible and highlighting ROI-driven results will be critical.

The Expanding Role of Sales Engineers

The role of sales engineers continues to evolve, with professionals facing new challenges and opportunities. Internal corporate changes, alongside rapid technological advancements, are increasing the demands placed on SEs. Professionals who can balance technical expertise with strategic client advising will position themselves as invaluable contributors to their organizations.

The Influence of Technology

Technological advancements, such as demo automation and artificial intelligence (AI), are playing a larger role in the sales process. These tools are helping SEs streamline initial buyer interactions, allowing them to focus on more strategic engagements. The potential for multilingual AI tools is particularly exciting, breaking down language barriers and enhancing the global reach of sales engineers.

While these trends bring efficiency, they also require SEs to remain up-to-date with new technologies and evolving customer expectations. Success in 2025 will depend on leveraging these tools effectively while maintaining the human element in client interactions.

What Lies Ahead

The months ahead promise both opportunities and uncertainties. Sales engineers must stay adaptable, invest in upskilling, and monitor industry trends to stay ahead. Specific hiring peaks and shifts in compensation strategies will shape the job market, making preparation essential for those seeking new opportunities. This article is based on the presentation titled “Insights and Predictions for Sales Engineering: First Half of 2025”, delivered by Ken Lambert and Diana Cervantes for NAASE. The full presentation offers more detailed predictions, insider information, and valuable statistics, including hiring trends by sector and key months for job activity. To access the complete insights and gain exclusive access to tools and networking opportunities, consider becoming a member of NAASE today.

About the Author :

Mr. Ken Lambert – Vice PRESIDENT

North American Association of Sales Engineers – NAASE

Mr. Ken Lambert has many years of experience within technical sales and business development, including time spent importing and marketing from foreign manufacturers.

Mr. Ken Lambert can be contacted at  :

E-mail | LinkedIn |  WhatsApp : +1 (202) 288-5152

About NAASE:

The North American Association of Sales Engineers (NAASE) is a group of professional and dedicated sales engineers/ technical sales representatives/ solution consultants from a wide range of industries. We help run the technical engine of the broader economy. **We have just expanded our reach, via the EASE- European Association of Sales Engineers.

NAASE Mission:

We aim to foster a base of Certified Sales Engineers across North America and Europe, enable them to connect with one another, and actively promote the profession while serving organizations through reducing the uncertainty of new hires.

NASSE can be contacted at  :

E-mail | LinkedIn | X

Also read Mr. Ken Lambert’s earlier Article :

The post Navigating the Future of Sales Engineering in 2025 appeared first on Industry4o.com.

Glartek, a leading provider of innovative Connected Worker solutions powered by AR for the manufacturing and asset-intensive industries, has today announced the positive outcomes of its partnership with E-REDES, the primary operator of Portugal’s national electricity distribution network. This collaboration has introduced Glartek‘s Connected Worker solution for visual remote assistance and enahnced of the efficiency and safety of E-REDES’ field operations.

E-REDES supplies electricity to more than 6,000,000 customers and has over 3,000 technicians conducting thousands of jobs daily. As a result, ensuring maximum safety and operational efficiency is paramount. The new solution, provided by Glartek, allows technicians to request assistance, clarify questions, and address security issues in real time. This is particularly crucial given the increasing challenges posed by new technicians, high turnover rates, and evolving field demands.

Glartek’s solution was introduced in multiple activities, such as the installation and maintenance of distribution transformer cabinets and noise analysis. It provides critical support to employees unfamiliar with specific facilities or equipment locations within substations. By enabling specialized remote assistance, workers leverage Augmented Reality and are guided around locations for more accurate support. As a result, E-REDES has ensured the safety of less experienced workers and guaranteed that different issues can quickly and efficiently be resolved.

Faced with modern challenges such as onboarding new technicians and the need for centralized support teams, E-REDES recognized the importance of introducing this new solution. Assistance requests, which often begin with voice calls, sometimes need to progress to video-based support. Without using a specialized solution E-REDES faced major limitations, including mobile network speed and difficulty explaining the problems.
E-REDES also benefits from other cutting-edge technologies including automatic text reading, supported by computer vision, to help technicians read serial numbers.

Additionally, automatic recordings allow sharing of best practices and addressing recurring issues faced by different teams. This promotes better articulation and communication among internal teams, ultimately maximizing field technician safety.

“Our work with E-REDES is a continuous process. We are excited to be part of E-REDES’s innovation journey, to ensure the safety of field technicians, and to contribute to the efficiency of this leader’s operations,” said Bruno Duarte, CEO at Glartek.

“We will maximize the safety of our technicians in the field. Our expectation is to make this solution available to our service providers and use it in other geographies, namely Spain,” said Luís Fonseca, Assoc. Director of Digital Acceleration at E-REDES.

About Glartek:

Founded in 2017, Glartek specializes in Augmented Reality (AR) solutions tailored for the industrial sector. Our core mission revolves around enhancing efficiency and safety within industrial processes. We achieve this by integrating Augmented and Connected Worker technologies, providing visibility, optimization tools, and reassurance for frontline workers. Our focus is on improving industrial efficiency and safety for frontline workers while fostering a culture of Continuous Improvement to drive Operational Excellence. Our customer base is diverse, ranging from asset-intensive companies like EDP to manufacturing firms such as Renault.

Glartek’s Social Media contacts :

LinkedIn | X | YouTube | E-mail

The post Glartek’s Solution for Field Operations appeared first on Industry4o.com.

In 2022 we will meet again in Hamburg on September 29-30.

Industry 4.0 is honoured to partner with Smart Factory League

In this article, let us guide you through significant and determining topics from our previous event, which happened on the 8-9 of November 2021 in Munich, so you know what to expect and what to be ready for.

SUPPLY CHAINS, ASSOCIATED COMPLEXITIES, AND THE TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS FOR MITIGATION

In his keynote speech, Dr.-Ing. Thomas Usländer from Fraunhofer IOSB mentioned the need for supply chain management as a service in a network of marketplaces based on international standards. As he described a marketplace model, a special weightage was put on risk management as well. There is a trend toward marketplaces for manufacturing, including the supply chains, so the system can be used to find new suppliers and sub-suppliers. To achieve this, we need to have a decentralized network approach based on standardized practices. A particular example was outlined from chocolate production.

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION

During the first round table on Day 1, there were three groups formed which mainly discussed the following topics:

1. The Role of standardization in Smart Manufacturing – Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions
There were discussions on the needs of manufacturing companies to be capable of exchanging product data throughout the product development lifecycle without any interoperability issues. Even though standards like ANSI/ISA-95 (IEC/ISO 62264) are crucial to set the common ground for critical links, they do not have a successful deployment due to the dynamic nature of today’s manufacturing.

2. How to avoid private networks’ past mistakes : choosing suppliers, deployment types, and technologies
We discussed the mistakes around supply chain deployment, such as lack of utilization of available data, cultivating solid relationships down until the shop floor level, and cyber security issues.

3. The role of digitalization and platforms for efficient robot system integration
Although the variables will change from one manufacturing process to another, the critical outcome of the discussion was the importance of connectivity. Live process-level data could be synchronized with the production order data to accurately map various needs and the real-time status of inventory levels.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE SMART FACTORY

One of the essential points mentioned by Dr. Antonio Feraco is when you want to transform your customers or stakeholders, always think about safety, security, and reliability. The higher the involvement of people within the plant, the higher will be the acceptability of the technology. Based on his experience working with several other companies, he explained that a company’s front line is the manufacturing plant. It is the place where the real action happens. In his experience, no one knows better if a new work process or production change is practical and what the actual business impact will be then the operations personnel at the manufacturing facility. Keeping that in mind, some experts had contrasting opinions and stated that combining both top-down and bottom-up approaches is the way to go ahead. Digital transformation functions effectively only when there is a strong connection between the corporate hierarchy that drives the vision and the site-level operators aiming to solve measurable problems.

On the other side, both groups could have illusions of progress while they are creating insubstantial silos of limited-deployment solutions.

SO HOW CAN MANUFACTURING BE MADE SMARTER?

In a small-scale research survey by Mr. Ilya Billig, currently working as IoT Business Development Director, EMEA for Hitachi, he asked about four thousand professionals about their current top priority activity in their Digital Transformation journey. The results came out with Asset Connectivity at 36%, Data Collection/Integration at 21%, Data Visualization at 14%, and Data Analytics at 29%. During his presentation at the summit, he also described a few challenges faced in operations. Poor end-to-end visibility, low agility, and unutilized productivity were among the main ones.

Throughout the summit, which took two full days to conclude, many challenges and potential solutions were presented and discussed. Speakers and delegates came up with step-wise solutions towards implementing a successful digital transformation plan, supply-chain network, or harnessing the untapped potential of tools such as Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. However, one area constantly demanded attention, and a few individuals even went that extra mile to initiate a voice around it. That area is Culture Transformation around people.

Join us on the 29-30 of September in Hamburg with speakers from Merck, Schaeffler, LEGO Group, SKF Group, etc., to focus on “Digital transformation as a journey.” On day one, we will dig deeper into factory processes and ways to improve, and on day two, we will talk about people (continuous learning, cultural transformation, etc.).

Check the detailed agenda, including 15+ sessions on the hottest topics in the manufacturing industry, and reserve your place here: https://smartfactoryleague.com

The Airbus Plant Tour is included!

Contact e-mail : anastasia@smartfactoryleague.com

Web Site : https://smartfactoryleague.com/

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-factory-league/

Twitter : https://twitter.com/SFL_GIA

FaceBook : https://www.facebook.com/SmartFactoryLeague

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/smartfactoryleague/

YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz8HO-2l7TLFjm0StW2D3RA/videos

The post SMART FACTORY LEAGUE appeared first on Industry4o.com.

The year was 2019 when CODISSIA (The Coimbatore District Small Scale Industries Association) celebrated its Golden Jubilee year. It was a massive year of celebrations. There were many firsts to the success of INTEC 18^th edition. CODISSIA made it possible to fill over 20,000 plus sq. ft. of real manufacturer space exhibits. It was also a rare moment at the 18^th edition where over 350 plus exhibitors took part. It was also the year that showed the highest number of foreign delegations and diplomats who had graced the CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex. In attendance also were leading defence entities with the government, ISRO, DRDO and the likes.

There were many capacity-building activities that were put in motion throughout that year.  INDUSTRY 4.O – education for MSME’s was also on the rollout. It was also a year which saw a record number of MSME’s signing up with CODISSIA. There was considerable movement on the ground to push forward the defence corridor and Make in India defence manufacturing a movement. Works on the panel to create a defence and space incubator were also on the make.  Multiple knowledge sharing MOU’s were put in place.  As we have always stated, that a big part of the INTEC success needs to go to the idea of setting up the Trade Fair Complex way back. So what changed after the 18^th edition? Two words – Covid 19.

The administration at CODISSIA had an informal pun during the organizing committee meeting and it states – “CODISSIA is organizing the 19^th edition of INTEC 2022, to BEAT COVID – 19.”

Optimism is Back

The biggest takeaway with the 19^th edition of INTEC 2022, which starts on 2^nd of June, is that the manufacturers are definitely sensing an air of optimism.  There is some good news, coming after a long time. So let’s quickly look at what is on the menu this time.

• The start date is from Thursday, 2^nd June to Monday, 6^th June of 2022.
  
• Over 400 exhibitors from 50 industry sectors will make their presence felt.
• Over 50,000 visitors are expected, which include diplomats, trade delegations, Officials from Central and State Governments and Public Sector Units, technical experts, academicians decision-makers, top executives of Micro, Small, Medium and Large industrial manufacturing and engineering enterprises, industrial entrepreneurs etc
• The occupied area for the fair is 25,000 sq ft. There is an additional hanger of size 1600 Sq. Mtrs have been erected to accommodate the demand.
• Expected turnover from INTEC 2022, could range between 700 to 800 crores or upwards.

To Register as a Visitor for INTEC 2022 Exhibition  : https://visitor.codissia.com/

To position the manufacturers for the Economic Upturn 10^th edition of “GMCV 2030” – Global Manufacturing Cluster Vision 2030 Conference with a theme, “INNOVATION – An Implant for the future manufacturing”  is planned on Friday, June 3^rd 2022, to brainstorm CEOs on the new strategies and latest technologies.

To Register as a Delegate for the GMCV 2030 Conference : https://texasventures.us/india/gmcv2030/registration.html

Other initiatives at INTEC 2022

• Interaction with NSIC and SIDBI for easy finance to MSMEs.
• Subsidised participation of MSMEs through Ministry of MSME, Govt of India.
• Entry has been made free for business visitors with exclusive time slots.
• Invitations have also gone to all MSME and industrial associations all over the country to be part of the event.

Reason for Optimism at INTEC 2022

The old school formula of why an economy advances or increases in growth are because of productivity and population. After having controlled the pandemic, one of the primary major reasons for optimism at INTEC 2022 is largely from 2 sunshine sectors. Namely – defence and electric mobility. The defence has gained a major push and there is a massive need for indigenous components, given the fact the Make in India movement wants to make India self-reliant on defence manufacturing. Further this has got more than a short in the arm, thanks to the Defence Corridor Initiative by the Government.

On the other sunshine sector electric mobility, there is a massive potential to reach new markets and even be a game-changer globally. Make no mistake; India is still listed as one of the fastest growing economies. Electric mobility has the ability to change the landscape of manufacturing. But let’s proceed with caution MSME’s based in Tamil Nadu.

There is a growing concern that MSME’s in Tamil Nadu are not able to find an opportunity to show their prowess in electrical component manufacturing. Remember Chennai is still known as the Detroit of Asia, while Coimbatore is talked about as powerhouse industrial Manchester. There is a critical need for a platform of engagement between electric mobility manufacturers and electric or auto component manufactures. It’s a question of opportunity to showcase and even better our production capability, rather than being challenged by imports of electrical parts from our neighboring countries. Adding to the list of competing countries in this segment apart from China and Taiwan, we now need to include Indonesia and South Korea as well.

Road Ahead for – CODISSIA

INTEC 2022 serves as a window to showcase the latest technology, transfer of know-how, increase business potential, introduction of new products to the market and champion the cause of MSMSE’s. CODISSIA has already outlined what needs to be done and we are listing a few major challenges.

Increase Cash flow access to finance for MSME.

On May 10, it was reported that CODISSIA was pushing for increasing the upper limit for collateral-free automatic loans for Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs) so that the units get funds for operational liabilities and to restart businesses.  There was a representation to the finance ministry where it recommended a separate committee should be formed to study and set parameters for MSME’s so that they had easy access to funds. A point to be noted was that lending institutions continue to insist on high credit scores and security collaterals, which many small-time borrowers do not have. Without little or no knowledge of digital lending channels, MSME’s spent more resources to meet complex eligibility factors and in filling up documents. These have caused further delays in getting finance and liquidity.

Rising Raw Material Cost

A more vigorous call to action with the Government is needed, as the rise in the cost of materials continues to hit the bottom line of the MSME’s. The Government has to identify methods to control the cost of raw materials. The industries are facing multiple challenges such as cancellation of orders, uncertainty in consumption and decline in exports. It’s about time an industry-specific raw material supply chain cluster needs to be created.  Steel is a big example where countries were importing Indian steel at relatively lower prices and were competing with end products made by Indian MSMEs.

Equipping MSME’s with Knowledge transfer for industry 4.0 and more

Other challenges include knowledge transfer to lesser-aware MSME’s, adapting to smart manufacturing, creating a backup or a plan B policy for the economic downturn, creating new drafts in line with new fiscal policy, access to technology, access to labs for testing and many such challenges.

In all of this CODISSIA, is well aware of the road that needs to be travelled. Now is the moment in the lifeline of the economy where MSME’s need more than a helping hand. The Vintage INTEC 2022, the 19^th edition is back. A new dawn emerges and so do the challenges.

It’s time to beat Covid -19 !  

Compiled by Mr. D.K. Karthikeyan – Editorial Director, Industry4o.com.

He can be contacted @ dk@texasventures.us / hello@industry4o.com

Mobile : +91 98430 24566 / +91 97860 12122

Also read our earlier articles on CODISSIA

The post CODISSIA’s INTEC 2022 appeared first on Industry4o.com.

Pumps and Water Technologies major EKKI has become the first Indian company to be recognised under two finalist categories at the 2022 annual pump industry awards ceremony held in Warwick, United Kingdom by a jury of leading European pump company members.

The Pump Industry Awards (PIA) is not only one of the most prestigious, but also one of the oldest and most revered pump industry competitions in the world. This award ceremony is organised by the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) along with leading European pump industry members.

PIA awards aim to recognise pump companies in Europe and other global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service and skills.

EKKI has been recognised as a key contributor for skills and training in the industry through its EIWTC initiative. EKKI International Water Technology Centres (EIWTC) is a global centre of excellence for training, research and entrepreneurship in pumps and water related technologies. EIWTC partners with leading Industries , Government and Academic Institutions globally.

The “Rising Star” finalist recognition was also presented to the EKKI CEO Kanishka Arumugam for his significant contribution in transforming the fortunes of his family business EKKI from making Agriculture Pumps to Cutting Edge Water technologies for the world. He is credited for setting up India’s first waste water joint venture with German Pump major HOMA which has presence in more than 120 Countries across the world.

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Kanishka Arumugam, CEO of EKKI said:

“We at EKKI are immensely proud to be recognised internationally for our Innovative initiatives within the Industry. This finalist accolades from the world’s most respected and important members of the Pump Industry, recognises the true success and potential of EKKI”.

“At EKKI, we are really passionate about producing globally competitive products from India and make EKKI as one of the most respected family owned companies from this part of the world”.

“I dedicate this recognition to my father our Group Founder Mr. Arumugam.P, members of EKKI, our Partner HOMA in Germany, Distributors , Dealers and Supply Chain Partners across the globe”.

Commenting on this prestigious European recognition, EKKI’s German Partner Mr. Hans Hoffmann, CEO of HOMA said:

“EKKI is seen as one among the fastest growing water tech companies in India and Globally. EKKI as a company has proved to a German partner like us that they are full of potential with extraordinary quality and capable of designing and producing highly competitive products, with impressive profits”.

“Kanishka Arumugam is one of the most successful young executives we have in the industry. Backed by his strong academic background from Oxford and Warwick he is an intellectually curious young leader who is ready to pause to reflect, seize new opportunities, and create an impact in the water industry.”

Mr. Arumugam.P, Group CEO and Founder said:

“EKKI serves as a role-model for all our other companies within the group. By this distinguished recognition, it has once again led the way.  I could not be any prouder because I know that no one is more capable of  leading EKKI successfully into a sustainable and digital future than Kanishka”.

EKKI has become the first pump company to become a Case study at the  world leading INSEAD Business School for its sustainability initiatives.

EKKI works to deliver on its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 and 13.

About EKKI :

The EKKI group is one among India’s leading pumps and water technology  company. EKKI is a privately held family owned firm established in 1981.  EKKI’s products are sold in more than 20 countries. The EKKI Group also owns Deccan Pumps Pvt Ltd which it acquired in 2013.

EKKI has an international joint venture alliance with German Pump Major HOMA that has presence in more than 120 Countries.

EKKI provides sustainable pumps and water technologies for Agriculture, Buildings, Industries and Public Utility markets.

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/ekki-pumps/

Twitter : https://twitter.com/ekki_group

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/EKKIPUMPS

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/ekki_pumps/

YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj0sdoZnfnIZT4WesN4-uRA

Website : https://www.ekkigroup.com/

Edited & Compiled By:

D.K. Karthikeyan
Editorial Director – INDUSTRY 4.0

Mobile : +91 – 98430 24566,+91 – 97860 12122.

Email : dk@texasventures.us / hello@industry4o.com

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry4o-com

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/industrymagazine4.0

Twitter : https://twitter.com/Industry4o1

Website : www.industry4o.com

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