Sustainable construction specialist Holcim is to expand AI in its manufacturing operations worldwide
The company already uses AI in 45 manufacturing sites to improve operational resilience by predicting and preventing failures. It plans to expand this to more than 100 plants over the next four years.
This will entail rolling out a state-of-the-art predictive maintenance solution from AI platform software provider C3 AI. It will also pilot generative AI to enhance its capabilities.
As part of the rollout, Holcim’s maintenance teams are being equipped with best-in-class predictive technology for real-time asst management.
“Transformative technology”
Holcim’s use of AI in manufacturing spans several areas, from cement quality and process optimization to autonomous vehicles and computer vision.
The application of AI is part of Holcim’s Plants of Tomorrow program to modernize a global network of over 140 integrated cement plants and grinding stations across more than 40 countries.
By using digital and AI solutions, Holcim is creating connected, smart and energy-efficient sites that complement other decarbonization levers.
The initiative also includes the use of unmanned drones for enhanced inspection and safety practices, and smart control systems for efficient energy consumption.
Miljan Gutovic, CEO of Holcim: “AI is a transformative technology that will revolutionize our industry.
“Already widely embedded across Holcim, AI catalyzes operational efficiency and enhances customer service. We will ultimately scale up our use of AI to hundreds of sites worldwide.”
Based in Switzerland, Holcim is a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, with net sales of CHF27bn ($29bn) in 2023.
It has over 63,000 employees worldwide focused on decarbonizing buildings by making them more sustainable, driving energy efficiency and through green retrofitting.
Earlier this year, Holcim broke ground on a €500m state-of-the-art net zero cement plant in Obourg, Belgium.
The Go4Zero plant will be engineered to produce 2m tonnes of net zero concrete by 2029.
