Factory of the Year 2024: The Wilo Smart Factory in Dortmund Takes the Overall Title
Pump components on an automated guided vehicle (AGV), a self-driving mode of transport, at the Smart Factory in Dortmund. The cutting-edge plant is setting standards in industrial manufacturing. (Image source: WILO SE)
“With the Smart Factory, we didn’t just develop a state-of-the-art factory in line with Industry 4.0 standards – we have also created a highly sustainable working and production environment for our employees”, explains Oliver Hermes, President & CEO of the multinational Wilo Group. “We are proud that this cohesive overall concept has won recognition once again.”
The expert panel was particularly impressed by the consistent use of digitalisation and automation. This enabled the technology firm to achieve a high degree of internal production and flexibility at its Dortmund plant. “Using innovative technology and consistently optimising what we do makes us extraordinarily responsive and adaptable – all while maintaining the highest level of quality”, adds Georg Weber, Member of the Executive Board and CTO of the Wilo Group. “After all, of course, as a premium supplier, Wilo has quality right at the top of its agenda.”
Since it was established in 1992, “Factory of the Year” has been considered one of the most important benchmark competitions in Europe’s manufacturing industry. As the overall winner in 2024, Wilo is following in the footsteps of Porsche (2023), Rational (2022), Siemens (2021) and Volkswagen (2020). This year saw a particular focus on artificial intelligence and the use of cobots – robots designed to work alongside humans. Mercedes-Benz, fischer holding, BMW, Festool and Philips Medical Systems joined Wilo among the award winners.
Before the Wilo Smart Factory picked up this year’s overall victory, it had already received the “Factory of the Year” prize in the “Excellent transformation: digitalisation” category back in 2022. Just a few months ago, the Group also took home the Microsoft Intelligent Manufacturing Award (MIMA) in the “Add Value!” category for adaptive worker assistance at the Smart Factory.
Wilo has invested over EUR 125 million in the factory, which opened in 2019 and spans around 55,000 square metres. The Group produces glandless and glanded pumps here in three bays, in particular for use in heating and air conditioning technology. Wilo Group production is climate-neutral in Dortmund and at all other European and Chinese sites.
Source: WILO SE
