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Spain’s Henneo drives an innovative project to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in printing plants

2024-06-10. The printing plant of the Henneo group, located in Villanueva de Gállego (Zaragoza), has developed an innovative platform using technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and Big Data for real-time management of Heatset printing presses. This comprehensive and pioneering system significantly enhances efficiency in such processes, placing the printing plant at the forefront of the printing market. [PRESS RELEASE]

Henneo Print in Zaragoza, Spain.

by WAN-IFRA External Contributor info@wan-ifra.org | June 10, 2024

Thanks to European funds, Henneo Print, the company managing the facilities, has driven a transformation process in its internal operations through a project funded by red.es in collaboration with Hiberus and the University of Zaragoza. This has involved incorporating state-of-the-art sensors into their presses to capture both machine performance information and specific data (motor speeds, component temperatures, and power consumption during operation).

These data are intelligently integrated using a Knowledge Base, merging with ERP, and manufacturing system data, generating synergy that enhances plant operational efficiency. This artificial intelligence software becomes the conductor of this digital orchestra, enabling more informed and strategic decision-making.

A paradigm shift in process management

It represents a paradigm shift in process management, allowing, for example, the maintenance team to anticipate potential issues, perform predictive maintenance, and reduce machine downtime. Additionally, the plant now can simulate job planning based on collected data.

This not only improves resource allocation efficiency but also allows for more precise and flexible planning. It also provides the ability to measure performance through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), offering a clear and quantifiable view of success, enabling the plant to continuously evaluate and adjust its operations to achieve excellence. The work being done was recently selected and presented at the International IARIA Congress 2023 held in Valencia.

This complete and pioneering system has been implemented at the Print plant of Henneo in Zaragoza, significantly improving efficiency in printing processes.

With the installation of sensors and the integration of artificial intelligence, this printing plant has taken a firm step towards the future. The modernisation of its operations not only enhances efficiency and reduces costs but also positions the company at the forefront of innovation in the printing industry.

This exemplary case demonstrates how the strategic adoption of emerging technologies can completely transform the way business operations are managed and conducted. This project is funded by Red.es (Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation) under the 2021 call for proposals for research and development projects in artificial intelligence and other digital technologies and their integration into value chains, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

Henneo’s long history as a technology pioneer

The history of Henneo Print began 125 years ago. On 20 September 1895, the first issue of Heraldo de Aragón was published, and three years later, it established its own printing press in the city centre of Zaragoza. Since then, it has been a reference in the newspaper printing industry, always at the forefront of technology.

It began in 1908 with the acquisition of the first rotary press in the region, or in 1915 when the first Linotype machines were purchased for text composition.

Linotype mechanised the text composition process, being one of the great innovations in the graphic industry at that time. In 1930, it purchased a modern rotary press from the prestigious German brand Koening & Bauer, which since then has become the printing technology partner, allowing it to lead the printing technology in Spain and Europe through all the rotary press renewals carried out over more than 100 years.

In December 2006, the company Impresa Norte S.L. was established (now denominated Henneo Print), and in 2009, the first KBA Commander CT rotary press in the world was installed, equipped with all the automation and innovations of the time, becoming one of the leading newspaper printing plants in Europe, offering a comprehensive service for printing publications on newsprint paper.

And all this, with utmost respect for the environment. In fact, it was the first newspaper printing plant in Spain to receive ISO 14001/2004 certification. Currently, more than 50 employees work there, printing 250 different publications, brochures, magazines, and books.

WAN-IFRA External Contributor

info@wan-ifra.org

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