Industry 4.0 embraces 5G as need for real-time manufacturing data mounts

Technologies such as 5G have begun to usher in a host of changes for manufacturers. During 2020, with the advent of VODI-19 many of these producers have had to embrace new levels of digitization and processes that are driven by real-time manufacturing data.

Take the new factory site for Lacroix Electronics, an electronics maker in Nantes, France.

At first blush, the new site might seem an unlikely candidate for futuristic manufacturing assembly. Nestled in the vineyard-laden Loire Valley, the site is aimed at positioning parent company Lacroix Group for competition on the world stage for more efficient data-driven manufacturing.

“In France we are definitely not known for manufacturing and high tech, so it is crucial to be agile and flexible and also efficient; otherwise, we can’t be competitive,” said Stephane Gervais Ducouret, vice president of strategic innovation at Lacroix Group.

Lacroix Electronics’ current manufacturing site – built decades ago for traditional mining and other manufacturing activities – would have required substantial retrofitting to ready it for Industry 4.0 initiatives. Instead, Lacroix Electronics opted to build greenfield – a more costly venture to the tune of $38.5 million – to enable emerging technologies, such as 5G connectivity.

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