editor
Pioneering Crystals into Modern Solutions!
Theworldisblossomingwithdiscoveries,
inventions,andtechnologicalmarvels.Andacross thehumantrailofcrossingthebarriersand conqueringimpossibilities,thereisamagicwandthat fosterseveryhousehold,everycorporateinstitute,and everysitewherethehumaneyecanspotitsperipheral vision.Yes,that’stechnologicalmarvels!
Managing Editor
Bhushan Bhad
Isn’titamazingthateveryinchofearthisbolsteredintoa productofhumanintelligence,andwithsuchdevelopment, humansociety,asacollectiveconsciousness,hasleftthe obstacleintoagreypitofforgottenmemories?Andtoday, everysectorhaslucrativeadvancementandalluring technologies.Thisbroughtourattentiontothemost commonyetextraordinarysector—GlassManufacturing.
Haveyoueverdugdeeptoknowwhateffortsareputto bringmillionsofcrystalsintoonesubstanceandfurtherit totheutilityofmasses?Toboththepossibleanswers,this editionwillservetobeaplatterofwiseastonishment.
Andonsimilarlines,weatInsightsSuccessdidventure intoscoutingforadmiredcompaniesintheglass manufacturingsegment.Toourastonishment,wefound AnchorHockingasoneoftheexemplaryorganizationsthat
Mark Eichhorn CEO Anchor Hocking
Melted, Poured, and Sculpted for a Re ned Experience
,The Value of an Idea Lies in implementing it, and giving rise to innovative Solutions and Inspirations Stories.
areutilizingtechnologyandcomingupwithamodern solutionsforglasswareproductsandfacilitatingaUS-made experiencefortheState’sdemographics.Thiscompanyhas madeitsmissiontoprovidethebestglasswareexperience foralmosteveryindustry
Utilizingthisopportunitytolaunchourlatestedition,I wouldkindlyrequestallthereadersofthiseditiontodelve intoAnchorHocking’sstory,followedbymanyotherglass manufacturerswhoarepioneersoftheindustryinthier uniqueness.
Whileyoudelveintotheinspiringstories,ensuretoread theeditorialarticleopinedbyourIn-houseeditorialTeam.
Ihopeyouhaveahappyread.
Anchor Hocking
Melted, Poured, and Sculpted for a Refined Experience
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C O N T E N T
16 24
AGC Vidros do Brasil
Enthralling the World with Trust-based Leadership
32
Vidroporto S.A
When Technology meets Excellence
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Around the Globe
Hans Meyer AL Islami Foods Group LLC
The Pathbreaking Research in Glass Crystallography A Global Facilitator of Frozen Foods CxO
The Tech Talk
Impact of AI and ML on Manufacturing Industries
28
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Editor-in-Chief Merry D’souza
Senior Editor
Managing Editor
Art & Design Head
Anish Miller
Bhushan Bhad
Art & Design Assistant Visualiser David King
Paul
Co-designer Sonia Raizada Mrunalinee Deshmukh
Business Development Manager
Sherin Rodricks
Marketing Manager Joseph D'souza
Business Development Executives
Kelly, David
Technical Head Jacob Smile
Assistant Technical Head
Technical Consultants Prachi, Rajeshwari
Digital Marketing Manager Alina Sege
Assistant Digital Marketing Manager Renuka Kulkarni
SME-SMO Executive Gemson
Research Analyst Eric Smith
Circulation Manager Tanaji Fartade
sales@insightssuccess.com
August, 2022
Featuring Brief Company
AGCVidrosdoBrasil agcbrasil.com
IsidoroLopes (PresidentandGeneral Managerof ArchitecturalGlass Finance&Business SupportSouthAmerica)
JoãoSiqueira (GeneralManagerof AutomotiveGlassSouth America)
AGCVidrosdoBrasilstandsoutintheSouthAmericanmarket throughabroadandinnovativeportfolio,andadedicatedand exclusiverelationshipwithcustomersandpartners.
AlIslamiFoods alislamifoods.com
ShahidN.Khan ChiefExecutiveOfficer
AlIslamiFoodstakesprideinitsrichheritageofwarming dinnertablesandenrichingfamilygatheringssince1981.
AnchorHocking anchorhocking.com
MarkEichhorn ChiefExecutiveOfficer
VidroportoS/A vidroporto.com.br
EdsonLuisRossi ChiefExecutiveOfficer
AnchorHockingCompanyisamanufacturerofglassware.The HockingGlassCompanywasfoundedin1905byIsaacJacob CollinsinLancaster,Ohio,andnamedaftertheHockingRiver.
VidroportoS/AisacompanythatoperatesintheGlass, Ceramics&Concreteindustry.Itemploys251-500peopleand has$50M-$100Mofrevenue.
Mark Eichhorn CEO Anchor Hocking
Themanufacturingworldhasalwaysbeenasource ofinnovation,creativity,andtechnological advancement.Astheworldwasundergoingrapid transformationduetoglobalization,manufacturing automation,andsupplychainsophistication,glass manufacturingwasnotleftbehind.
StartingfromhumblebeginningsinLancaster,Ohio, AnchorHockingwasattheforefrontofmachine-made glassformingtechnology.Theorganizationquicklybecame aleaderinglasstableware,extendingitsdistributionaround theworld.AnchorHockingwasfoundedbyI.J.Collinsin 1905.Thecompany'sfocuswassimple- manufacture everyday glass tableware products at prices people could afford.
Synonymizing"World'sBest"with"AmericanMade”
Sinceitslaunchin1905,AnchorHockinghasbeenoneof theleadingU.S.manufacturersofconsumerglass tableware.Itmanufacturesanddistributesglasswarefrom itsfacilitiesinLancaster,Ohio,employingover900 dedicatedassociates.Itsmainglassproductcategories includebakeware,foodstorage,drinkware,pantrystorage, serving,mix&measure/foodprep,candle,andfloral.
Notingadditionalcompanymarkets,Markexpresses, "Anchor Hocking is also a leading producer of glassware for restaurants and hotels, jars for the fragrant candle industry, and vases for the floral industry
Withavisiontoreacheveryhousehold,thecompanyis producinganddistributingglasswaretomultipleindustries. Fromretailandhospitalityindustriestofloralandcandle sectors,AnchorHockinghasaglasswarepresence everywhere.Continuingthislegacyofgrowthisitscurrent CEO,MarkEichhorn.Withalmost25yearsofenriched experienceintheglassmanufacturingindustry,Mark continuestoensurethatthecompanyadaptstothechanging tideofthetechnologyrevolutioninglassmanufacturing andstaystruetoits"American Made"roots.
Today,AnchorHockingcontinuestoberecognizedasa leaderinthemanufacturingandmarketingofglass bakeware,foodprep,andfoodstorageglassware.Itisalso theindustryleaderinsupplyingglasscontainersfoundin pantriesandcountertopsacrossAmerica.ItsHeritageHill andMontana-stylejarshavebeeninproductionsincethe '70s(HeritageHill)and'90s(Montana),respectively.
Marksays,“You will find these products on countertops in homes across America…including as seen in most home kitchen renovation reveals. We are the second-largest producer of glass bakeware in the U.S. and the leading supplier of measuring cups and mixing bowls. We pride ourselves on providing durable glassware at a great consumer value.”
Themarvelsofsuchaconsumer-centricfocushavebrought thecompanyandtheorganization'sleadershipintothe spotlight.
Band-wagoningwithUnifiedLeadership
Assaid,"success comes to those who dare and act,"sois thecasewithAnchorHocking'ssuccess.Blessedwitha unifiedleadership,thecompany'sexecutiveteamofMark Eichhorn,CEO,andBertFilice,President,haveworked togetherforover20years.
OverseeingtheManufacturing,Engineering,and DistributionsegmentsareV.P.'sChisNorrisandBrent
Rock.Leadingthefinancialgroupandsproutinganageof modernentrepreneursareJamieKeller,CFO;MarcYoder, CIO;andMichelleManning,VPofMerchandising.
Walkingdownmemorylaneandrevisitinghisjourneyof almost25years,Marknotes,“Both our President and I entered Anchor Hocking in the Finance department back in the 1980s. Through the years, we were both promoted into more challenging positions. Although at one point, both of us left the business for a period of time, we both returned and have worked together at Anchor for more than 20 years. Jamie, Chris and Brent have been with Anchor for over 14, 15 and 20 years, respectively. Marc and Michelle are relative newcomers, both joining the company in 2019. I believe I can speak for the group when I say we find the glassware business to be challenging, captivating, and rewarding.”
SculptingtheCreativity
Glassmanufacturingprocessesarewayoutsidethe"norm" forproducingconsumerproducts,oranyproductsforthat matter Whileotherglassmanufacturingoperationsuse similarprocesses,theproductionofglasstablewarerequires amuchgreaterinvestmentinpeople.Eachpieceofglass producedishand-selected,inspected,andpacked.
Duringthemanufacturingprocess,eachpieceisinspected toitsqualityspecificationsbeforebeingpackedfor shipment.Markmentionsthatotherglassindustriescan
produceatmuchhigherspeedsbecausetheinspectionand packingprocessescanbeautomated.Butwhilethose factoriesmayproduceahandfulofdifferentitems,Anchor Hockingproducesover500uniquemoldshapes.Therefore, theselection,inspection,andpackagingprocessescannot beeasilyautomated.
AdvancingwithTechnology
Keepingpacewithcreativityandtechnology,Anchor Hocking'sglassengineersandproductionleadershave introducedmoreadvancedformingtechniquesand upgradedtheprocessequipmenttoincreasethespeedsand yieldsofthecompany'sglass-formingoperations;improve safetyandglassquality
"We have benefited from technological advances in refractory production, which are used in furnace construction, that has substantially increased the useful lives of our furnaces. The same goes for improvements in the software controls for running our furnaces, contributing to significant reductions in natural gas consumption, improved glass quality, and clarity," notesMr.Eichhorn.
WeatheringtheStorms
Anchorfacedmanyofthesamechallengesthatother companiesfacedduringtherecentpandemic:repeatedly forecastingsalesvolumesdownward;seekingwaysto conservecash,followedbyarapidadjustmenttoan unexpectedsurgeindemandfromaconsumerpopulation forcedtoworkathomeformanymonths.
Speakingaboutthechallenges,Markshares,“Some of the more unique challenges we faced at Anchor Hocking included: re-engineering each of the production lines to achieve safe social distancing while still staffing the lines with the required number of people; operating in a highheat environment wearing masks…and the potential personal safety risks they presented; and keeping the production lines running 24/7 despite the increased daily call-offs as our associates tried to understand and contend with the disease.”
Hementionsthat,whiledemandhasstayedstrong,Anchor continuedtostruggletostafftheplantatthelevelsrequired. In2021,thecompanyhad80to100openpositions.More recently,ithasreducedthelaborshortagesto50-60. “With an additional capacity expansion planned in 2023, our staffing needs will grow by another 100 positions,"says Mark.
EnvisioningtheFuture
Withitsextremeprideandfocusonits"MadeinAmerica" roots,thecompanyhascontinuedtoinvestsignificantlyin growthin2022and2023.
Anchor'sinvestmentsincludeincreasingtheorganization's meltingcapacityby40%,addingthreenewglassforming machines,andadditionalinvestmentsinitspeopleand facility.Thecompanyhasexpandeditsapprenticeship programs,increasedwages,andinvestedinimproved trainingmethods.AttheInspiredHomeandHousewares ShowinMarch,theleadershipteamintroducedan extensiveassortmentofexcitingnewproductsanddesigns thatwillbecomethebasisformuchofAnchor'ssales growthin2023andbeyond.
WordsofWisdom
Markhasbeenaroundtheglassmanufacturingindustryfor almost25years,andhebelievesthattheindustryhasa widespectrumofopportunitiesforaspiringentrepreneurs.
Extendinghiswisewordstotheaspiringbusinessleaders, henotes,"Gain an in-depth understanding of the costs and cash requirements of the business. Specifically costs of production and maintenance in a 24/7/350 days a year operation."
Mentioninghisjourneyofpursuingknowledge,heshares, "To this end, I started in the company as Cost Accounting Manager. There was no better place to learn and understand the details of the costs of production, cash/capex requirements, and product and customer profitability.”
Awards and Accolades Awards and Accolades
Anchor Hocking has set industry standards and is consistently hustling to improve the U.S. glass manufacturing industry Acknowledging such efforts, Anchor has been at the edge of receiving many awards and recognition.
Most recently, the company has been honored by HSN as their New Supplier of the Year for F.Y. 2020.
Customer accolades are challenging to achieve. Anchor Hocking competes with all consumer goods suppliers for customer recognition. Within the various housewares departments, Anchor competes with suppliers of dinnerware, cookware, gadgets, kitchenware, silverware, plastic, and glass storage, metal bakeware, and the list goes on.
"Internally, we are focused on providing quality glass tableware products at a great value; ontime and complete shipments, earning a greater share of the retailers' shelf, gaining new customers, four and 5-star online product reviews, and maintaining open communications with our retail partners. These are the key determinants of our success and manifest in improved earnings and cash ows," concludes Mark.
LeadershipthatScaledAnchor'sSuccess
Inclusiveleadershiphasalwaysbeenoneofthebasictenets ofAnchorHocking.Markbelievesinrespectingthe workforce.Sharingtheorganizationalpracticesthat facilitatenecessaryhonorandrespecttotheworkforce,he mentionsthatGlasstablewaremanufacturingisa24hours perday,sevendaysaweekproductionoperationthat requiresexceptionalcommitmentfromoperations managers,supervisors,andfactoryassociates.
Hesays,"While our customers have no idea what it takes to make a quality piece of glass tableware that may sell for
less than a greeting card: multiple furnaces melting 200+ tons of molten glass daily at temperatures reaching 2800 degrees; 14 production lines, each producing 20,000 to 80,000 pieces of glass a day; our 900 associates do.
"Every day they enter through the gates, they demonstrate their commitment to making the most durable household glass at a great value delivered on time to our customers. Associates here at Anchor Hocking and the leadership team understand the daily challenges, and we're honored to be part of it! Anchor Hocking's greatest resource is its dedicated associates. They deserve management's respect every day,"notesMark.
Concludinghiswisewordsfortheaspiringleaders,Mark sharedhisadviceforthepotentialinvestorsconsidering enteringintomanufacturingGlassTableware.Heputs, "Glass Tableware manufacturing is a relatively small segment of the glass industry. The high fixed cost of running a glassware plant 24/7/350 requires high plant capacity utilization to absorb the elevated fixed cost structure. Greenfield plant investments easily exceed $100 MM. As a result, I do not anticipate seeing any new entrants manufacturing glass tableware in the U.S. anytime soon."
Most Admired Glass Manufacturing Companies Across the
Enthralling the World with Trustbased Leadership
Inanever-evolvingbusinessworld,therearemany
essentialstorunningabusiness.Butthatoneethical standpointthatcanscaleabusinessand,ifnotabided by,canprovetobethedrowningfactoramidstthecutthroat businesscompetitionisTrust.
Populouswiththisuniqueprospectofrunningitsglass manufacturingbusinessforarchitecturalandautomotive companiesis AGCVidrosdoBrasil.
HeadquarteredinJapanandBelgium,thecompanyisona missiontoalwaysstaythefirstchoicealongitspotential customerpool.Itleavesnostoneunturnedtoaceitselfin thecompetitiveworldofglassmanufacturers.
Spearheadingthisrevolutionanddedicatingallits technologicalandleadershipintelligenceisIsidoroLopes–PresidentandGeneralManagerofArchitecturalGlass Finance&BusinessSupportSouthAmerica,andJoão Siqueira–GeneralManagerAutomotiveGlassSouth America
Let'sslideintotheinterviewandlearnhowAGCVidrosdo Brasilhasmadeittothetopoftheglobalbusiness leaderboardofglassmanufacturingcompanies.
Below are the interview highlights.
Pleasebriefouraudienceaboutyourcompany,itsUSPs, andhowitiscurrentlypositionedasoneofthemost reliablecompaniesintheglassmanufacturingspace.
Byprovidingawiderangeofproductsandservicesin variousfields,theAGCGrouphascontributedtopeople's peaceofmind,safety,andcomfortworldwide.Moreover, theGroupboaststhelargestsharesoftheglobalmarketsfor manyproducts,includingfloatglass,automotiveglass,and fluorinatedresin(Fluon™ETFE).
InSouthAmerica,producingflatglassforCivil ConstructionandAutomotiveGlass,withcommercial operationsoftheChemicalDivision,AGCstandsoutinthe marketthroughabroadandinnovativeportfolio,anda dedicatedandexclusiverelationshipwithclientsand partners.
TheAGCGroupaimstocontinuebeingthefirstchoice solutionproviderforcustomersbybuildinglong-term relationshipsoftrustwiththemthroughtheprovisionof uniquematerialsandsolutionsdevelopedusingtheGroup's widerangingmaterialandproductiontechnologies.
Shedsomelightonyourofferingsandhowtheyimpact theindustryandyourclients?
FortheArchitecturalGlassbusiness,weprovideawide varietyofproductsthatmeettheneedsofeachregion, basedonourvisionof“inspiringpeoplebyusingglassto connectthemwiththeirsurroundings”.Theaesthetic, technicalandenergypropertiesofAGCglassmakeits scopeofapplicationspracticallyunlimited:fromexternal glazingtointeriordecorationandindustrialuses.Withthe richnessoftheranges,architectsandinteriordesigners alikewillfindamaterialthatgivesshapetotheircreative inspirationandtameslight,whileassuringcomfortforthe buildingoccupantsandactivelyprotectingtheenvironment.
FortheAutomotiveGlassBusiness,weprovidehighperformanceproductsthathelpscreatesafeand comfortablecars.Atthesametime,wewillcontinue contributingtotherealizationofnext-generationmobility bydevelopinghigh-value-addedproducts.
Whatarethecorevaluesuponwhichyourcompanyis built?
Sinceitsbeginningsinthemanufactureandsaleofflat glass,theAGCGrouphasbroadeneditshorizonsand
Isidoro Lopes
President and General
Manager Architectural
Glass Finance and Business
Support South America
AGC Vidros do Brasil
Joao Siqueira
General Manager
Automa ve Glass
South America
AGC Vidros do Brasil
increaseditsbusinesslinestoencompasschemicals, ceramics,andahostofotherproducts.Atthesametime, theGrouphasdevelopeditsbusinessesgloballyand currentlyemploysapproximately56,200peopleinmore than30countriesandregions.Regardlessoftheirbusiness, country,orregion,eachofouremployeessharesthefour keyvaluesofInnovation&OperationalExcellence, Diversity,Environment,andIntegrityasthebasisfor everythingwedo.
IsidoroandJoao,pleasebriefusaboutyourjourney andhowhaveyoucontributedtothecompany'ssuccess.
FirstofallwewouldliketosaythatourkeypersonofAGC historyandsuccessisToshiyaIwasaki,thefounderofthe company.Atthebeginningofthe20thcentury,asJapan's modernizationcontinuedapaceandaplethoraofindustries werespringingup,ToshiyaIwasakifocusedhisattentionon realizingthedomesticproductionofflatglass.Onthat occasion,manydifferentcompanieshadtriedto manufactureflatglassdomestically,butallhadfailedas theywereunabletocompetewithimportedproducts. Nonetheless,intendingtocreateabusinessthatwouldhelp advancehissociety,Iwasakidecidedtotacklethe challengingproblem.“Iampreparedtofacedifficulties. Evenifittakesalifetime,Iwillrealizedomestic production.”Withthisdeclarationofintent,in1907he establishedAsahiGlassCompany,thepredecessorofAGC, andbeganconstructingthecompanythatistodaythe“the world'slargestglasscompany.”.
Iwasakisummeduphisfoundingspiritwiththemotto “Nevertaketheeasywayout,butconfrontdifficulties.” Thismindsethasbeenpasseddownthroughthegenerations tothepresentdayandremainsthestartingpointofallof ourbusinessactivities.
IsidoroLopes,with30yearsofFlatGlassindustry experience,withacareerbasedonoperationalexcellence andbuildingnewplantsandoperations,issupportingthe consolidationofthebusinessinSouthAmericaand continuouslyimprovingtheprocessesandcustomer satisfaction.
JoãoSiqueira,withmorethan20yearsofexperienceinthe Automotivesegment,hasbeenleadingtheplantsincethe projectphaseandmanagingthestart-upofAGCBrazil.He isrecognizedindevelopingtheorganizationandcreatinga uniquewinningculture.
VisionandAction,applyingAGCcorevaluesand fundamentalstoLEADTHEWAYFORABETTER WORLD,arethebaseofeverydecision.
Wearelookingtobethebestplayerinourcorebusinesses, withanintegratedvaluechainapproach,quickinnovation, theleaderinsustainability,andestablishingacultureof challenge,courage,andobsessionwithcontinuous improvement.
Beinganexperiencedleader,shareyouropiniononhow theadoptionofmoderntechnologieshasimpactedthe manufacturingindustryandhowisyourcompany ridingthetechnologywave?
Theindustrialsectorhasbetontechnologytoachieve increasinglysignificantresults.Today,takingadvantageof technologicalinnovationsisnolongeraluxuryfor companiesandhasbecomeanobligation.
InternetofThings(IoT),CloudComputing,Artificial Intelligence,Robotization,AutonomousEquipment, Blockchain,BusinessIntelligenceandAugmented Analyticsaresomeexamplestodelightuseverydayinour operations.
Theimpacthasbeenfurious;itisnecessaryforamindset changeonhowtointeractwithcustomers,suppliers, collaborators,andevenwiththeequipmentanddata changed.
Itisnotenoughtoinvestininformationandcommunication technologytodifferentiateyourselfinthemarket:itis essentialtoplanandhavequalifiedprofessionalstousethe newdevicesstrategically.Otherwise,timeandmoneywill bewasted.
WehavebeenworkingwithIndustry4.0,forexample, connectingthephysicalworldwiththedigital.Inthis context,developingourorganizationisourutmost challenge.
Resultsarecoming,processeswithspeedandagility,fewer mistakes,andgettingtheinvolvementandempowermentof alllevelsoftheorganizationwithapassionforcontinuous improvement.Thenewgenerationsareusedtohavingthis kindofmindset,andtheygrewupplayingandentertaining withthosetechnologies,gettingfastereverydayandhaving nopatienceforprocessesthattakemorethanafew seconds.
Wearetakingadvantageofthismindsetandwave, continuallyintegratingitintoourdailyactivitiesand decision-makingprocesses.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothemanufacturingspace?
After30yearsinmanufacturing,Iwillprobablyadvise, firstofall,toknowwhattypeofproductyouwillproduce andifyouhavemasteryoverit.
Keepaneyeonthemarkettounderstandifthebetmakes sense–likemanysectors;theindustryhasitsupsand downs,anditisworthpayingattentiontowhetherthe productyouaregoingtoproducehasagoodadherenceto thepublic.
Makeagoodfinancialplan.
Betoncustomizedequipmentandmachines:iftheideaisto openanindustry,regardlessofitssize,havingmachines andequipmentthatprovideautomationandspeedup productionisinevitable.
Andlastly,andmostimportantly,designyourfactoryafter knowingwhatproductthemarketneeds.
Asanengineerandcontinuousimprovementspecialist,I alwaysasksalesandmarketingwhatthemarketneeds,so wecandesignthefactoryforthatneed.Neverdoitthe otherwayaround.
Howdoyouenvisionscalingyourorganization's operationsandofferingsin2022andbeyond?
Byprovidingdifferentiatedmaterialsandsolutions,AGC strivestohelprealizeasustainablesocietyandbecomean excellentcompanythatgrowsandevolvescontinuously.We willaccelerategrowthintheStrategicBusinessesarea,and atthesametimeexplorenewbusinessareas,propelling materialsinnovationtohelpsolvesocialissues,aimingfor net-zerocarbonin2050,strengtheninghumanresources, andgroup-widegovernance.AboutDigitalTransformation, weintendtoimprovecompetitivenessbyacceleratingthis process,takingatransformationofthebusinessmodelitself intoconsideration,leveragingdigitaltechnologiesto improvetheprocessfromproductdevelopmenttosales activities,andusingdigitaltechnologiestoprovidevalueto customersandsocietyandgaincompetitiveness.
Pleasegiveusafewtestimonialsofyour clients/customersandalistofawards/recognitions thataccuratelyhighlightyourorganization'sposition inthemarket.
Awardsandrecognitions:
Ÿ
Ÿ ToyotaBestSupplier2021LatinAmerica
Ÿ HondaSupplieroftheYear2021Brazil
Ÿ HyundaiSupplieroftheYear2019Brazil
Ÿ ElectedbythemainResearchInstitutesastheBest CompanyinBrazilintheYear2019
Ÿ FCABestSupplieroftheYear2017Brazil
The Pathbreaking Research in Glass CRYSTALLOGRAPHY
Thetransparentandhardmaterialcalledglassis practicallyapartofhumankind.Mirrors,cameras, eyeglassesandevensmartphonetouchscreenare oneofthefewglassstructuresthatisconsumeddaily withoutourrealization.Beforeamanufacturingindustry couldhavethoughtofrecyclingaglass-likematerial,itwas stillconsumednaturallybytheancientpeople.Natural glassmaterialoriginatedfromvolcaniceruptionswereused todrawhuntingweaponswithsharpedges.With progressionoftimeandnecessity,manufacturers discoveredthatrecyclingglasscouldbeasubstitutefor 95%ofthenaturalglass.Itledtotwosurprisingbenefits, firstlyprotectingtheenvironmentbyeliminationofgas emission.Secondly,preservingrawmaterialsforthe generationstointake.Interestingly,thescarcityofglass materialiscomparativelylow,butrecyclingitcontributes toevenmoreglasssubstances,henceresultingin diversificationinvarioususes.
Glassholdsacommercialimportanceduetoitsstructure thatisbasedonchemicalcompounds.Thus,onanindustrial scale,itschemicalcompositionemphasizesonsize, proportion,andmaterialstreated.Aslightdifferencecould changeabouttheresultingformofglassdeveloped.
AsDouglaspointedoutina2018article Glass Has Changed the World thatwhileglassisbeingmanufactured forseveralyearsnow,thereisstillalackofclarityonwhat itis.Hence,thefuturehopesthatresearchwillchangethe directionofglassmanufacturingindustries,byindulgingin creationofsaferbatteries,biomedicalimplants,self-tinting windowsandunbreakableglass.
ExposingTheMysteryofGlass-To-Crystal Transformation.
Technologyhasbeenaresourcetoenhancetheefficiencyof glassresearchbeingconducted.Researchershavebeen spendingabulkamountoftimeinordertounderstandthe chemicalstructureofglass,inordertomoulditinto differentvarietiesofglassapplications. Jacobyina2017 article, What is Glass? hadstatedthatthereisnotmuch differenceintherecipeofglasscompoundthanwhatitwas around200B.C.E.
Sourceofsilica(SiO2)suchassandismixedwithsodium carbonate(NaCO)andlargeamountsofseashellsi.e., 2 3 limestone(CaCO).Togethertheyareheated,whichforms 3 90%ofmanufacturedglass.However Theresearchershave beencarefulonthelevelofheattemperaturesthat determinestheresultingglassstructure.A2020studyby DeccanHeraldon Transformation of Glass into Crystal, identifiedthatglassdoesnotholdrepetitivearrangement,as observedinthecrystals.HenceitincorporatedMachine Learning(ML)thatspeededuptheprocess.TheMLwas abletoidentifytheatomicstructuresofglassareasthatwas softandthoseareasthatwouldrequirecrystallization throughdifferentroutes,whichwaseffectiveineliminating aspectsofglasscrystallizationmysteryandexpanditsglass productionintomultipleforms.
GlassCrystallographyTowardstheFutureof Technology
Themanufacturingindustriesaregrowinginnovative,by attemptingtocrystalizeglassintodifferentshapeandsizes, whileimprovingitsdesignproperties.Scientistshavebeen demonstratinginterestintothefuturisticaspectsofglass crystallization,suchasdevelopingaglassthatwouldbe userfriendlyandsmoothonsurfaceaswellasitsedges. Furthermore,thegovernmenthasbeenlookingtodevelopa glassstructurethatcouldofferelectricitytotheelectric vehiclesbeingruntodayinthelargeurbanareasglobally. Thecomprehensionofglasscompoundshashencetakena stepupandismovingintothesedirections.Some companieshavealreadysetanexampleforthesame.For instance,Apple.Inc,hasappliedarequestfordesigninga curvedglassceilingthatwouldbeconsumerfriendlyand loadresistant.Similarly,severalsmartphonesdesigning companiesrequiretheirdevicestobemadeofbestglass structurethatwouldofferitscustomerwithasoftand smoothexperience.GlassCrystallographyhavebeen
changingitsdirectionfromdevelopingplainmirrorsto servinginalignmentwiththeworldoftechnologyand business.
GlassCrystallographyMeetsHealthcareNeeds
Theglassmanufacturingindustryhavebeenkeenin shapingthenoveltyofglasscomponentsintocustombased demandsandneedsoftheglobalsociety.Customersinthe healthcareindustryhasbeenprioritisingtheuseof healthcaredevices,suchasthewearablewatchesthatkeeps trackoftheirbloodpressureandweight.Eventhesmart patchesthatpenetratemedicationsthroughthepatient’s skin,whileactinglikebiosensors.
Glassmanufacturershavebeentakinginteresttosupport thedevelopmentofhealthcaredevicesthroughinnovative glasscrystallography.Forinstance,aregionalmedical centreatPhelpsCounty,hadpresentedafibrousbioactive glass,whichisasoftcottonpatchthatservesinhealing wound.Itinvolvesbioactiveglassstructurewhichoffersthe skinsupport,forthenewtissuetogrowatafasterrate. Similarly,glasscrystallographyalsohadofferedamedical solutiontocolourblindnesswherecustommadeeyelenses wereformedinordertohelpdifferentiategreensfromreds. Thedevelopmentofsuchglasslenshasbeenbasedonglass componentsthatmeetsthatcolorwavelengthneedsof patients.
GlassRemainsanOngoingMystery
Althoughithasbeenobservedthatglasscould successfullyformtheshapeofacrystal,itisnot alwaysconstantwiththeresultantmolecularstructure. Asaresult,oneformofglass,inordertoproduceit withthesecondtime,withsametoughnesslevel,the researcherswillhavetoexpandtheirknowledgeinto thechemicalcompoundsandglasscrystallization.The fieldremainsamysteryalongwithanelementof richness,thatevokesthedesireofongoing exploration.
- Saloni Agrawal
Shahid N.Khan CEO AL Islami Foods Group LLC
Shahid,pleasebriefusaboutyourjourneyinthe industryandhowhaveyoucontributedtothefirm's success.
Impactof on AI ML & MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
Tst he21 centuryhasbeenknownforthe digitalizationofhumankind,transforming industriesandservicesintoanautomationmode, henceprioritizingcustomerconvenienceandtime efficiencyatitshighestlevel.Implementationof digitalizationhasbeenencouragedinalternativeforms,for instance,theprint-and-mailserviceshasbeenreplacedwith digitalmail,brick-and-mortarstoresturnedintoshopping websites.
However,anaccelerationindigitalizationhasbeenfelt amongstbusinessandindustriespostCOVID-19era. Manufacturingorganizationshavefacedagreater operationalchallenge,fromlackofskilledworkerstothe US-chinatradecrisis,bringingaboutathreattotheglobal economy.Despitethesechanges,thecustomersdemandfor lowcostproductsremainhigh. Despitethechallenges, accordingtoareportby Mckinsey & Company, approximately55%ofthebusinessesgloballyintheyear 2020,hadtakenaleapinturningtheirproductsand servicesdigital,whichimproveditsproductdemandand efficiency.
Byseekingoperationalrewards,itwasbeingrealizedthat aligningArtificialIntelligencewithintheactivitiesofa manufacturingindustrycouldtargettripledimensions: Meetingthecompetitiveforcesamongstbusinesses, growingemployment,improvingproductionand eliminationofunhelpfulsourcesonwhichtheindustry reliedupon.
Balancingrisks
TheexistenceofUS-Chinatradecrisishadundeniably triggeredtheglobalresponsetotheexistingsupplychain andtrademeasuresamongstinvolvedcountries. Consequently,theglobaltradehadimproved,supplychain hasbeendiversified.Thiscouldupholdakeenimplication fortheprocessofglobalization.Whilethetradecrisis increasedby3.0%asperastudyconductedbyColumbia university,itencouragesthemanufacturingbusinessesto perceiveitasanewopportunitytowardsbalancingpotential riskscausedduetoimpactofUS-Chinatradecrisis.
Theimpactoftradecrisiscausedonothercountriescannot becomparedfromtheimpactonUSorChina.Hencethe waymanufacturingindustriesrespond,mustalsodiffer operationallyandfunctionally.However,whenthesupplydemandmechanismwasonrise,subsequentlytheglobal economywasdepleted.Thispoisedachallengeforthe manufacturingindustriesthatwaspressurizedononehand, meetingthesupplydemandtradecycleandonother,with thelow-costproductionmeasurestomeettheneedsoflocal customers,despitethechangesineconomy.
ImplementingAIandMLwithinthemanufacturing industriesmanagedcouldbalancetheserisksby identificationofsourcesthatareperceivedtoberiskyforits growth.Inthismanner,MachineLearning(ML)wasableto incorporateinnovatemanufacturingstrategiesthatfilledin thegapsandimprovedtheglobalsupplychainefficiently.
SeekinganAlternativetotheUnchangeable
Businessesandindustriesareleadingthegrowthof globalization,whichalignstheiroperationalstrategies towardsaglobalsupplychainanddiversificationofits products.TheemergenceofCOVID-19,althoughdisrupted thereliablesourcesoftheindustry,forinstance,the resignationofskilledworkersandshuttingdownduring lockdownsession,itwasstillanopportunitythatredirected thebusinesstowardstheimplementationofmeasuressuch asArtificialIntelligence(AI)andMachineLearning(ML). Theindustryhadtakenanaction-after-reviewwhich prioritizedthemechanismsofAIandMLtokeepthe processesrunningandbuildresilience.
A2020casestudyon AI-Inspired Digital Transformation, demonstratedthatmanufacturingindustriesthroughtheAIenableddigitaltransformationswereabletoaddressesthree dimensionseffectively,whichweresustainability,resilience andmanufacturingaltogether.Consequently,its implementationledtoanenhancedconnectivity,visibility andtransparencywithinthesupplynetworks.Thefourth industrialrevolution,whichisconsideredtobeindustry4.0, assuggestedbya2021economicresearchon Significance Of Digital Technology In Manufacturing Sectors henceis consideredtoberesilientandsmart,whichanalysesthe factorsofasituationandperformsdecisivewaytoattain thegoalsofsupplychaineffectively
EnhancedProductivity
TheAIandMLdrivenmanufacturingindustryhasbeen efficientinproducinganoutputdespitetheavailabilityof low-levelresourcesandcompetitiveglobalforces.Thecase studyfurtherpointedoutthatmeasuressuchasdigital twins,robotsandautomatedprocesses,evenif hypotheticallytheyleadtoahighoperatingcost,itwould stillbecompensatedbyotherdigitalprocessesthatlead aboutalow-costmeasure.Thesemayinvolvestay-at-home orderswheretheindustryoutputislowcostandefficiency ishigh.Similarly,intimesofcrisiswherecertain manufacturingtoolsarenolongeruseful,couldbereplaced postdesigningtoolsthatarebestsuitableinthe manufacturingprocess.Identificationofmaterialshortage andforecastingdemandshaveenabledthemanufacturing industriestoremainonestepaheadandseekacompetitive advantage,throughpredictivetoolsofArtificialIntelligence (AI)respectively.
PuttingitallTogether
Industry4.0isknownforitsuseofdigitalmeasuresandis undeniablyoneofthemostresilienceindustryin comparisontothetraditionalperiodofindustries.While therehasbeenanadvancementinthedigitalsupplychain throughtheadoptionofArtificialIntelligenceandMachine Learning,whichfunctionsmoreefficientlythanaskilled workercould,areportprovidedbytimein2020,pointed thatseveralbusinesseshavenoplanstostaffingbacktheir vacantpositionswithskilledworkers,afterhaving implementedtechnology Whereasotherindustrieshave reduced10%oftheirstaffbecauseofbudgetingneedsand lookforwardintoimprovingefficiencythroughAI implementation.Thefutureofbusinessescouldmakeit possibleforastoservethesupplychainandimprove globalizationinafasterwayusingAIandML,while coveringseveralindustrialsectors,beyondmanufacturing.
- Saloni Agarwal
Thebusinessworldhasbeenknownforits innovationandcreativityacrossages.Beit introducingtechnologyinmanufacturingsegment, transformingthedemandsupplychainbydigitizingits workflow;businessprocessoutsourcingcompaniesthat utilizeinternationaltalentsormanufacturersscoutsthe globewithscientificinventionswhilefacilitatinghigh consumerexperience.
But did you ever imagine stepping in the shoes of an entrepreneur and the hustles encountered to provide the best product or services while gushing its brand identity in the cutthroat competitive market?
Ifyouscoutaroundtheglobewiththeintenttofindthe solutiontothiscomplexquestion,youmightlandarounda
companythatistheperfectexampleofhowanentrepreneur shouldenvisionabusinessgrowthand,atthesametime, staytruetoitsethicalprinciples.
Basedin PortoFerreira,itisknownforitsagile developmentandcapacitybuildingacrossitskey stakeholderandhasbeenprovidingitsservicessince1981. Beingasafesheltertomorethan900employees,this Braziliancompanyhasbeenprovedtobethebestoptionin termsofitsbestproducts,excellentservices,andout-ofthe-boxbusinessapproach.Exemplifyingsuchstandout leadershipintheglassmanufacturingbusinessspaceis Vidroporto.
Itisoneofthebestglasspackagingcompaniesacrossthe internationalbusinessspaceandbelievesinestablishinga
Edson Luis Rossi CEO Vidroporto S.A
deep-rootedrelationshipwithitssuppliers,consumers,and keymarketplayers.Toensurethebestservicestoits consumer,Vidroportohasbeenfocusingonwell-equipped technology,highlycompetitivepricing,andthebest customerrelationship.
Wavingsuchamagicwandintheglassmanufacturing spaceisEdsonLuisRossi AstheCEOofthecompany,he isalwaysinvolvedinimprovingtheproductionquality, facilitatingaseamlessconsumerexperiencewhileensuring competitivepricingwiththebestmarketingmantra available.
Let's slide into the interview and learn the key strategies that turned Vidroporto into a success story.
Pleasebriefouraudienceaboutyourcompany,itsUSPs, andhowitiscurrentlypositionedasoneofthemost reliablecompaniesintheglassmanufacturingspace.
VidroportoGroupisaBraziliancompanyactiveinthe sectorofglasspackaging,intendedforbeverages,mainly onbeer,cachaca,wine,spirits,RTDs,liqueurs,andother alcoholicmarkets.Thecompanystarteditsproductionin 1981with4thousandtonsofglassperyearandan
insignificantmarketshare.Currently,thecompanyhasbeen producingaround300thousandtonsofglassperyear,and thiscapacitywillbeexpandedto150thousandtonsper year Thecompany'smarketshareisaround20%inBrazil, andwiththisexpansion,itmayreachalmost30%inthe nearfuture.
Thecompanyhas850employeesandwillhireanother300 verysoonforthenewfurnaceproject.
Shedsomelightonyourofferingsandhowtheyimpact theindustryandyourclients?
Thecompany'scultureisbasedonthedevelopmentofa longandstrongrelationshipwithitsstakeholders.Inorder tobuildthis,itisnecessarytobecompetitive,whichmeans, havingthehighesttechnologiesavailable,wellqualified labor,deepknowledgeaboutbusinessanddedicationto providealwaysthebestservicesinallareas.
Whatarethecorevaluesuponwhichyourcompanyis built?
Thecompany'scorevaluesuponwhichitisbasedarethe onesrelatedtothedeliveryofexcellentproductsand servicesatcompetitiveprices,employmentofskilledlabor, anduseofhightechnology,withsocialandenvironmental responsibility
Edson,pleasebriefusaboutyourselfjourneyandhow haveyoucontributedtothecompany'ssuccess.
IhavebeenworkingatVidroportosince2004,exactlythe momenttheshareholdersdecidedfortheboardofDirectors restructuring.
Sincethen,thecompanyhasbeenpassingthrougha transformationinallareaslikeManufacturing,Quality Assurance,ProductionTechnology,etc.Marketsharehas increased1500%,profitgenerationisverypositiveand
consequently,thevalueofthecompanyfollowedthe growthdirection.
Beinganexperiencedleader,shareyouropiniononhow theadoptionofmoderntechnologieshasimpactedthe manufacturingindustryandhowisyourcompany ridingthetechnologywave?
Moderntechnologiesmaybefacedasamonsterorasbetter toolstohelpthecompanytosurviveinanewenvironment andachievethebestresultsever.Itdependsonthepointof view Thehightechnologyingeneralsimplifiessystems, improvestheproductandservicequalities,reducesthecost, increasestheproductivityandprofit,andpresentsmany otheradvantages.
Inmanysituations,enteringanewworld,newsystem, machine,etc.,maycausefear.However,thereisnoanother wayofreachingagoodresultandbeingcompetitive withoutmoderntechnologies.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothemanufacturingspace?
Ibelievethattobeanentrepreneur,thepersonneedsto developsomekeyfeatureslikenotbeingafraidofwhatis comingnorthechallengesthathavetobefaced,thinking andlookinginadifferentwayfromtheotherpeople,and tryingtodothebest,always.Inanutshell,"think out of the box."
Howdoyouenvisionscalingyourorganization's operationsandofferingsin2022andbeyond?
Weneedtokeepfocusonourbusinessandlookatall opportunitieswehaveinourhands.
Taketheopportunitytoimprovetheprocess,reducewaste, stayclosertotheclients,suppliers,banks,andemployees, alwaysworktogetherfornewsolutions.
- By Hans Meyer, Co-founder & Managing Director at Zoku
Aboutadecadeago,Ibegannoticinganewkindof
movementinourindustry.
Apartfromseeingtheusualtouristsandbusinesstravelers, Istartedtowitnesspeopleroamingfromcitytocityin searchofnewexperiencesandfasterWi-Fi,takingtheir workwiththemwherevertheywent.Thesewereearly remoteworkers,andfrommyfirstconversationswiththem, IknewIhadtounderstandwhattheyforeshadowedforthe futureofwork.
So,Iputmyselfintheirshoes.IvisitedBali,BuenosAires, andWashingtonD.C.,learningfirst-handwhatitwasliketo workandliveineachcityforanextendedperiodoftime.I embracedtheslowerpacethatremotework/traveloffered, immersedmyselfinlocalcultures,andinvestigatedthepain pointsthatwereinvolvedinmytravels.Inotherwords,I experiencedwhatitwasliketo“workfromanywhere.”
Iwassurprisedtofindthatthehardestpartoflivingthis lifestylewasn'tthelanguagebarrier,theneedtoadaptto newcultures,orbeingunfamiliarwithhowtobestnavigate anewcity,butratherthefeelingoflonelinessthatoccurred whenfinishingahardday'sworkalone.Thisdiscoveryled metocarefullyconsiderthehumanexperienceofremote work.TakingthisintoaccountwhenconceptualizingZoku, togetherwithmyco-founderMarcJongeriusandour foundingteam,werecognizedthatthenextgenerationof workerswouldbecomemoremobile,collaborateboth
virtuallyandin-person,andenjoygreaterflexibilityintheir work.Sowhenwefirstopenedourdoorsin2016,we incorporatedhybridsolutionstoproactivelyaccountforthis inourdesignandmodel.
Therewereofcourse,downsidestothisdiscovery We anticipatedthatfutureemployeeswouldbecomemore isolatedanddisconnectedfromtheirteamsthanever before.Sowe'reproudtosaythatourmissionatZokufeels morerelevantnowthanever:
“Toprovidespaceswherehumanconnectionisseamless, funandmeaningful.”
Fastforwardto2021,andmostofusworkremotelyforat leastsomeperiodoftime.And,whathavewenoticed?That manyofushaveexpressedthatwe'vegreatlymissedinpersonhumanconnectionsduringtheCOVID-19 pandemic.Thesameissueoflonelinessfromoveradecade agoisnowimpactingevenmorepeopleonaglobalscale.
Manycompanieshavebeenprofoundlydisruptedbythis suddentransitiontoremotework,whilebusinessleaders simultaneouslystruggletokeeppacewiththeirteams' evolvingdemandsandlearnhowtobestbalanceoffice versusremoteworkeffectively Theeventsofthepandemic havecalledintoquestionjustabouteveryassumptionthe worldpreviouslyheld,andtheseconsequenceswillimpact thewaywework,live,andconnectfordecadestocome. Whiletherearestillmanylessonstobelearned,twothings
Hans Meyer Co-founder & Managing Director
Zoku
hadquicklybecomeapparentwhentheworldsuddenly switchedtoworkingremotely:
1. Productivitycanhappenanywhere.
2. Notallspacesareequallyproductive.
Whetherworkingfromhomemeansworkingataself-made homeofficeorattheedgeofaclutteredkitchentable, everybodyhasgainedanewperspectiveonhowtheir surroundingspaceimpactstheirproductivity.Morepeople reportfeelingmoreproductiveoverallandfewpeople missedthedrudgeryofthemorningcommute.
Thepandemichasalsohighlightedtheshortcomingsof remotework.Employeesreporthigherratesofburnout,that teamcohesionissuffering,andpeoplearefeelingmore alienatedanddisconnectedthaneverbefore.Despitethese downsides,however,ithasbecomeclearthatmanyworkers wouldsoonerchangejobsthanreturntotheofficefull-time, aswaspreviouslythenorm.Thequestionofworkspace locationhasbecomeakeytopicindiscussionsofthefuture ofwork.
Officesarebeingdownsized,repurposedorabandoned altogether.Strikingtherightbalanceofhybridworkisn't justamatterofmaximizingoperationalefficiency–it's criticaltosustainingpositivecompanycultureand attractingandretainingtheworld'stoptalenttoo.
Ascompanieslookahead,they'readaptinglessonsthey learnedfromremoteworkintoexistingpractices,with varyingdegreesofdifficulty.Eachcompanyhasitsown uniquerequirementstoconsider,but...
“Webelievethemostsuccessfulcompaniesduringthis transitionwillbethosethatdesignhowtheyoperate aroundhumanconnection.”
It'sfromclose,meaningfulrelationshipsthatwedrawour bestinspirationandmostinnovativework.
HereatZoku,ourpriorityistocontinuedeliveringonour missiontofacilitatehumanconnectionaswerolloutour conceptinternationally.Citybycity,weremaindedicatedto bringingpeopletogetherinspacesthatinspire understanding,fostercreativity,andbuildmoreproductive relationships.
InourlatestwhitePaper,“TheFutureofWorkNeeds HumanConnection”,I'mproudtoshareZoku's accumulatedresearchandlearningsaboutremoteand hybridwork,humanconnection,andthefutureof workspaces.Ihopeourinsightscanhelpcompanies discoverthebestwaytostrengthenconnectionsandcreate aneffectiveworkenvironmentfortheirteams.
