BFG International, a Bahrain-based global leader in composites technology, has partnered with the Economic Development Board and labour fund Tamkeen to roll out a groundbreaking Industry 4.0 project at its facility in Mina Salman.

The project involves automating BFG International’s factories and integrating all its business areas through core software supplied by partner firm QiO Technologies. This will offer the manufacturer complete transparency along its entire supply chain from customers through to suppliers, and optimise its production process.

Industry 4.0 is the growing trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. It uses cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things, cloud computing and cognitive computing to create ‘smart factories’ which can respond to changes in real time and become more efficient.

The agreement was signed by Tamkeen chief executive Dr Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi, and BFG International Group president, Dr Samer Al Jishi.

Tamkeen will support BFG International throughout the four-year project with a BD624,204 ($1.64 million) grant for ICT and Business Consulting. The hiring and training of Bahraini staff and personnel will also be supported with a grant of BD612,000.

“Tamkeen is always working to support institutions and Bahraini individuals through all stages of their development, with the ultimate objective of making the private sector the main driver for economic growth in the Kingdom,” said Dr Janahi.

“Specialist manufacturers like BFG International have an important role to play in enabling the growth and diversification of the region’s economy, as well as directly creating jobs,” he added.

Dr Al Jishi said: “BFG International’s ambitious Industry 4.0 project is the first of its kind in the region. It will not only give BFG International a competitive edge over other industry players, it will also put Bahrain firmly on the international map as a business destination at the cutting edge of technology.”

“We are training local talents to become proficient in the use of the software and to develop indigenous versions for the local market. The expertise we acquire through this project will positively influence dozens of sectors and industries across the region, enabling them to harness the power of the automation and ‘smart things’ revolution.”

The project is being piloted in Bahrain before being rolled out at BFG International’s facilities across the world. BFG International holds 40 years of experience in supplying sophisticated composites solutions to industries ranging from rail transportation to architecture, infrastructure, and wind energy. – TradeArabia News Service