At the new Haiger plant in Middle Hesse, Rittal achieves an exceptionally high degree of automation and networking: Measured against the VDMA’s Industry 4.0 toolbox , the digital maturity level of the system stands at 97%. The system uses actuators and sensors to collect data on all aspects of the production process. This data then forms the basis for autonomous process control, real-time function monitoring, and predictive maintenance, which identifies potential sources of error even before the machine fails.

For its innovative concept, Rittal received the new special prize for innovative digitalization at the ‘Besser Lackieren’ (‘Better Painting’) awards, presented annually by German industry magazine Besser Lackieren and the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA . “Rittal stands out for its courage and know-how: The company has consistently implemented the Smart Factory concept in its new paint shop. The use of state-of-the-art technologies sets new standards and makes for a quantum leap in coating,” was the verdict of the jury, made up of representatives from media, politics, business, and science.