The 50th project within the European small projects fund INDUSTR_I4.0 will be carried out by NordProfil GmbH from Steinfurt and JAZO from Zevenaar. Within this innovation project, the companies are jointly developing an intelligent control system that automatically controls and optimises production processes using artificial intelligence. Oost NL, the province of Gelderland and Interreg Deutschland-Nederland were present at the award ceremony.
Deputy Helga Witjes (province of Gelderland) – also chair of the Monitoring Committee of the Interreg A Deutschland-Nederland programme – emphasised the importance of this milestone: “With this grant, we are giving a boost to the digitisation of SMEs. It is great to see how companies such as NordProfil and JAZO are working together across borders. This enables them to produce in a smarter, more sustainable and more future-proof way. Initiatives like these are exactly what our region needs to remain competitive. New proposals are still welcome, so submit your idea and seize the opportunity to realise an innovation project within INDUSTR_I4.0.”
Smarter production with AI
NordProfil and JAZO are collaborating on an intelligent control system that uses artificial intelligence to automatically control and optimise production processes. The system reduces set-up times, improves product quality and reduces material waste. Both companies are applying the innovation in their own metal profile factories. The knowledge gained can also be applied more broadly in the manufacturing industry in both the Netherlands and Germany.
Liane van der Veen, board member of Oost NL, also spoke of a special milestone: “Reaching the 50th award shows how many entrepreneurs in the border region are seizing the opportunity to innovate with INDUSTR_I4.0. We are proud that both companies are taking the step towards digital production processes. These innovations will not only have a major impact on these two companies, but will also help the entire manufacturing industry move forward.”
European cross-border cooperation
INDUSTR_I4.0 is a strategic project within Interreg Deutschland-Nederland, and strengthens cooperation in the German-Dutch region by addressing key issues that are crucial for sustainable development. Mathieu Oor, Province of North Brabant, emphasises the importance of this cooperation: ‘This project shows how cross-border cooperation directly contributes to innovation and economic strength. By pooling knowledge and resources, Dutch and German companies not only strengthen each other, but also the region as a whole.’
INDUSTR_I4.0: digital transformation in the border region
The INDUSTR_I4.0 small projects fund supports SMEs in the Dutch-German border region in their transition to digital technology. No complicated theory, but concrete applications such as AI, IoT and
digital twins. A total of €10 million will be available until 2027 to help entrepreneurs with their innovation plans.
KPF INDUSTR_I4.0 is being implemented as part of the Interreg VI programme Germany-Netherlands and is co-financed by the European Union, MWIKE NRW, the Lower Saxony State Chancellery, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the provinces of Fryslân, Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, Flevoland, Gelderland, North Brabant and Limburg.
More information: www.industri4-interreg.eu
