In the fast-paced and highly competitive realm of tissue production, manufacturers are constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, maintain quality, and stay ahead of market demands, which is critical for success. A recent partnership between ABB, a globally recognized leader in automation and electrification technologies, and Intertrade Hellas S.A., a prominent tissue products manufacturer based in Greece, showcases how cutting-edge technology can transform industrial operations. At the heart of this collaboration is ABB’s advanced Quality Control System (QCS), implemented at Intertrade Hellas’s Inofyta facility near Athens. This system promises to redefine production standards by optimizing processes and ensuring consistent output across high-volume manufacturing lines. With an annual capacity of up to 78,000 tons and a presence in over 28 countries, Intertrade Hellas stands to gain significantly from this technological upgrade. Exploring the impact of ABB’s QCS reveals not only its benefits for this specific partnership but also its potential to set new benchmarks in the pulp and paper industry.
Revolutionizing Operations with Advanced Technology
The implementation of ABB’s Network Platform (NP) 1200-based QCS at Intertrade Hellas’s facility marks a significant leap forward in tissue production capabilities. Designed for two tissue machines, with the first installation scheduled for late October 2025 and the second in 2026, this system integrates high-precision sensors for basis weight and moisture measurements alongside sophisticated control mechanisms. These components work in harmony to minimize variability during production, ensuring that every roll meets exacting quality standards. Such precision is vital in an industry where even minor deviations can lead to substantial losses. By stabilizing measurements under demanding conditions, ABB’s technology empowers Intertrade Hellas to maintain a competitive edge through superior product consistency and operational reliability, addressing one of the most persistent challenges in high-speed manufacturing environments.
Beyond the immediate benefits of precision, ABB’s QCS offers a robust framework for enhancing overall process efficiency at the Inofyta plant. The system’s multivariable cross-directional control capabilities allow for real-time adjustments, ensuring that production remains seamless even when unexpected changes occur. This adaptability translates into fewer disruptions and a smoother workflow, which is essential for a company managing 14 production lines. Additionally, the integration of this technology with existing infrastructure demonstrates ABB’s commitment to providing solutions that are both innovative and practical. For Intertrade Hellas, this means not just an upgrade in equipment but a transformation in how production is managed, leading to faster turnaround times and the ability to meet growing market demands without compromising on quality or efficiency.
Unlocking Insights Through Digital Innovation
A key strength of ABB’s QCS lies in its ability to harness data for smarter decision-making, a critical factor in modern industrial operations. The ABB Ability History platform, an integral part of the system, provides secure and scalable access to time-series data, enabling real-time monitoring of production metrics. This tool integrates seamlessly with dashboards that offer detailed insights into energy usage and consumables, while also supporting connectivity with external systems through modern communication protocols. For a manufacturer like Intertrade Hellas, operating on a large scale, this means having a comprehensive view of operations at any given moment. Such visibility allows for swift identification of inefficiencies or potential issues, ensuring that corrective actions can be taken before they escalate into costly problems, thus maintaining a high level of operational control.
Further enhancing the value of data-driven strategies, the platform fosters a unified digital ecosystem across the mill, breaking down silos that often hinder productivity. By providing actionable insights, it equips Intertrade Hellas with the tools to anticipate challenges and optimize workflows proactively. This forward-thinking approach not only improves day-to-day operations but also positions the company for future advancements in digital transformation. As industries worldwide move toward greater automation, having access to high-quality, real-time data becomes a cornerstone of success. ABB’s solution ensures that Intertrade Hellas can leverage this data to refine processes, reduce waste, and ultimately deliver better products to both domestic and international markets, reinforcing their standing as a regional leader in tissue manufacturing.
Driving Sustainability and Economic Gains
Sustainability remains a pressing concern in the pulp and paper sector, and ABB’s QCS addresses this by significantly reducing energy consumption and optimizing the use of raw materials during production. These improvements align directly with Intertrade Hellas’s environmental objectives, helping to lower their ecological footprint while maintaining high output levels. In an era where regulatory pressures and consumer expectations demand greener practices, such capabilities are invaluable. The system’s focus on resource efficiency not only supports compliance with environmental standards but also enhances the company’s reputation as a responsible manufacturer. This balance of ecological and operational goals highlights how technology can serve dual purposes, benefiting both the planet and the bottom line in a highly competitive industry.
Equally important are the economic advantages that come with ABB’s QCS, particularly through its design for durability and low maintenance. Built with long-life components, the system minimizes the need for frequent repairs or replacements, which in turn reduces downtime and associated costs. For a high-capacity operation like Intertrade Hellas, where any interruption can lead to significant financial impact, this reliability is a game-changer. The cost savings achieved through reduced maintenance and enhanced process efficiency allow for reinvestment into other areas of the business, such as expansion or innovation. By delivering a solution that prioritizes both sustainability and fiscal prudence, ABB helps Intertrade Hellas navigate the challenges of modern manufacturing with a clear path toward long-term profitability and growth.
Shaping the Future of Industry Standards
The strategic partnership between ABB and Intertrade Hellas represents more than a technological upgrade; it signals a broader shift toward automation and digitalization in tissue production. With over 140 years of expertise, ABB brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, tailoring solutions that address the unique challenges of high-volume manufacturing. For Intertrade Hellas, adopting this QCS is a decisive step toward industry leadership, enabling them to refine operations and meet the evolving needs of a global market. This collaboration underscores the importance of aligning with trusted technology providers to achieve operational excellence, setting an example for other manufacturers looking to modernize their facilities and remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.
Looking ahead, the implications of this partnership extend beyond a single facility, influencing trends across the pulp and paper industry. The successful integration of ABB’s QCS at Inofyta could inspire similar initiatives, encouraging others to invest in advanced automation to enhance efficiency and sustainability. As Intertrade Hellas continues to leverage this technology, the focus should remain on scaling these benefits across all production lines and exploring further innovations. The groundwork laid by ABB’s system offers a blueprint for transforming industrial operations, proving that strategic investments in technology can yield substantial returns. Reflecting on this collaboration, it’s evident that such advancements pave the way for smarter, more resilient manufacturing practices that prioritize both performance and environmental stewardship.
