Ariane Group finalizes a new investment in its production plant in Gujarat State (India): a new PHO 451 isostatic press and a second TRIPLEX glazing island.
Following successful testing of the NCC2, the Ariane Group has now completed a further investment in India in the Umberto Ceramics factory. Located in the Indian state of Gujarat, this plant complex specializes in the manufacture of high-end porcelain for the Ho-Re.Ca sector.
A new SACMI-SAMA PHO 451 isostatic press, complete with OFM-8 automatic universal finisher, has now been successfully tested and started up. Joining the two solutions installed in 2012 and the third added in 2016, this is the fourth press to come online at Umberto.
Featuring optimized consumption, the PHO 451 ‘GREEN’ press is a complete solution: in addition to automatic finishing it also has exclusive features such as the off-moulding device for de-moulding deep articles.
From a productivity perspective, the machine can output 300-500 pieces/hour, depending on the specific articles, and reduces energy consumption by up to 30% compared to traditional solutions.
To adapt the plant to the higher production capacity, the customer also purchased a second SAMA-made TRIPLEX. This tried and tested machine performs dip glazing of flatware plates and, thanks to its 5 loading stations, can manage articles of different shape and size with outstanding flexibility and efficiency. All tasks - loading, alignment on rollers, washing and unloading - are fully automated, as is cleaning of the foot on the glazing unit outlet conveyor.
With these upgrades - and thanks to the success of its stand at the recent Ambiente fair in Frankfurt - Umberto Ceramics can look to the future with confidence and seize the opportunities offered by the fast-expanding, investment-friendly Indian market. Umberto Ceramic’s attentiveness to technology also goes hand in hand with meticulous research into aesthetics, colour and product design, allowing them to create a high-end portfolio that is exported worldwide.