Flex’s Global Lighthouse Network Factories

Leading the way for the future of manufacturing

The Global Lighthouse Network is a community of manufacturers that are world leaders in the adoption and integration of cutting-edge Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies like automation, robotics, simulation and digitization to maximize efficiency and competitiveness at scale, transform business models and drive economic growth, while augmenting the workforce, and protecting the environment. The Global Lighthouse Network is a World Economic Forum project in collaboration with McKinsey and Company.

Two Flex factories around the world have been admitted into this prestigious group since 2021 by demonstrating leadership through manufacturing excellence, the deployment of Industry 4.0 technologies, and an unwavering focus on employee well-being and sustainability. As an example of our commitment to sustainability, Flex had its first site named as a Sustainability Lighthouse in 2023.

 

Sorocaba, Brazil

 

At our site in Sorocaba, Brazil, we implemented Industry 4.0 initiatives along the end-to-end value chain to increase agility and operational efficiencies. The site developed a circular economy ecosystem and substantially reduced their environmental footprint, earning a special designation as a Sustainability Lighthouse, the first of its kind in Brazil. In addition, the team increased team member well-being through digital health and safety measures, improved engagement by upskilling employees and increased customer satisfaction by providing improved transparency and quality. Our digital transformation journey resulted in an 81% material loss reduction and an increase our customer satisfaction by 18%.

Sustainable, people-centered advanced manufacturing

 

See how our factory in Sorocaba is leveraging Industry 4.0 to deliver innovative solutions for customers and promote employee well-being, all while deeply embedding sustainability into our operations.

 

Althofen, Austria

 

Our site in Althofen, Austria demonstrated how Industry 4.0 has been deployed to develop a competitive and differentiated advantage through continuous technology investments, improvements to our factories, and human-centric manufacturing. By meeting higher regulatory and quality standards, the Althofen team was able to attract higher-margin and longer lifecycle medical business, increasing revenue by 50% within the same physical footprint.

A beacon of smart manufacturing

 

See how our factory in Althofen is helping to jumpstart a new era in advanced manufacturing through the convergence of Industry 4.0 innovation, human-centric manufacturing and sustainability.

LISA transforms changeovers on the shop floor
LISA transforms changeovers on the shop floor
Article

Line stop assistant LISA improves the manufacturing change-over process and relieves pressure from Flex employees.

Q&A: How Flex's lighthouse factory is leading Industry 4.0
Q&A: How Flex's lighthouse factory is leading Industry 4.0
Article

Flex’s François Barbier explores how the company's Lighthouse factory is leading the industry 4.0 charge.

Industry 4.0 and manufacturing
Industry 4.0 and manufacturing
Story

Our modern manufacturing efforts are advancing industry 4.0, and increasing efficiency, quality and sustainability in manufacturing.

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