#India #Mumbai #pharmaceutical #ACG Packaging #Lighthouse Network

ACG Packaging Achieves a Prestigious Milestone

In a significant development within the pharmaceutical industry, ACG Packaging Materials has announced that its Shirwal facility has been awarded the title of Global Lighthouse by the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Lighthouse Network. This achievement not only marks a notable milestone for ACG but also positions it uniquely as the first pharmaceutical packaging company to receive this honor.

Karan Singh, Managing Director of ACG, expressed pride in this recognition, emphasizing that true leadership involves building smarter systems rather than merely competing harder. This accomplishment builds upon ACG's previous recognition in 2023, when their Pithampur facility was also acknowledged as a Lighthouse.

The Importance of the Lighthouse Network

The Global Lighthouse Network is an initiative by the World Economic Forum aimed at identifying and showcasing operational sites that exhibit exemplary performance across various metrics, including productivity, sustainability, and customer-centricity. Co-founded with McKinsey & Company, this initiative seeks to guide and inspire global manufacturing standards and practices.

Being recognized as a Global Lighthouse signifies that ACG has effectively utilized advanced technologies like generative AI, machine learning, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to transform its manufacturing processes. At Shirwal, the focus has been on an extensive digital transformation journey that has led to remarkable outcomes:

• - 40% reduction in lead times
• - 71% reduction in defects
• - 31% improvement in energy consumption
• - 34% improvement in on-time deliveries

These metrics illustrate how ACG has enhanced its operational efficiency while significantly decreasing its environmental impact.

Commitment to Sustainability and Quality

ACG's initiative includes a broader commitment to ensuring medicines are not only safer but also more affordable and sustainable. Karan Singh emphasized the company's commitment to continuous improvement through their Make it Better philosophy. This entails replicating best practices across their facilities, aiming to establish Sustainability Lighthouses that focus on responsible and resilient manufacturing practices originating from India.

Balajikasiram Sundararajan, Chief Digital Officer of ACG Group, stated that the company's Build the Future program is instrumental in fostering a technology-driven transformation throughout their manufacturing processes. With a focus on smart manufacturing, the initiative aims to revolutionize the sector by integrating innovative business models and connected products and services.

A Vision for the Future

As ACG continues to set benchmarks in the pharmaceutical packaging industry, the recognition from WEF serves as a motivator to expand its technological capabilities further. This endeavor not only enhances ACG's competitiveness in a market that is becoming increasingly commoditized but also strengthens its promise to deliver quality products consistently.

Kiva Allgood, Head of Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains at WEF, noted that today’s competitiveness is driven by companies' abilities to respond swiftly to changes in their operational environment. The Global Lighthouse Network emphasizes intelligence-led operations that prioritize resilience and sustainability at an industrial level.

Conclusion

The celebration of ACG Packaging Materials as a Global Lighthouse underscores the significance of technological innovation in the pharmaceutical sector. As they lead the way in integrating cutting-edge solutions within their operations, the future looks promising for ACG and its commitment to enhancing health outcomes on a global scale. Through strategic investments in technology and sustainability practices, ACG is poised to create a better, safer future for pharmaceuticals worldwide.