Circulor’s traceability platform and Rockwell’s existing automation systems provide actionable insights that can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and create a competitive advantage in the evolving sustainability landscape. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Circulor, a leading supply chain traceability solution provider, has agreed to collaborate with Rockwell Automation, a company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, in order to help customers trace the origin of raw materials from source to final product

Circulor’s platform empowers customers to not only adhere to increasingly strict regulatory standards, but also achieve their sustainability goals by providing a holistic view of the materials journey. As per the new partnership, Rockwell will offer advanced traceability solutions to enable manufacturers to meet emerging regulatory requirements while verifying the source materials, demonstrating digital chain-of-custody and tracking emissions.

Rockwell plans to deploy this solution globally across auto, tyre, battery, metals, mining, and cement industries through Kalypso, a Rockwell Automation business. Kalypso will work closely with customers to assess their unique needs, provide consulting services and support the rollout of this innovative solution across their supply chain.

Manufacturing traceability

Douglas Johnson-Poensgen, chief executive officer of Circulor, remarked, “In an increasingly competitive and complex market where being sustainable and responsible is a strategic imperative, the combination of Rockwell’s state-of-the-art manufacturing expertise and Circulor’s leading traceability and digital product passports provide organisations with the answer to gaining a competitive advantage.”

“Our focus on sustainability aligns with our customers’ strategic objectives,” added James Glasson, vice president of global industry for auto, tire, and advanced mobility at Rockwell Automation. “This collaboration with Circulor allows us to offer a comprehensive traceability solution that not only addresses growing global regulations but also provides unprecedented visibility into supply chain carbon footprints.”

Brady’s new BradyJet J7300 Colour Label Printer prints industrial-strength labels in vibrant full colour. (Image source: Brady)

Who says inkjet and durability can’t work together? Meet the BradyJet™ J7300 – Brady's groundbreaking new printer that’s redefining what’s possible with full colour for industrial applications. Whether you need labels for the production line or anywhere in your facility, this versatile printer delivers vibrant, eye-catching labels that stand up to tough conditions.

Water, chemicals, abrasion? No problem. And with LabelSense™ technology working behind the scenes, setup is automatic and takes seconds. That means anyone can print just about anything, from sharp barcodes and regulatory labels to custom signs and tags with photos and logos.

Brady’s new BradyJet J7300 Colour Label Printer prints industrial-strength labels in vibrant full colour. Optimally support safety, lean efficiency and maintenance in production environments. Use the toughest materials on the market, complete with automatic setup, calibration and printing on the very first label.

^{The BradyJet J3700}

Why should you consider equipping your operation with a BradyJet J3700?

• Ideal for industrial labelling that changes frequently, from regulatory signage and Lean visuals to barcoding, lab ID, GHS labelling and UL/component ID
• LabelSense™ technology enables printer, materials and inks to talk to each other for automatic part recognition, setup and adjustments
• Dual CMY and true black (K) ink cartridges deliver vibrant colours, deep black, dark tones, readable barcodes and sharp text job after job
• Prints smear-free inks on labels that resist water, chemicals and abrasions for up to two-year outdoor durability (even longer indoors)
• Print Utility dashboard helps you plan, budget and troubleshoot with status alerts, a job cost calculator, remote monitoring and more
• Exterior LED lighting and clear cover communicate real-time printer status
• Ships with the free Brady Workstation Basic Software that includes fundamental apps and features to create labels.
• Optimised Windows® driver lets you connect to third-party software and print PDFs

Unleash your true colours with the BradyJet™ J7300 Colour Label Printer. Enjoy fast, industrial-grade full colour for variable print jobs from the production line to the lab.

So, what could you achieve with a label printer that combines rapid output, stunning color accuracy, and the flexibility to handle diverse printing needs?

Discover the new BradyJet J7300!

Considering solution options to print your own identification?

The ability to print labels on-site enables customers to quickly respond to any identification need and can eliminate all waiting on label deliveries. Brady’s printing solutions enable on demand printing of the most specialised cable, component, product, safety and facility sleeves, labels and signs. Discover Brady's “Do-it-Yourself printing” brochure and get inspired.

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This article is authored by Brady Corporation

Aliko Dangote speaking at the African Renaissance Retreat in Kigali, urging African business leaders to drive the continent's transformation. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Aliko Dangote, president and CEO of Dangote Group, has urged African business leaders to spearhead the continent's transformation. Speaking at the recent African Renaissance Retreat in Kigali, Rwanda, Dangote highlighted Africa's vast potential despite its challenges.

With 30% of the world's mineral reserves, including gold, cobalt, uranium, platinum, and diamonds, as well as 65% of global arable land and 10% of internal renewable freshwater, Africa has significant opportunities for inclusive growth.

“We have 65% of the world’s arable land and 10% of the planet’s internal renewable freshwater sources. Together these present a myriad of opportunities for robust, inclusive growth that harness our abundant human potential and natural resources to increase prosperity, not just in Africa but across the globe,” said Dangote. He emphasised that Africa is at a pivotal moment, with the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, expanding cities, and increasing adoption of innovation and technologies like AI.

Despite hurdles like visas, changing government policies, technical talent shortages, infrastructure deficits, foreign exchange challenges, inflation, high capital costs, and conflicts, Dangote noted that the Dangote Group has expanded from Nigeria into 14 African countries. It operates across multiple sectors, including cement, fertilizers, sugar, oil refineries, petrochemicals, and agriculture. “The good news is that despite these challenges, we have succeeded in building a pan-African Group that employs over 50,000 people and generates revenues that should exceed US$30bn by the end of 2025,” he said.

Dangote, who initiated the retreat, explained that he had long envisioned bringing African business leaders together to address the continent's challenges, find solutions, and position Africa as an attractive investment destination. The retreat aimed to foster collective action on issues such as conflicts, energy and food security, supply chain disruptions, the debt crisis, and access to concessional funding.

“This small private and high-level gathering to discuss these issues and align on how we will own and shape our narrative for development is long overdue. With the foremost entrepreneurs on the continent, the leaders of the largest pan-African companies, those at the helm of the most important development institutions in Africa, our brothers and sisters leading global institutions, our leading investors, our pre-eminent civil society activists and a few of our most respected political leaders, this first step will be an opportunity to have a frank and honest dialogue amongst ourselves to consolidate what we see as our common ground,” Dangote said. He added, "we are coming together not just as leaders in our respective institutions but as visionaries and catalysts for transforming our societies. It is our collective responsibility to play our role in transforming our continent. Nobody will do it for us but us – especially us in this room.”

By localizing production, Stellantis is contributing to job creation, skill development, and technology transfer in Egypt. (Image source: Stellantis)

Stellantis Middle East and Africa (MEA), has continued its regional expansion through the launch and local assembly of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L in Egypt at the Arab American Vehicles (AAV) plant, affiliated with the Arab Organization for Industrialization

“This launch marks a crucial step in our Dare Forward 2030 strategy,” remarked Samir Cherfan, chief operating officer of Stellantis Middle East and Africa operations. “By restarting production at the Arab American Vehicles factory, we're not just introducing a new Jeep vehicle; we're recommitting to Egypt's industrial growth and solidifying our position in the MEA region. Our goal is to achieve market leadership in Egypt and increase our regional market share to over 22% by 2030.

“The region is very dynamic, and we have ambitious plans. We are aiming to become the No. 1 regional market player with one million vehicles sold by 2030 of which 35% will be electric. We want to move to over 90% regional production autonomy meaning producing in the region for the region, which will position us by far as the most localised player in the region.”

Local manufacturing in Egypt

Stellantis has labelled the manufacturing and bringing of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L to Egyptian lines as a vote of confidence in the capabilities of the professionals in the country and the strength of local infrastructure. It is a move that aligns both with the Egyptian Government’s strategy of enhancing local manufacturing and Stellantis’ MEA Dare Forward 2030 vision, a plan to become net zero by 2038 and being ‘second to none’ in value creation for stakeholders.

“Our extended collaboration with AAV has been instrumental in Stellantis' success in Egypt,” surmised Hesham Hosni, managing director of Stellantis Egypt. “This relaunch of local production not only demonstrates our confidence in Egyptian expertise but also our commitment to delivering world-class vehicles tailored to local preferences.”