Jelte Wiersma
Secretary General
CEMA
1 December 2026
* JOIN US FOR THE PRE-EVENT HAPPY HOUR on November 30, 2026 FROM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
7.00 – 8.00 CET
registration and networking breakfast
Process Optimization
8.00 – 8.10 CET
Chair's Welcome and Opening Remarks
PEOPLE AND PROCESS
TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGY
Paolo Falcioni
Director General
APPLiA
8.10 – 8.40 CET
Keynote
Gunter Beitinger, Ph.D.
SVP, Manufacturing and Head, Factory Digitalization and Product Carbon Footprint
Siemens AG
Designing Resilient Factories in Times of Uncertainty: AI, People, and CRISP Manufacturing in Action
- Designing future-ready factories that can adapt to volatility, disruption, and shifting global conditions
- Building resilient supply chains through connected, transparent, and scenario-based production networks
- Using AI, digital twins, and simulation as strategic tools for better decision-making under uncertainty
- Integrating people at the center of transformation through upskilling, trust, and human–AI collaboration
- Applying the CRISP Manufacturing framework to create connected, robust, intelligent, sustainable, and people-centric operations
8.40 – 9.10 CET
Plenary
Timo Fleßner, Ph.D.
SVP, Manufacturing, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Medical Devices Lead
Bayer
Scaling Smart Factories across the Global Manufacturing Network
- Driving Industry 4.0 adoption through standardized architectures and interoperable digital manufacturing platforms
- Coordinating systems integration between IT and OT to enable real-time production visibility
- Expanding successful pilot projects into scalable, enterprise-wide smart factory initiatives
- Ensuring workforce readiness through continuous training in digital and automation tools
- Measuring ROI through improved uptime, reduced waste, and faster innovation cycles
9.10 – 9.40 CET
Plenary
Hugues Foltz
EVP
Vooban
Applying Artificial Intelligence for Predictive and Autonomous Manufacturing
- Using AI to anticipate process deviations and prevent costly downtime in operations
- Employing machine learning algorithms for quality inspection and real-time defect prevention
- Applying predictive analytics to extend equipment lifespan and optimize maintenance schedules
- Integrating autonomous decision-making systems to accelerate production response times
- Strengthening trust and governance in AI-driven operations and data applications
9.45 – 11.25 CET
REFRESHMENTS, NETWORKING AND PRE-ARRANGED 1-2-1 MEETINGS
11.30 - 12.00 CET
Streams
PEOPLE & PROCESS
Christoph Rahn
VP and Head, Quality, A320 Family
Airbus
Looking at the Future of Manufacturing through Innovation and Sustainability
- Exploring next-generation technologies that transform manufacturing efficiency and product design
- Reimagining operations under net-zero and circular economy commitments globally
- Discussing how AI and robotics will shape future workforce capabilities and processes
- Sharing strategies for maintaining European manufacturing competitiveness in rapidly changing markets
- Identifying leadership traits essential for navigating continuous disruption and technological evolution
TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY
Christian Wilz
CEO, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and FUSO Germany
Daimler Truck AG
Driving Sustainable Manufacturing Performance Through Authentic Leadership and Societal Impact
- Positioning sustainability as a strategic driver of manufacturing resilience performance and long-term competitiveness
- Embedding authentic leadership to align operational decisions with societal expectations and workforce engagement
- Leveraging digital and Industry 4.0 capabilities to improve resource efficiency energy use and environmental impact
- Strengthening employee attention ownership and accountability by connecting purpose with daily manufacturing execution
- Translating sustainability commitments into measurable operational outcomes across plants and production networks
12.05 – 12.35 CET
Workshops
Room 1
Lukas Biedermann
Co-Founder
Sparetech
Transforming Spare Parts Management to Drive Operational Efficiency and Sustainability
- Automating spare parts identification to eliminate errors, streamline procurement, and ensure operational continuity
- Standardizing master data across systems to increase transparency and reduce redundant inventory holdings
- Leveraging a centralized SaaS platform to accelerate sourcing and lower total cost of ownership for spare parts
- Integrating with existing ERP and maintenance systems to create a unified, real-time parts management workflow
- Reducing CO₂ emissions by optimizing inventory and avoiding unnecessary production and transportation
Room 2
Speaker TBA
Maneva AI
Unlocking the Thinking Factory: Real-Time AI for Quality, Productivity and Resilient Industrial Operations
- Applying AI to transform visual data into real-time actions that reduce downtime and automate quality assurance on the factory floor
- Leveraging video-to-action and line-supervisor AI to boost productivity, detect defects, and optimize cycle performance without disrupting operations
- Embedding AI into everyday manufacturing workflows to enhance safety, compliance, and workforce effectiveness
- Scaling deployment across multiple lines and facilities to accelerate digital transformation and operational excellence
- Turning manufacturing data into tactical insights that improve decision-making, resilience, and bottom-line performance with measurable ROI
12.40 - 13.40 CET
Lunch & Learn Roundtable Discussions and Open Seating Lunch
Benefit from additional learning by joining a moderated roundtable discussion on pressing issues in the industry. Registration is required, and attendance for moderated roundtables on Day 2 is limited, but open and available to all. Choose from:
Speaker TBA
Uncountable
Driving Manufacturing Insight and Innovation Using Enterprise-Scale Scientific Informatics Tools
Speaker TBA
Nanoprecise Sci Cor
Transforming Manufacturing Operations Through AI-Driven Predictive IoT Maintenance
Moving from Reactive to Predictive Maintenance Culture
13.45 - 14.15 CET
Streams
PEOPLE & PROCESS
Adel Emam
Chief Operating Officer, MENA
JBS Food
Driving Resilient Manufacturing Through Automation and Change Leadership
- Launching high‑automation production lines to boost efficiency, safety, and product consistency across facilities
- Integrating data analytics with operations to enable real‑time decision-making and process optimization
- Embedding change management frameworks to guide teams through digital transformation with minimal disruption
- Adapting flexible manufacturing strategies to support co-development of value-added and halal-certified products
- Accelerating regional expansion by establishing local plants with scalable automation and workforce readiness models
- Case study: Empowering transformation at MENA plants through automation, safety-first culture, and change leadership
TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY
Thomas Altenmueller
VP, Manufacturing Analytics
Infineon
Transforming Manufacturing through Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- Implementing cobots and robotics to automate repetitive processes and improve precision
- Streamlining production through AGVs and intelligent automation in logistics operations
- Integrating robotics into complex workflows while maintaining flexibility and adaptability
- Enhancing workplace safety by deploying robots for high-risk or repetitive tasks
- Maximizing ROI by targeting automation where it delivers the most efficiency gains
14.20 - 14.50 CET
Workshops
Room 1
Speaker TBA
AG5
Building a Skills-Ready Frontline Workforce: Replacing Spreadsheets with Real-Time Skills Visibility in Manufacturing
- Moving beyond static Excel matrices to create a live, reliable view of workforce skills, certifications, and training status across operations
- Identifying skill gaps in real time to improve workforce planning, reduce production risk, and ensure the right people are qualified for the right tasks
- Standardizing training requirements by role, team, shift, or machine to strengthen compliance and support consistent execution across sites
- Reducing unplanned downtime and audit risk by keeping operator qualifications, certifications, and training records always up to date
- Enabling smarter resource allocation and long-term capability building through digital skills management for frontline manufacturing teams
Room 2
Speaker TBA
Poka
Applying Six Sigma Principles to Improve Manufacturing Quality
- Using DMAIC methodology to define and measure quality problems effectively
- Analyzing root causes using statistical tools and process data visualization
- Implementing targeted improvements that reduce variability and rework
- Controlling outcomes through monitoring, documentation, and standardized workflows
- Sustaining improvements by embedding Six Sigma discipline across production teams
14.55 – 16.15 CET
HAPPY HOUR, NETWORKING AND PRE-ARRANGED 1-2-1 BUSINESS MEETINGS
16.20 - 16.50 CET
Streams
PEOPLE & PROCESS
Ganna Petenko
SVP, GSC Digital and Technology
GSK
Building Lean Culture within Digital Manufacturing Environments
- Promoting continuous improvement across all teams amid fast-paced digital transformation
- Aligning lean methodologies with data analytics for measurable performance improvements
- Embedding waste reduction principles in both physical and digital workflows
- Developing leaders who model lean behavior and coach teams through problem-solving
- Sustaining momentum through visible metrics, recognition, and empowered decision-making
Tools & technology
Wolfgang Schlögl, Ph.D.
VP, Digital Manufacturing, Strategic Projects and Programs
Siemens
Driving Digital Manufacturing Transformation Through Factory Data Mesh and Autonomous Operations
- Implementing factory data mesh architectures to enable scalable interoperable and real-time manufacturing data access
- Integrating MES equipment and analytics platforms to support decentralized data ownership and faster decisions
- Enabling lights out factory concepts through advanced automation robotics and AI-driven control systems
- Improving plant performance by leveraging predictive insights to maximize uptime throughput and OEE
- Redefining workforce roles to support autonomous operations governance and data-driven engineering excellence
- Scaling digital manufacturing capabilities to deliver resilient efficient and future-ready production environments
16.55 - 17.25 CET
Plenary
Noeleen Donegan
Chief Operating Officer, Europe
Kerry
Building the Future-Ready Manufacturing Supply Chain: Leveraging AI and Digital Innovation for End-to-End Efficiency
- Integrating manufacturing and supply chain operations to enable seamless, end-to-end visibility from production planning to delivery
- Leveraging AI and advanced analytics to optimize production scheduling, demand forecasting, and inventory management
- Driving shop floor efficiency through digital tools, automation, and real-time performance tracking
- Connecting manufacturing sites with suppliers and distribution networks to reduce lead times and improve responsiveness
- Preparing operations for the future by scaling digital capabilities, enabling smart factories, and upskilling global teams
17.25 - 18.10 CET
Panel Discussion
Martin Tillmann, Ph.D.
VP, Manufacturing and Quality
Bosch
Martin Friedl
VP, Global Operations and Prototyping Excellence
PALFINGER
Mark Stewart
SVP, Operations
Lockheed MartinGunter Beitinger, Ph.D.
SVP, Manufacturing and Head, Factory Digitalization and Product Carbon Footprint
Siemens AG
Henri Lanfry
VP, Manufacturing and Supply and Head, Dupixent and mAbs Manufacturing
Sanofi
Nihat Bayiz
Chief Production and Technology Officer
Beko
Leading Global Operational Excellence through Digital Leadership and Strategy
- Setting strategic direction for digital transformation and operational alignment
- Cultivating innovation-driven cultures that promote continuous learning and agility
- Managing global transformation programs with measurable performance indicators
- Balancing local flexibility with enterprise-wide process standardization
- Building future-ready leadership pipelines to sustain excellence across generations
18.10 - 18.20 CET
Chair's closing remark
PEOPLE AND PROCESS
Jelte Wiersma
Secretary General
CEMA
TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGY
Paolo Falcioni
Director General
APPLiA
18.20 - 19.20 CET
Networking Drinks Reception
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