Marcheluzzo strengthens its leadership in Southern Italy

Laterizi Archinà, a Calabrian company active since the 1950s in brick production, has once again turned to the Vicenza-based firm to upgrade key stages of its production process, reaffirming the long-standing trust and collaboration between the two companies

In recent years, the global brick and tile industry has experienced a sharp market contraction caused by multiple factors. In response, companies are striving to sustain their operations by focusing on products and technologies capable of further cutting production costs.

After several years of stagnation, a number of entrepreneurs in Italy have resumed investments, not so much to increase volumes as to optimise technologies, improve competitiveness and adapt to a constantly evolving market where alternative materials have gained ground. The central and southern Italian regions are currently the most dynamic and have been making substantial technological investments with the support of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 incentives. Manufacturers are particularly focused on upgrading existing – and in some cases obsolete – plants, modernising processes and lowering operating costs.

Marcheluzzo’s response: the Laterizi Archinà case

The Vicenza-based company Marcheluzzo has responded to these complex and often demanding needs by listening closely to its customers and drawing on its decades of expertise. As a result, it has earned the trust of numerous manufacturers in Southern Italy, with whom it has established important partnerships and successfully completed complex, challenging projects.

A case in point is Laterizi Archinà, a Calabrian company active since the 1950s in the production of masonry blocks, floors, facing bricks, roofing, and paving, which has been partnering with Marcheluzzo for over 40 years. The company has once again turned to the Vicenza-based firm to upgrade key stages of its production process, reaffirming the long-standing trust and collaboration between the two companies."

The investments focused on the end-of-line department, introducing new automated brick packaging systems along with improvements in the kiln car unloading and transport package formation stages. These upgrades shortened operating times, improved efficiency and precision, and boosted productivity on the new robotised line, where the new machines have integrated seamlessly with existing components while meeting the customer’s output requirements.

Fired product unloading

With an output of about 120 packages per hour, the new fired product unloading system supplied by Marcheluzzo has reduced the number of shifts while improving process efficiency across a range of product types. Designing the system posed a real challenge, as it had to be installed in a long, narrow space between the kiln and the edge of the factory where an obsolete fired-clay unloading line was already in place. The customer decided to reclaim this limited area rather than construct a new building, thereby preserving the loading yard space.

Despite the difficulties, and thanks to close collaboration with the Archinà family, the project was completed successfully without disrupting the overall production process.

Thanks to the positive synergies developed over the years with the Archinà family, who generously shared their expertise, the project was completed successfully without disrupting the overall production process.

To meet market demand, all brick and tile manufacturers are now obliged to offer a wide product mix. This in turn requires a high degree of flexibility in terms of formats in order to respond rapidly to the needs of warehouses and construction sites. Once again, Marcheluzzo has demonstrated its ability to respond effectively to production requirements, working side by side with customers and offering advice on the most effective technological solutions.