Rapid Steps Towards a Smart, Digitized Industry: CIE LT Forge Achieves Remarkable Digital Maturity

CIE LT Forge digitalizes

2025-01-14, Marijampole

Rapid Steps Towards a Smart, Digitized Industry: CIE LT Forge Achieves Remarkable Digital Maturity

The Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC) proudly celebrates the significant digital progress made by one of its members, CIE LT Forge, which has now reached a remarkable level of digital maturity. The company’s achievements have far surpassed the average digital maturity levels of both metal processing and industrial manufacturing companies in Lithuania (34%) and across the EU (44%).

What fueled this impressive progress over the past year?

Aurelijus Šeštokas, Continuous Improvement and Safety Manager at CIE LT Forge, highlights three key factors that have driven the company’s success:

Data Digitization: Sensors have been integrated into the technological production process to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Real-time data monitoring, input, and analysis are now possible at workstations, replacing paper-based processes.

Artificial Intelligence: AI-powered visual recognition systems have been introduced to inspect specific parameters of select products, enhancing product quality control.

Automation: CIE LT Forge has utilized robotic lines for over a decade, and this year, the company has further advanced by robotizing two additional forging lines.

Digital Maturity Evaluation

The company’s digital maturity was evaluated using a specialized questionnaire as part of the European Digital Innovation Hub project. This thorough assessment showcases CIE LT Forge’s commitment to technological innovation and operational efficiency.

Why It Matters

Digitalization at CIE LT Forge significantly enhances operational capabilities, efficiency, and competitiveness, positioning the company as a leader in the industry. The Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC) is proud to support its members in embracing smart, cutting-edge technologies that drive progress and innovation across the industry.

At BACC, we remain committed to supporting our members in their digital transformation journey, helping to create a more sustainable, efficient, and globally competitive automotive and mobility industry.

About Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC)
BACC is a leading organization supporting the development and digitalization of the automotive and mobility industry in the Baltic region. Through collaboration, innovation, and technological advancement, BACC members are at the forefront of shaping the future of the automotive sector.

 

 

/by

Baltic Automotive Components Cluster Joins Global Energy Efficiency Movement

2025-01-07, Vilnius

The Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC) has become a member of the global Energy Efficiency Movement, an initiative launched by ABB to promote energy efficiency and sustainable practices across industries. This collaboration aims to enhance the competitiveness of the automotive sector in Lithuania and the Baltic states by sharing knowledge and implementing innovative solutions.

About Energy Efficiency Movement:

The Energy Efficiency Movement is a global initiative launched by ABB, bringing together organizations committed to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. It fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the adoption of innovative energy-efficient solutions across various industries. With over 560 members worldwide, it aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable industrial operations.

Statements from Leadership:

  • Diana Manko, Executive Director of BACC, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “We believe that joining the Energy Efficiency Movement will enable us to provide greater value to our members by disseminating relevant information and fostering initiatives that enhance the competitiveness of the automotive industry in our region.”
  • Justinas Pesliakas, Head of ABB’s Drives and Motors Business in Lithuania, welcomed BACC’s participation: “The inclusion of BACC in the Energy Efficiency Movement is a significant step towards strengthening our collective efforts to promote sustainable solutions in the industry. Together, we can implement innovative ideas that reduce energy consumption and increase competitiveness both locally and internationally.”

Sustainability Initiatives by BACC Members:

  • Astra LT, one of Lithuania’s oldest metal processing companies, has implemented energy-generating building walls that produce approximately 120,000 kWh annually, reducing CO₂ emissions by about 55 tons per year.
  • Hi-steel, a leading metal processing company in the Baltic states, has expanded its solar power capacity and plans to fully electrify its production and logistics equipment, aiming to significantly reduce fossil fuel consumption.

 

About Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC)
The Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC) is dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth within the automotive and mobility sectors across the Baltic region. By connecting industry leaders, innovators, and experts, BACC creates a platform for the exchange of knowledge and drives the future of the automotive ecosystem.

/by

Innovation Spotlight: Elinta Motors Pioneers Sustainable Electric Motor Technology

2024-12-12

Elinta Motors, a leading innovator in electric motor design, is proud to announce a groundbreaking advancement in electric motor technology, in collaboration with Walter Henrich GmbH. This new development features a unique integration of Walter Henrich GmbH’s advanced Quick’n Cool technology and a zero-porosity rotor, offering an unprecedented leap toward sustainable and efficient motor solutions.

The new motor is:

  • Free from rare-earth materials, aligning with global efforts to reduce dependence on these scarce resources and promote environmental sustainability.
  • 100% Made in Europe, underscoring Elinta Motors’ commitment to local innovation and manufacturing excellence.
  • Equipped with a liquid-cooled shaft, enhancing performance, extending bearing life, and enabling higher continuous power output for more reliable, durable operations.

This breakthrough represents a significant step forward in the electric motor industry, offering not only improved efficiency but also contributing to a greener future for the mobility sector.

Elinta Motors continues to push the boundaries of innovation, pioneering a more sustainable and efficient future for the electric motor industry. By embracing new technologies and design strategies, Elinta Motors is reshaping the future of mobility, one motor at a time.

About Elinta Motors
Elinta Motors is a European leader in electric motor design, committed to driving innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in the mobility sector. Their cutting-edge solutions focus on advancing the performance and environmental sustainability of electric motors.

About Walter Henrich GmbH
Walter Henrich GmbH specializes in providing advanced cooling technologies, with a focus on improving the efficiency and lifespan of electric motors and other high-performance systems.

About Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC)
The Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC) is dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth within the automotive and mobility sectors across the Baltic region. By connecting industry leaders, innovators, and experts, BACC creates a platform for the exchange of knowledge and drives the future of the automotive ecosystem.

/by

Are EVs the Future or Just Another Fleeting Trend?

2024-12-06, Vilnius

Last week at the Verslo Žinios Transport and Logistics Forum, we engaged in a lively panel discussion with thought-provoking questions from Arunas Bertasius. The conversation covered various topics from managing freight tariffs and client demands to the increasingly heated debate around electric vehicles (EVs).

Will the EV revival stick this time?

History has shown that EVs have experienced cycles of boom and bust. In the late 19th century, electric vehicles dominated the market until innovations in gasoline-powered internal combustion engines (ICEs), cheaper fuel, and the lack of infrastructure caused EVs to lose their foothold.

Fast forward to today—the stakes are higher than ever. Developing affordable batteries with larger capacity and accelerating infrastructure growth are key challenges. While some see EVs as the undeniable future, the big question remains: When will they fully take over?

It was a pleasure to share insights and ideas on this fascinating topic alongside Artūras Ščerbakovas, Mindaugas Jurčiukonis, Justas Baltrusis-Baltrusaitis, and, of course, Tomas Jaskelevicius, one of the BACC founding members.

Let’s keep the conversation going—what do you think needs to happen to ensure EVs truly become the future of mobility?

About Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC)
The Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC) is dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth within the automotive and mobility sectors across the Baltic region. By connecting industry leaders, innovators, and experts, BACC creates a platform for the exchange of knowledge and drives the future of the automotive ecosystem.
/by

BACC Joins Drive Sweden Network to Shape the Future of Sustainable Mobility

2024-11-26

The Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC) is proud to announce that it has officially become a member of Drive Sweden, a leading cross-functional collaboration platform dedicated to advancing sustainable mobility.

With a focus on leveraging digital technologies to enable connected, automated, and shared vehicles, Drive Sweden brings together a diverse group of stakeholders from the automotive, tech, and mobility sectors. This collaboration platform is focused on promoting innovative solutions and addressing the challenges currently facing the mobility industry.

As a new member, BACC is excited to join this cutting-edge ecosystem and contribute to shaping the future of mobility. Together with Drive Sweden, we aim to drive forward innovation, sustainability, and progress in the automotive industry.

Our involvement with Drive Sweden aligns with BACC’s mission to foster collaboration and innovation in the Baltic automotive sector. This partnership opens up new opportunities to work with industry leaders, share knowledge, and accelerate the development of solutions that will define the future of transportation.

Let’s shape the future of mobility – together!

About Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC)
The Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC) is committed to fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth within the automotive and mobility sectors across the Baltic region. By connecting industry leaders, innovators, and experts, BACC creates a platform for the exchange of knowledge and drives the future of the automotive ecosystem.

About Drive Sweden
Drive Sweden is a Swedish cross-functional collaboration platform that brings together stakeholders from various sectors to create sustainable and innovative solutions in the mobility field. By working across industries, Drive Sweden aims to accelerate the transformation of transportation through connected, automated, and shared vehicles.

/by

BACC Automotive Webinar Vol. 2: Exploring the UK Automotive Market and the Future of EVs

2024-11-20

The Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC) is excited to announce the second edition of its Automotive Webinar Series, dedicated to the automotive and mobility community in the Baltics. This session will focus on the UK automotive market and the future of electric vehicles (EVs)—one of the most discussed and debated topics in the industry today.

The webinar will feature distinguished speakers from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), including:

  • Ruta Aisthorpe: Providing a comprehensive market overview, with insights into UK registrations and automotive manufacturing trends.
  • David Wong: Discussing the latest trends in electrification, mobility solutions, and the challenges faced by the industry as the UK adapts to the changing landscape.
  • Matthew Smith: Sharing insights into UK flagship activities for 2025, continuing the conversation he initiated at the Baltic Automotive Forum 2024.

Webinar Details:
Date: 28th November, 2024
Time: 13:30 (GMT)
Platform: Microsoft Teams

About Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC)
The Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC) is dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth within the automotive and mobility sectors across the Baltic region. By connecting industry leaders, innovators, and experts, BACC creates a platform for the exchange of knowledge and drives the future of the automotive ecosystem.

/by

BACC Becomes Associate Member of FKG – Strengthening Collaboration in the Scandinavian Automotive Sector

2024-11-12

We are excited to announce that the Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC) has officially joined FKG, the Swedish Automotive Supplier Association, as an associate member!

This partnership marks a significant milestone for both organizations, offering new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth with leading automotive suppliers across Sweden and Scandinavia.

Our association with FKG aligns perfectly with BACC’s vision to strengthen the Baltic automotive sector by creating synergies, sharing knowledge, and embracing new opportunities within the ever-evolving mobility landscape.

With our combined efforts, we are poised to drive the future of automotive mobility, from cars to bikes and scooters – all while fostering a thriving ecosystem of innovation and partnership.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the FKG team for welcoming us into their esteemed network. We look forward to a future full of shared successes and impactful collaborations.

Together, we’re driving the future of mobility!

About Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC)
The Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC) is a leading organization fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth within the automotive and mobility industries across the Baltic region. By connecting members with new opportunities and cutting-edge solutions, BACC aims to shape the future of sustainable and efficient transportation.

/by
,

BACC Explores New Opportunities in Wolfsburg: Insights from Three Days at the Heart of Volkswagen’s Automotive Innovation

29-10-2024

The Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC) recently had the opportunity to spend three impactful days in Wolfsburg, the automotive capital of Volkswagen. The visit provided key insights into the evolving automotive landscape, Europe’s global competitiveness, and the future of innovation and collaboration within the industry.

Impressions from Volkswagen’s Shift in Strategy

As Europe continues to bet on its automotive sector’s global competitiveness, Volkswagen remains a cornerstone of this effort. Despite the temporary shift in Volkswagen’s international strategy, there’s a shared consensus on the need for greater product diversification. The industry must continue to refine innovative solutions that push efficiency and technological boundaries beyond current expectations.

Collaboration: The Key to a Seamless Future

One major takeaway from the visit is the crucial role of collaboration. As former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi suggests, the automotive industry must transition to a seamless single market, where borderless manufacturing, capital flow, and innovation drive success.

BACC Members Thriving Through Collaboration

It was exciting to see BACC members uncover numerous collaboration opportunities, strengthening the ties between the Baltic, Lithuanian, and even Ukrainian automotive industries, and the established players in Western Europe. This collaboration is positioning the Baltic region as a new competitive edge, especially in areas like shortened supply chains and the development of novel solutions.

The opportunity for BACC members to explore these advantages positions them to help European automotive businesses build resilience and strength with minimal capital investment, unlocking the hidden potential in the region.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening European Strategy

Overall, the visit to Wolfsburg was a success for BACC, bringing valuable new contacts, perspectives, and insights that will help shape the best possible value proposition for both the Baltic and European automotive strategy moving forward.

About Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC)
The Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC) plays a key role in fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth within the automotive and mobility sectors across the Baltic region. BACC connects members with new opportunities for growth, leveraging cutting-edge solutions to drive the future of the automotive industry.

 

/by
,

BACC to Represent Baltic Automotive Industry at IZB 2024 in Wolfsburg

BACC at IZB Wolfsburg

2024-10-16

The Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC) is excited to announce that its General Manager, Diana Manko, will be representing BACC at the prestigious Internationale Zuliefererbörse (IZB) 2024 in Wolfsburg, Germany. The event, taking place from October 22-24, 2024, is a leading trade fair for automotive professionals and suppliers from around the world.

BACC will be joined by key partners and members, including LINPRA – Engineering and Technology Industries Association of Lithuania and industry leaders such as UAB HISTEEL, SLT Industrial Components, Elameta, Galvanta, UAB Astra LT AB, and Agmis. The team will showcase the latest innovations and advancements in the Baltic automotive and mobility sectors at Hall #2, Stand #2301.

A Unique Opportunity for Networking and Collaboration

IZB 2024 is a premier event for automotive professionals to connect, explore innovations, and forge new partnerships. The BACC team looks forward to meeting industry experts, potential collaborators, and stakeholders to discuss the future of automotive and mobility solutions in the Baltic region and beyond.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to represent the Baltic automotive industry at IZB 2024,” said Diana Manko, General Manager of BACC. “This event provides an excellent platform for networking, sharing knowledge, and exploring new partnerships to advance innovation in automotive technologies.”

Join Us at IZB 2024

If you’re attending IZB 2024, make sure to visit the BACC team at Stand #2301 in Hall #2. Diana Manko and the team are eager to discuss how they can collaborate with industry leaders to shape the future of the automotive sector.

For more information or to schedule a meeting, feel free to send a private message or drop by the stand to explore the potential for collaboration.

About Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC)
The Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC) is a leading industry association that fosters collaboration, innovation, and development within the automotive and mobility sectors across the Baltic region. By connecting industry professionals and driving forward-thinking initiatives, BACC is at the forefront of transforming automotive technologies and solutions.

/by

Exploring the Future of Mobility in Vilnius: Insights on Public Transportation and Autonomous Solutions

2024-10-17, Vilnius

Last week, BACC had the incredible opportunity to immerse ourselves in the evolving world of mobility and transportation in Vilnius. The focus of the two-day event was on the transformation of public transportation and the rise of greener, more sustainable mobility options.

As Europe moves toward zero emissions through initiatives like Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and upcoming Euro 7 standards, cities are seeing fewer cars on the roads and more emphasis on public transport and eco-friendly alternatives such as buses, bikes, and shared mobility services.

Testing Autonomous Transport Solutions

One of the standout developments is the testing of autonomous vehicles for public transport. In partnership with SĮ Susisiekimo paslaugos and Remoted, the Auve Tech L3 autonomous bus has recently been launched in areas where regular bus services are unavailable. If successful, this solution could become a key part of the commuter experience, similar to systems already running in Japan.

This is just the beginning – as autonomous technology proves its effectiveness, we can expect it to become an integral part of future transport networks.

Key Takeaways from the Transport Innovation Forum

BACC also participated in the Transporto Inovacijų Asociacija’s annual forum, now in its sixth year. The forum provided a platform for professionals to explore the future of transportation. One powerful quote that stood out was from Ji Xinping in 2013:

“The vast ocean of data, just like oil resources during industrialization, contains immense productive power and opportunities. Whoever controls big data will control the resources for development and have the upper hand.”

This quote sparked interesting discussions about the growing role of data in the automotive industry. With major players, like China, already integrating powerful data collection systems into cars, it’s eye-opening to realize how much personal data we unknowingly provide when purchasing more affordable vehicles.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Mobility in the Baltics and Beyond

The discussions in Vilnius highlighted that the future of mobility is rapidly changing. The Baltics is becoming a key player in this transformation, with the rise of autonomous vehicles, improved public transportation, and more sustainable mobility options.

Join the Conversation

BACC is committed to advancing innovation in the automotive and mobility sectors. Stay tuned for more updates on events, partnerships, and cutting-edge solutions that are shaping the future of transportation.

About Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC)
The Baltic Automotive Components Cluster (BACC) is a leading organization focused on fostering innovation and collaboration within the automotive and mobility industries in the Baltic region. By bringing together experts and businesses, BACC helps drive the future of sustainable and efficient mobility solutions.

/by