Vertical: Manufacturing
Application: Connected drones, smart glasses and VR headsets, predictive maintenance sensors
Ecosystem: Ericsson, Vodafone Portugal
Private Network: 5G
CIMPOR has completed deployment of private 5G networks at three cement production facilities in Portugal, establishing a foundation that the global manufacturer plans to replicate across additional sites worldwide. The installations at Alhandra, Loulé, and Souselas represent one of the first multi-site industrial 5G rollouts in the cement sector.
The networks provide ultra-low latency connectivity below 10 milliseconds, enabling simultaneous operation of IoT sensors, autonomous systems, and data-intensive digital tools in environments characterized by dust, vibrations, and extensive metal infrastructure. Vodafone Portugal handled installation, configuration, and integration of radio equipment and core network systems while supporting deployment of industrial applications across all three sites.
Experience from the initial facility accelerated subsequent implementations, creating a standardized approach that CIMPOR can apply to plants in other regions. The company operates cement and building materials facilities across multiple countries and sees the Portuguese deployment as a template for broader digitalization efforts.
According to CIMPOR’s internal projections, predictive maintenance capabilities enabled by the private networks could generate up to one million dollars in annual savings per plant by reducing unplanned equipment downtime. Early efficiency improvements of approximately one percent are estimated to deliver between ten and fifteen million dollars in annual economic benefits while cutting carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 140,000 tons.
Berkan Fidan, Global Chief Technology Officer at CIMPOR, said: “This implementation of private 5G networks across our production units marks a decisive step in strengthening the resilience, efficiency and safety of our industrial operations. This technology lays the foundation for a new generation of digital applications and enables us to operate with greater precision and responsiveness. This is only the beginning of a wider journey.”
Beyond maintenance optimization, the networks support operational applications including aerial drone inspections of equipment and structures, augmented reality systems for technician training and remote expert support, real-time video monitoring for worker safety, and digital tablets that eliminate paper-based processes on production floors. The infrastructure also positions CIMPOR to adopt emerging technologies such as digital twins and additional autonomous vehicle operations.
Henrique Fonseca, Executive Board Member of Vodafone Portugal’s Enterprise Business Unit, said: “The implementation of private 5G networks in these three CIMPOR factories not only demonstrates the company’s determined commitment to its sustainable future but also reinforces the role these networks play in enhancing economic competitiveness, particularly in industrial activities. With immediate communications and large-scale sensing, data can be interpreted quickly, and a wide range of remote activities becomes possible — expanding the reach of these factories well beyond their physical locations.” The deployment addresses specific challenges of cement manufacturing environments where traditional wireless systems often struggle with reliability and coverage. Heavy machinery, metal silos, and concrete structures typically interfere with radio signals, while airborne particulate matter and extreme temperatures stress electronic equipment. Private 5G networks using dedicated spectrum provide more consistent performance than commercial mobile networks or industrial Wi-Fi in these conditions.
