As general manager of Tubosa, Jesús Álvarez Gualtieri, encourages the use of technology as a way to guarantee product quality, open spaces to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
With an eye on the future and working within the framework of a culture of innovation to ensure more productivity and greater development opportunities, Jesús Ricardo Álvarez Gualtieri, general manager of Tubosa, shares the company’s experience in adopting new technologies.
Tubosa S.A.S., a leading manufacturer of PVC sanitary, pressure and electrical fittings, located in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, has been implementing state-of-the-art technological innovations to optimize its production processes, within the strategic vision of the organization.
Álvarez Gualtieri states that “the integration of robotics and advanced automation has made it possible to improve efficiency, reduce costs and guarantee product quality,” which is one of the main focuses of his management.
Harnessing the potential of robotics: an essential factor for Jesús Ricardo Álvarez Gualtieri
Tubosa has incorporated collaborative robots in various phases of its processes. These cobots, or robotic arms, are designed to accompany the work of those who operate the production lines.
Specifically, Tubosa uses the collaborative robot in the PVC (polyvinyl chloride) injection process, taking advantage of its potential to perform repetitive and high-precision tasks, adds Jesús Álvarez Gualtieri. These include functions such as material handling, assembly and packaging of accessories, and automated quality inspection.
As Jesús Álvarez emphasizes: “Thanks to their ability to work in conjunction with operators without the need for safety barriers, robots have improved flexibility and safety in production”. In the same vein, Tubosa has modernized its plants by acquiring advanced injection molding machines with automated technology.
Tangible results, according to Jesús Ricardo Álvarez Gualtieri
Collaborative robotics and automation are great allies for the industry led by Tubosa’s general manager, Jesús Ricardo Álvarez Gualtieri, and constitute innovations that have allowed tangible results to materialize.
Álvarez Gualtieri, who has been leading organizational processes for more than a decade, explains that the optimization of cycle times resulted in a 40% increase in productivity, which represents an important milestone for the company’s entire business plan.
It also reduced manufacturing defects by minimizing human contact and optimizing energy consumption, since the electric machines used consume between 25% and 30% less energy than traditional hydraulic machines. Thanks to the acquisition of new extrusion and injection technologies in 2023, the Tubosa S.A.S. plant was able to increase its production capacity by 74%.
Beyond increasing production while guaranteeing quality and reducing operating costs, which increases the profitability of the business, this decision to adopt new technologies has strengthened Tubosa’s position in the market, standing out as an innovative company in the PVC industry, says Jesús Ricardo Álvarez Gualtieri, who ratifies the commitment to “continue working with the conviction of being a fundamental pillar in the progress and growth of Colombia”.
