LB celebrates 45th anniversary in its renovated headquarters

With the renovation of its headquarters in Fiorano, LB puts the seal on a growth path that has involved huge investments in R&D and a process of internationalisation

As the LB group prepares to complete another year of growth, it celebrates its 45th anniversary in a completely renovated headquarters. The large, bright and highly functional workplaces adopt the most innovative lighting, heating, cooling and noise reduction solutions, while integrated photovoltaic systems are used for energy production.

Designed by the firms of Francesco Lucchese (Lucchesedesign, Milan) and Vittorio Ascari (Tecne Engineering, Sassuolo), the new building was opened in September ahead of Tecnargilla and Cersaie.

With this latest important step, LB has put the seal on a growth path that has seen it make major investments aimed at maintaining its world leadership in the field of plants for managing and processing raw materials and powders.

The group’s efforts to establish a broader presence in world markets have centred on a structured internationalisation programme involving the opening of branches in India, USA, China, Spain and North Africa.

As chairman Emilio Benedetti pointed out, LB has also made significant investments in R&D over the last five years, investing a percentage of turnover that is double the sector average. These efforts have enabled it to address the challenges of a constantly-changing global marketplace and supply a range of technology that responds to the needs of production.

Amongst its most successful plant projects developed in recent years, Benedetti noted in particular the Divario press feeding technology (which boasts 70 installations) and the patent for ECB dry colouring technology adopted by 40 different companies. Other projects include Freestile for digital dry decoration prior to shaping (10 installations completed) and Migratech 4.0, the highly innovative ceramic body preparation technology. The culmination of 3 years of R&D efforts, this patented solution is capable of bringing enormous energy savings and a drastic reduction in atmospheric emissions of polluting agents.

During the last two years LB has focused strongly on Industry 4.0 solutions, developing the Plus and Star applications (Augmented Reality) in collaboration with AST4.

Today all the LB group’s technologies are to be found in the pilot plant installed in the Technological Laboratory, which was totally renovated and doubled in terms of space last year.  This is where the design development activities relating to the new LB Arte Italiana brand are carried out. From experimentation into new materials through to the creation of new double-charging or full-body aesthetic effects, including through-vein solutions, LB Arte Italiana aims to offer the ceramic market exclusive and non-replicable surfaces inspired by concepts of beauty, aesthetics and elegance.