As the largest producer of Belgian Blue Stone and home to the largest limestone quarry in Europe, Carrières du Hainaut (SigmaRoc) is internationally recognized for the quality and heritage of its natural stone.
To support the long-term performance of its production facilities, Carrières du Hainaut entrusted AgiNtech with the modernization and automation of one of its large stone-cutting machines – an installation that had been in operation for more than 30 years.
THE OBJECTIVE: improve safety, increase efficiency, and upgrade and extend the lifespan of a critical production asset.
PROJECT SCOPE
The project focused on the complete upgrade and automation of a large stone-cutting machine used for processing limestone blocks.
The scope included:
- Automation of the block cutting process
- Complete modernization of the electrical installation
- Replacement of outdated control equipment
- Installation of a new PLC and control architecture
- Renewal of cabling and electrical components
- Design and integration of a new operator control station
- Implementation of modern safety systems to improve operational security
THE CHALLENGE
Modernizing a machine that has been operating for more than three decades presents unique challenges.
The installation was located in an environment characterized by:
- High humidity levels
- Significant dust exposure
- Continuous vibrations
- Aging equipment and infrastructure
In addition, the original machine had been designed at a time when safety standards were very different from today’s requirements. Integrating modern safety measures into an existing installation required a complete review of the machine’s operation and operator interactions.
At the same time, the production process had to remain reliable and efficient, ensuring continuity for a critical manufacturing operation.
THE SOLUTION
AgiNtech delivered a complete electrical, automation, and safety upgrade tailored to the specific constraints of the stone industry.
The project included:
- Full refurbishment of the electrical installation
- Integration of a modern PLC control system
- Development of automated cutting sequences
- Design of a new operator interface
- Implementation of safety functions to reinforce operator security
- Adaptation of all equipment to withstand humidity, dust, and vibrations
By combining automation expertise with a strong understanding of industrial safety requirements, AgiNtech transformed a legacy machine into a modern, efficient, and safer production asset.
RESULTS
The upgraded installation now provides significant operational benefits:
✔ Improved operator safety through modern safety systems
✔ Reduced exposure to risks during machine operation
✔ Automated cutting cycles for increased process consistency
✔ More efficient use of operator time, allowing personnel to focus on other value-added tasks while cutting operations are running
✔ Extended lifespan of a key production asset through modernization rather than replacement
CONCLUSION
This project demonstrates how existing industrial equipment can be successfully modernized to meet today’s performance and safety expectations. By combining electrical engineering, automation, and machine safety expertise, AgiNtech helped Carrières du Hainaut (SigmaRoc) preserve the reliability of a strategic production tool while preparing it for the future.
Interested in modernizing your existing equipment rather than replacing it?
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
AgiNtech-at-Carrières-du-hainaut 6
Modernisation et automatisation des grands disques aux Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line at Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line – Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line- Carrières du Hainaut
Modernising a 30-year-old stone cutting line- Carrières du Hainaut