Global Company | Pulp & Paper
AME technologies installed in more than 10 Sofidel plants across Europe
Case Study Focus: Porcari Plant (Italy)
At the Sofidel plant in Porcari, the primary objective was to increase the safety level of internal material handling by reducing the risks arising from interactions between operators, forklifts, and industrial vehicles across different operational areas, while ensuring operational continuity and process efficiency.
For the HSE management team, it was also important to have access to objective data on material handling dynamics, in order to monitor operating conditions, identify areas and situations with greater exposure to risk, and guide improvement actions based on concrete evidence.
The project began with the introduction of AMESPHERE ALPHA, a TAG-based collision avoidance solution installed on forklifts and internal material handling vehicles. The system strengthened safety in areas shared by operators and industrial vehicles — from pulp handling and reel management to loading and unloading bays — reducing the risk of collisions, unsafe interactions and situations caused by blind spots, without compromising operational continuity. To further enhance the level of protection, Sofidel subsequently integrated AMESPHERE VISTA, combining TAG technology with AI cameras capable of automatically detecting people, vehicles and obstacles and responding according to the situation detected.
To improve safety in areas with a high level of interaction between vehicles and people, Sofidel implemented AMESPHERE ZONING SPOT at critical points, such as sectional doors and transit access points. The system automatically slows down forklifts near automatic doors, reducing the risk of collisions, while TAG technology detects the presence of operators in blind spots. Safe areas were also configured in specific production zones, with dedicated rules for speed control and safer internal traffic management.
To ensure the correct use of the devices, Sofidel introduced an access control system based on AMESPHERE checkpoints installed at the entrances of its facilities. The system was also integrated with turnstiles and automatic doors, allowing access only to authorized personnel who are properly equipped.
Protection was also extended to suppliers, maintenance personnel, visitors, and external operators, who are provided with an AMESPHERE TAG upon entry, ensuring the same level of safety provided to internal personnel during activities carried out at the facility.
Thanks to AMESPHERE SAFETY and AMESPHERE FLEET MANAGEMENT, software services, Sofidel has a comprehensive view of material handling activities across its facilities, together with tools for data-driven safety management. Through the AMESPHERE platform, Sofidel can now:
The implementation of AMESPHERE enabled Sofidel to address the main safety challenges associated with internal material handling, creating an integrated, effective, and replicable prevention model.
The pilot project carried out at the Porcari plant confirmed the effectiveness of the solution, demonstrating its ease of installation, configuration, and adoption by operators.
The results of the pilot laid the foundation for the progressive rollout of the AMESPHERE model across other Sofidel plants in Italy and several sites across Europe, adapting it to the specific operational needs of each site.
Greater control over risk exposure in critical operational areas
Safer, smoother, and more efficient internal material handling
Data-driven management of safety and operational performance
One shared safety culture among operators and external personnel
