600 Visitors at Colacem’s Caravate Open Day
A plant open to the local community, with dialogue with institutions at its heart
On Saturday, 26 September, Colacem’s Caravate plant welcomed approximately 600 guests for an Open Day held as part of Federbeton’s national “Porte Aperte” (“Open Doors”) programme. Residents, representatives of institutions, associations, schools, customers, suppliers and the media took part in a day dedicated to learning first-hand about the plant and the cement production process.
Held during Colacem’s 60th anniversary year, the event provided an opportunity to meet with the local community and discuss the issues that shape industrial activity today: safety, product quality, environmental monitoring, innovation, the circular economy and the reduction of the carbon footprint.
Among those attending were the mayors of Caravate and Cittiglio, the deputy mayor of Gemonio and the president of the Comunità Montana delle Valli del Verbano. Their presence confirmed the attention local authorities give to a company that has long been part of the area’s economic and social fabric.
Colacem’s Chief Executive Officer, Carlo Colaiacovo, also attended. He emphasised the value of relationships with local communities and the importance of mutual understanding, listening and respect. The company intends to strengthen these ties through initiatives that help people understand what happens inside its plants and encourage direct dialogue with residents and institutions.
During the guided tour, guests visited key areas of the plant, from the central control room and production departments to the laboratory and bagging facilities. They learned about automation and real-time controls, continuous emissions monitoring, checks on the quality of raw materials and cement, the focus on safety, and measures to reduce the use of natural resources and make use of materials and energy in line with circular economy principles.
The tour also covered decarbonisation and the development of Colacem’s cement range. Visitors were given a concise overview of the different ways the company is working to reduce its carbon footprint: energy efficiency, process innovation, the use of alternative fuels and materials, and the development of products with lower clinker content and a lower carbon footprint.
The Open Day concluded with multimedia presentations on Colacem’s projects in innovation, sustainability and relations with local communities. Thanks to the plant employees who welcomed and guided visitors, guests were able to see the facility as more than a place of production: a working community built on expertise, responsibility and daily attention to the area in which it operates.
