CIMPOR Expands Ericsson Private 5G Strategy Following Successful Multi-Site Deployment in Portugal

CIMPOR, a global cement and industrial materials producer, has successfully completed the rollout of a multi-site Mobile Private Network (MPN) based on Ericsson Private 5G across its three main production facilities in Portugal: Alhandra, Loulé and Souselas. Following this implementation, the company is preparing to extend the model to additional operations globally, building on the results achieved in partnership with Vodafone Portugal and Ericsson.

The private 5G deployment delivers high-reliability connectivity with ultra-low latency of under 10 milliseconds, designed specifically for demanding industrial environments. The networks enable the simultaneous operation of IoT sensors, autonomous and semi-autonomous systems, and advanced digital applications, even in conditions characterized by dust, vibrations and large metal structures.
Vodafone Portugal led the installation, configuration, integration and validation of all radio equipment and core network parameters, while also supporting the deployment of multiple industrial use cases. These include connected drones for inspections, smart and VR glasses for training and remote assistance, predictive maintenance sensors, video-based safety monitoring, worker tablets for paperless operations, and AI-enabled applications.

Insights gained from the initial deployment accelerated implementation at subsequent sites, establishing a scalable and replicable framework. This foundation positions CIMPOR to further integrate technologies such as automation, digital twins and autonomous vehicles across its production processes.

According to internal assessments, predictive maintenance enabled by private 5G could generate up to USD 1 million in annual savings per plant by reducing unplanned downtime. Additionally, early efficiency gains of approximately 1 percent are estimated to deliver USD 10–15 million in annual economic impact, alongside a reduction of around 140,000 tons of CO₂ emissions.

Berkan Fidan, Global Chief Technology Officer at CIMPOR, says:

“This implementation of private 5G networks across our production units marks a decisive step in strengthening the resilience, efficiency and safety of our industrial operations. This technology lays the foundation for a new generation of digital applications and enables us to operate with greater precision and responsiveness. This is only the beginning of a wider journey.”

Henrique Fonseca, Executive Board Member, Enterprise Business Unit at Vodafone Portugal, says:

“The implementation of private 5G networks in these three CIMPOR factories not only demonstrates the company’s determined commitment to its sustainable future but also reinforces the role these networks play in enhancing economic competitiveness, particularly in industrial activities. With immediate communications and large-scale sensing, data can be interpreted quickly, and a wide range of remote activities becomes possible — expanding the reach of these factories well beyond their physical locations.”

Manish Tiwari, Head of Enterprise 5G at Ericsson, says:

“CIMPOR’s multi-site deployment illustrates how Ericsson Private 5G networks can transform industrial operations at scale. As enterprises move toward more automated and real-time processes, demand for reliable private cellular networks continues to grow. By establishing a replicable approach across three sites, CIMPOR now has a strong blueprint it can apply across its wider global footprint.”

The collaboration underscores CIMPOR’s broader modernization strategy, combining digitalization, productivity and sustainability to support long-term industrial competitiveness.