Fagor Ederlan and Azterlan are strengthening their partnership to drive industrial innovation

This new framework for collaboration establishes a stable partnership to develop research, technological development and applied innovation projects, particularly in iron and aluminium smelting processes, industrial digitalisation and new smart manufacturing technologies. The partnership will also focus on areas of growing strategic importance to the sector, such as sustainability, energy efficiency and emissions reduction. 

Furthermore, the agreement will enable both organisations to work together on initiatives linked to regional, national and European funding programmes, facilitating the launch of new, far-reaching industrial and technological projects. Key priorities include the development of new materials, the optimisation of casting processes, the application of artificial intelligence and digital twins, as well as solutions linked to the circular economy and decarbonisation. 

Garikoitz Artola, Managing Director of Azterlan BRTA, emphasises that “This agreement represents a natural evolution of the collaboration that Fagor Ederlan and AZTERLAN have developed over recent years and enables us to build a more strategic and long-term relationship, aligning scientific and technological capabilities with real industrial needs to tackle challenges linked to new mobility, sustainability and European industrial transformation”.

This agreement represents a natural progression of the collaboration that Fagor Ederlan and Azterlan have developed over recent years and enables us to build a more strategic, long-term relationship.

Talent, knowledge and vision for the future

Another pillar of the agreement will be the promotion of specialised talent development. To this end, advanced training programmes, industrial PhDs and academic projects aimed at bringing scientific knowledge closer to the business world will be promoted. This collaboration will also strengthen the transfer of knowledge between research and industry, one of the key aspects for improving the competitiveness of the Basque industrial sector. 

Judith Muruamendiaraz, Director of Technology and Innovation at Fagor Ederlan, states that “The stability and long-term vision provided by this agreement will facilitate better technological planning and a greater capacity to drive flagship projects with a real industrial impact.”

The stability and long-term vision provided by this agreement will facilitate better technological planning and a greater capacity to drive flagship projects with a real industrial impact.

With an initial duration of four years and a view to long-term continuity, this agreement will enable the development of an annual portfolio of projects and the strengthening of a strategic partnership aligned with the sector’s major technological challenges. The signing of the agreement represents, in short, a further step in both organisations’ shared commitment to a more competitive and sustainable industry that is prepared for the mobility challenges of the future.