PRESS RELEASE: 2024 PRE Congress | 19-21 June | Hamburg, Germany
The 2024 PRE Congress took place in Hamburg, Germany, on 19-21 June 2024, and was kindly hosted by the German Refractory Association (DFFI) and sponsored by Refratechnik, RHI Magnesita and Europe Commerce.
More than 100 PRE members, executives from the refractory industry, and national associations from all over Europe, gathered in person to discuss relevant topics and key updates pertaining to the refractory industry at European level.
The Congress opened on Wednesday 19 June with the PRE Executive Committee, held to discuss administrative matters, priorities, and challenges in the upcoming period and mid- and long-term objectives.
Following the meeting, PRE Members had the opportunity to enjoy a delicious dinner during a beautiful Steamboat trip along the Elbe.
To kick-start the second day of the Congress, Thursday 20 June, PRE Members participated in the PRE Economic Committee where internally and externally gathered data on refractories was shown.
The meeting was followed by the “The Talent Challenge” Conference.
Simon Schnetzer, Youth Researcher, Speaker & Futurist, shared his expertise and insight on recruiting and retaining the next generation of talents for the refractories industry. GenZ representatives shared how to make the industry more attractive to the next generation: visibility, carbon challenge, new work culture, and social media.
After a short coffee break, Helena Marschall from Fridays for Future Germany underlined that instead of just pointing out the climate crisis, citizens, businesses, and authorities hold the power to be and make the change, like never before.
Following the Conference, each member took part in the 3 workshops organised on the following topics:
· Workshop 1: Career path expectations: What do young people expect from their professional life?
· Workshop 2: Branding: Increasing the attractiveness of the refractory industry
· Workshop 3: Outreach: Effective communication strategy and tools
The Workshops were organised in a “World Cafe” format and counted also with key presentations by branding and communication experts from ConceptX.
Following the Workshops, PRE Members had the opportunity to enjoy a guided sightseeing tour through the Speicherstadt as part of the social programme organised by DFFI. The day ended with a delightful gala dinner.
On Friday 21 June, the PRE General Assembly concluded the Congress.
During the keynote speech of Christian Meyre, PRE President, the audience had the opportunity to share their input by responding to key Polls regarding their own personal experience as part of the Refractories sector.
Renaud Batier, Director General of Cerame-Unie, presented the outcome of the European elections, the Ceramic Manifesto 24-29 communication campaign, and the foreseen post-election activities.
Ansgar Jüchter, keynote speaker and head of a steel plant, shared the decarbonisation pathway of ArcelorMittal Hamburg GmbH, and its essential connection to the Refractories sector.
Key outcomes of the Workshops were presented and discussed. The PRE team shared the key actions they are undertaking on European policies. The topics included energy & climate, chemical issues, environment, raw materials, circular economy, sustainability, and Research & Innovation.
The PRE General Assembly was also the stage for the 2024 PRE Safety Awards.
The gold was awarded to Calderys Sézanne, for the development of an innovative solution to facilitate the communication between truck and forklift drivers, operating within the plant. A wheel choke has been installed, connected by wi-fi to the traffic lights at the loading bay, therefore enhancing communication between drivers, to improve safety and facilitate loading operations.
Silver was awarded to Calderys Haznedar. At the Haznedar Durer plant, the mixers' doors had a safety risk due to a single hook lock, which could lead to injuries.
Therefore, the maintenance team developed a new automatic locking system, eliminating the risk by ensuring both hands are needed to close the doors.
And finally, bronze was awarded to Calderys Oosterhout. At Calderys Oosterhout, the conveyor belts had to be cleaned around 3 times per shift to avoid contamination. This task involved various hazards, such as exposure to dust, confinement to a small space, and risk of bumping & bruising. A complete redesign by the local site team has taken place to remove this procedure. The system was replaced by a fully automatic vibrating dosing system, resulting in no need for manual cleaning, and eliminating the risk, the hazardous tasks, and reducing waste & dust.
Congratulations to all the winners for their achievements in safety practices.
The PRE team and PRE Members wish to underline their sincere gratitude to the German Refractory Association (DFFI) for kindly hosting this exceptional event.