Van Nieuwpoort Group implements GE Vernova solutions to digitize processes and optimize production

The Van Nieuwpoort Group focuses on area development, the sustainable extraction and trading of building materials, and the production of concrete and EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) products. They manage the entire process for their customers, from raw materials to end products.

They were looking to take the next step in their digitalization journey to optimize production processes, and they partnered with trusted technology partners, Novotek and Yitch, to digitise and integrate these operations, aligning them with Van Nieuwpoort’s central business systems. Novotek determined the right combination of software that would be needed, and Yitch implemented and integrated the solutions. They started with two projects with different challenges: sand extraction in Kaliwaal and production, recycling, and upcycling in Goor.

Results from optimized production:

At the Goor site, Van Nieuwpoort produces expanded polystyrene blocks used throughout the construction sector. While the physical process was robust, tracking and traceability were lacking. Yitch stepped in to integrate a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that would bring full control and visibility to the floor.

Working with Novotek’s GE Vernova platform, Yitch tailored the system to the site’s needs, mapping all production steps and ensuring the MES communicated with existing infrastructure.

The EPS process in Goor is the monitoring & control of the entire production process from start to finish, and the flow that comes with it – a total MES process. The biggest challenge was genealogy and tracing of products – how can a block (EPS or Styrofoam) be marked? The choice was made to use a printed 3D QR code on the EPS block and beacons on the forklift trucks. Now production is easier, traceability is improved, and the cost price can be determined better. There is insight into the production from raw material to end product through comprehensive data collection.

The Kaliwaal project focuses on the information exchange between business systems and production order processing. Success in Kaliwaal is based on realizing two things: the flow of information from a business perspective for orders, and the ability to automate and digitize that flow. Previously, that was a very administrative and manual process to ensure that the information regarding the loading and unloading of freight on the Kaliwaal is also automatically integrated into Nieuwpoort's business systems along with the assignments for any other business unit of Van Nieuwpoort.

Yitch was brought in to digitise and integrate these operations, aligning them with Van Nieuwpoort’s central business systems. The team engineered a real-time interface that captured data from the vessel’s control systems and linked it directly to production planning.

There is one control room, with dozens of screens with all the data from the different machines… on one gigantic machine. You have four silos of sand grains cranking out roughly five tons per minute that go over a band. The machines send out data, and they can log that in their systems, they have orders that are scheduled, and they know when they are scheduled. This way they can give context to that data. From sand extraction, weighing and handling of orders, it is now possible to fully trace them with the GE Vernova solutions.

Novotek has over 30 years of experience delivering innovative solutions in industrial IT, automation, digitalization, and cybersecurity. Their highly skilled team excels at harnessing the power of industrial data, enabling businesses to optimize operations, enhance efficiency, and drive digital transformation.

With a strong local presence, they help customers unlock the full potential of their data, laying the foundation for smarter decision-making and sustained growth. Their commitment to excellence and dedicated support empowers businesses to embrace digitalization and confidently achieve measurable results.

Yitch wants to keep production and consumption close to each other in order to contribute to a sustainable economy and ensure a bright future for future generations. They start where others stop: with insight, and uncover what truly drives — or delays — performance. But insight without implementation is theory. That’s why they translate understanding into action, shaping smarter, faster, leaner production environments.

Their promise? Not just to collect data, but to convert it. Into decisions. Into optimizations. Into measurable outcomes. This is how we build smart factories: by turning complex processes into competitive advantage. From insight to impact.

From coming up with tailored strategies to selecting the right systems and technologies, they guide automation and digitalization journeys. With a focus on maximizing the value of technology, they provide expert analyses and solutions to address specific needs.