Expanded use of connected sensors strengthens Solvay’s strategy by improving cost-efficiency, safety and environmental performance.
Solvay has extended its global framework agreement with IMI to accelerate the deployment of connected industrial sensors across its global manufacturing footprint. IMI serves as Solvay’s preferred supplier for these technologies, with more than 5,000 sensors now installed at 25 sites in 11 countries. This deployment helps Solvay improve the reliability and efficiency of its operations while reducing costs and its environmental footprint.
These connected devices, often referred to as Industrial Internet of Things (I‑IoT) sensors, continuously measure vibration and temperature on critical equipment. This enables Solvay teams to continuously track assets, prevent breakdowns and plan maintenance at the right moment. The Group plans to expand the deployment to 9,000 sensors by 2027.
This initiative plays a central role in Solvay’s Essential for Generations strategy, which notably focuses on operational excellence and sustainability. As part of this transformation, Solvay is moving away from traditional time‑based maintenance to a more advanced approach using real‑time data.
This shift helps teams predict equipment failure, reduce repair costs and limit energy losses and waste. The company has already scaled its use of sensors from just a few hundred in 2023 to more than 5,000 installed worldwide today, contributing to a more resilient and reliable industrial footprint across all regions.
“Digitalization is reshaping the way we run our plants. Expanding the use of connected sensors helps us make quicker and better-informed decisions that improve safety, reliability and energy efficiency - while also making our operations more competitive and cost‑effective. It’s a concrete accelerator of the operational excellence transformation we’re driving across Solvay as part of our Essential for Generations strategy,” said Lanny Duvall, Chief Operations Officer at Solvay.
Diana Garcia, Global Business Development Manager, Digital Products at IMI, added: “The complexity of modern plant operations, coupled with constant pressure on margins, means the chemical industry cannot rely on manual inspections to ensure maintenance operations are efficient and effective. Our technology provides real‑time insights that support Solvay’s move toward predictive maintenance. We are pleased to deepen this successful collaboration.”
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Solvay, a pioneering chemical company with a legacy rooted in founder Ernest Solvay's pivotal innovations in the soda ash process, is dedicated to delivering essential solutions globally through its workforce of over 8,400 employees. Since 1863, Solvay harnesses the power of chemistry to create innovative, sustainable solutions that answer the world’s most essential needs such as purifying the air we breathe and the water we drink, preserving our food supplies, protecting our health and well-being, creating eco-friendly clothing, making the tires of our cars more sustainable and cleaning and protecting our homes. Solvay’s unwavering commitment drives the transition to a carbon-neutral future by 2050, underscoring its dedication to sustainability and a fair and just transition. As a world-leading company with €4.3 billion in net sales in 2025, Solvay is listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris (SOLB). For more information about Solvay, please visit solvay.com or follow Solvay on Linkedin.
IMI is a global leader in fluid and motion control, engineering bespoke solutions that enhance safety, productivity and sustainability across critical industries in energy, automation and healthcare. We work in close partnership with customers to design, build and service high-performance valves, actuators and control systems that solve complex engineering challenges.
Our solutions are a small part of our customers’ systems – but they play a critical role in how those systems perform. By combining deep technical expertise with real customer insight, we deliver solutions that are precisely engineered for impact.
Through our One IMI model, we combine commercial excellence, market-led innovation and continuous improvement to scale what works across the business. By sharing best practice, improving every day and staying close to evolving customer needs, we deliver consistent results and long-term value for our customers, communities and the world we serve. Further information is available at www.imiplc.com.