In 2016, the Group filed 45 new patent applications; it now has a portfolio of 2,032 patents in 611 different categories. This dynamism is also apparent in the increase in investments: in 2016, Fives invested €36.7m (£31.6m) in Research & Development – a steadily growing sum.
Technologies to build the plant of the future
Fives is directing its work towards building the plants of tomorrow – more productive, more flexible, more reliable and more respectful of humanity and of the environment.
In particular this includes development of digital solutions, which can be used to optimise the performance of the production system at all phases of its life cycle. The group is also focusing on using new manufacturing processes (3D printing) and new materials (composites). Finally, Fives is introducing practical solutions to make industrial processes more energy efficient, by developing eco-designed technologies.