Egypt's Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly inaugurated on Thursday the second phase of the Ceramica Cleopatra factory during his visit to the integrated industrial zone in Ain Sokhna. Chairman of Ceramica Cleopatra Group Mohamed Abou El-Enein revealed that the factory now spans 7.2 million square metres, with total investments reaching 25 billion Egyptian pounds. The newly launched 500,000-square-metre second phase, valued at 5 billion pounds, will significantly boost ceramic and porcelain production, raising the factory's annual output to 80 million square metres and generating 1,300 new jobs. Accompanied by senior officials, Prime Minister Madbouly toured the facility and hailed the expansion as a vital step in enhancing production quality and strengthening Egypt's exports, aligning with the government's broader strategy to increase national exports and support local industries. Fully Automated, High-Tech Production Hub The advanced production line begins in the pressing section, where raw materials are processed using cutting-edge technology and compressed at precise temperatures based on the product type. The process then moves to the printing phase, where high-tech digital machines imprint intricate designs onto tiles with unmatched accuracy. Prime Minister Madbouly observed the digital printing process firsthand and engaged with engineers, discussing the machinery's capabilities and the factory's commitment to high-quality production standards. In the kiln section, the tiles undergo controlled heating to achieve durability before passing through rigorous quality control inspections. The prime minister also interacted with factory workers, discussing their work conditions, wages, and schedules, reflecting his commitment to labor welfare in Egypt's growing industrial sector. AI-Driven Quality Testing and Innovation in Ceramics One of the highlights of the tour was the AI-powered quality control system, where robots apply variable pressure levels to test product strength before categorising them using artificial intelligence-driven sorting technology. This aims to ensure only top-grade products reach local and international markets. Prime Minister Madbouly also visited the glaze preparation unit, where raw materials are transformed into high-performance ceramic coatings, and the final product exhibition, showcasing Cleopatra's premium ceramics, marble, and marble-effect tiles featuring advanced laser engravings, embossed patterns, and textured finishes. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
