First open day event at the Greek machine builder Sabo S. A.
The island of Euboea in Greece is actually a holiday destination in summer. But brick manufacturers from 30 countries from all parts of the world came together there, near Vasiliko, on 9 June 2023 for a different reason. Sabo S.A. had invited to the first open day. Besides brickmakers, some cooperating suppliers were also present. The company headquarters is located between fields and olive groves. From the entrance, one can
see the Gulf of Euboea.
Dimitris Kiliaris, President and founder of the Sabo Group, explained the reason for the event in his welcoming speech. He had founded Sabo almost 40 years ago and now wanted to hand over the management to his daughters Evgenia and Matina. The anniversary will take place in February 2024, he said.
He also gave an overview of his history and that of the company. After studying engineering in Bologna and working in Italy for a few years, he returned to Greece and founded Sabo. The special challenge was that Greece had no tradition in mechanical engineering until then. He attributed the successful development of the company to two factors: his employees and their satisfaction on the one hand, and his first and most important customer, Chalkis Brick Factory, on the other. Its owner, Spiros, had been a mentor and teacher to him in setting up brick machine production.
Matina Kiliari, Managing Director of the Sabo Group, presented the company in figures. Sabo has 350 employees in five companies. 800 projects in the field of heavy clay ceramics have been successfully completed and 600 robots have been handed over. Sabo is present in 55 countries. The company is divided into six business units.
Evgenia Kiliari, Managing Director of Sabo S. A., presented Sabo‘s various business units, products and services. In addition to solutions for the brick industry, the company also deals with plants for waste recycling, for industrial and particularly heavy industrial processes, for electrification and automation as well as providing maintenance services for ships.
All three thanked Sabo‘s customers, visitors and participants at the open day.
Afterwards, the guests were guided in groups through the different departments and production facilities for heavy clay. In each department, Sabo experts explained production in words, presentations and practical demonstrations, answered questions and presented Sabo‘s products and services for the heavy clay industry. For example, the robotics expert showcased a new concept for a setting plant that consists only of conveyor belts, grippers and robots. In the department for the development of kilns and dryers, Sabo‘s efforts with hydrogen were reported on, among other things. With the old burners, hydrogen admixture of up to 30 percent is already possible without any problems. The first tests in industrial brick production would start in the next few months. Other stations included the clay analysis and laboratory services laboratory and Sabo Filiere. Accessories for extruders, such as augers, dies, etc., are manufactured there.
The open day concluded with an evening event overlooking the sea. Five valuable customers were honoured in recognition of their significant influence on the development of Sabo.
