Driving Automation and Sustainability in the Cement Industry: A Conversation with Rudolf Hausladen
By Alex Catana

Rudolf Hausladen, a mechanical engineer with an MBA, is the CEO of BEUMER Group. With over 25 years of leadership experience in the intralogistics industry, he has held senior positions in both national and international organisations. Prior to becoming CEO, Rudolf joined BEUMER’s management board in 2020. Under his leadership, the company continues to focus on providing innovative systems and solutions across industries such as cement, mining, logistics, airports, and packaging. Dedicated to upholding BEAUMER’s legacy of quality and innovation, he continues to drive the company’s global growth and development.
Rudolf, can you share a bit about your journey in the automation industry and what inspired your focus on the cement sector?
I spent much of my career in automation within the intralogistics sector before joining BEUMER Group around four years ago. Transitioning into the cement industry has been fascinating. BEUMER has a long-standing reputation in this field, offering solutions that transport and handle raw materials and finished goods, which significantly improve plant productivity. We’re also focused on helping our clients reduce their carbon footprint, making a positive environmental impact. That, in particular, drives my passion for this industry.
What are the most significant changes you’ve seen in the cement industry with the adoption of automation and digitalisation?
The cement industry has traditionally been conservative, but recent advancements have spurred a wave of innovation. Given that cement production is a continuous process, any interruption can be highly costly. We’ve introduced new materials for conveyor belts to extend their lifespan and combined this with digital monitoring solutions to proactively address maintenance needs. Additionally, we’ve enhanced productivity with IoT-connected high-performance palletisers and digital tools, like our ELARA platform, which digitises service and maintenance workflows. These innovations allow us to improve productivity and streamline maintenance across cement plants.
How does BEUMER differentiate itself in providing automation solutions specifically for the cement industry?
We focus on delivering high-performance products that boost productivity and sustainability. Our global network enables us to provide exceptional local support, which is critical in maintaining systems worldwide. Beyond our product offerings, we stay closely connected to the industry through continuous dialogue with our clients, understanding both their expressed and unarticulated needs. This helps us stay ahead and innovate in ways that matter most to our customers.
What leadership qualities do you believe are essential in driving digital transformation within traditional industries like cement manufacturing?
I would highlight three key qualities: understanding customer needs, fostering a culture of quality excellence, and continuously challenging the status quo. First, understanding customer needs, even those that aren’t explicitly stated, is vital. Second, a commitment to quality is crucial in process industries like cement, where downtime must be minimised. Third, I encourage our team to always ask, “Is there a better way?” and to explore improvements. This mindset enables us to evolve while maintaining reliability.
How have automation solutions impacted operational efficiency and sustainability in cement production, and what results have you observed?
One notable example involves a cement plant in Asia where we automated raw material transport using 10-kilometer overland conveyors. These conveyors, equipped with sensors and powered by solar panels, significantly reduced energy consumption. By using conveyors rather than trucks, our client cut vehicle usage by 90%, leading to both higher productivity and a significantly lower carbon footprint.
What role do you think data analytics and AI will play in the future of cement manufacturing?
Data analytics and AI hold vast potential. We already stream data from various systems, analysing it to optimise performance and pre-emptively address maintenance needs. Recently, we launched a global customer diagnostic centre to monitor our systems 24/7, enabling us to maintain high standards of operational continuity. AI will continue to enhance these efforts, allowing for more predictive and efficient plant operations.
With AI increasingly prevalent, is there a risk that human expertise could be overshadowed, and how can management mitigate this?
While AI will indeed take over certain tasks, it will also create new roles for humans, especially around managing and refining AI-driven processes. In cement production, for instance, AI can assist in streamlining operations, but human intuition and oversight remain invaluable. Management can mitigate risks by focusing on skill development and preparing teams for an AI-augmented work environment where human expertise remains central.
How does your leadership style influence innovation and the adoption of digital solutions within BEUMER?
Innovation is central to my role at BEUMER. I emphasise continuous process evaluation and maintain an active dialogue with customers to stay informed about their needs. We also encourage innovative ideas across the company, giving them visibility and support from the top. Regularly visiting clients and staying updated on technological advancements allows me to drive innovation in a way that aligns with our core mission and the needs of our customers.
What challenges do you foresee in further automating the cement industry, and how is BEUMER addressing these?
Given the cement industry’s reliance on continuous operation, new equipment and solutions must be extensively tested to ensure reliability. Designing for ease of maintenance is also crucial, as cement plants handle abrasive materials that wear down components over time. We focus on making systems accessible and implementing smart sensors for real-time condition monitoring. This allows us to address issues proactively, keeping downtime to a minimum.
Lastly, how do you envision AI shaping cement companies’ broader business strategies in the long term?
AI will play a major role in boosting productivity, enhancing transparency, and reducing downtime in cement plants. It offers a strategic advantage by enabling data-driven decisions that optimise every aspect of operations. For cement companies, AI represents a path toward more efficient and resilient operations, a necessity in today’s competitive landscape.
If you would like to discuss any of the topics raised in this piece or if you need support with your leadership resourcing strategy, please get in touch with Alex Catana on alex.catana@beaumontbailey.com.