<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><i>The group photo shows, from left to right: Liane van der Veen (Oost NL), Erwin Altena (Oost NL), Gerald Dubois (NordProfil), Rene Rakitow (JAZO), Axel Jansen (JAZO), Helga Witjes (Province of Gelderland), Silke Kienecker (DNL-contact), Piet Boomsma (Interreg), Ellen Jansen (Province of Gelderland).</i></span></p><p><strong>The 50th project within the European small projects fund INDUSTR_I4.0 is being carried out by NordProfil GmbH from Steinfurt and JAZO from Zevenaar. As part of this innovation project, the companies are jointly developing an intelligent control system that automatically controls and optimizes production processes using artificial intelligence. Oost NL, the Province of Gelderland, and Interreg Deutschland-Nederland were present at the award ceremony.</strong></p><p>Deputy Helga Witjes (Province of Gelderland)—who also serves as chair of the Supervisory Committee for the Interreg A Deutschland-Nederland program—emphasized the importance of this milestone: “With this grant, we are giving a boost to the digitization of small and medium-sized enterprises. It’s wonderful to see how companies like NordProfil and JAZO are collaborating across borders. This enables them to produce in a smarter, more sustainable, and more future-proof way. Initiatives like these are exactly what our region needs to remain competitive. New proposals are still welcome, so submit your idea and seize the opportunity to realize an innovation project within INDUSTR_I4.0 as well.”</p><h1>Smarter Manufacturing with AI</h1><p>NordProfil and JAZO are collaborating on an intelligent control system that uses artificial intelligence to automatically manage and optimize production processes. The system reduces setup times, improves product quality, and minimizes material waste. Both companies are implementing the innovation in their own metal profile factories. Furthermore, the knowledge gained can be applied more broadly across the manufacturing industry in both the Netherlands and Germany.</p><p>Liane van der Veen, a board member of Oost NL, also spoke of a special milestone: “Reaching the 50th grant award shows just how many entrepreneurs in the border region are seizing the opportunity to innovate with INDUSTR_I4.0. We are proud that both companies are making the transition to digital production processes. These innovations will not only have a major impact on these two companies but will also help advance the entire manufacturing industry.”</p><h1>Cross-border European cooperation</h1><p>INDUSTR_I4.0 is a strategic project within Interreg Germany-Netherlands, and it strengthens cooperation in the German-Dutch region by addressing key themes that are crucial for sustainable development. Mathieu Oor, Province of North Brabant, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration: “This project demonstrates how cross-border collaboration directly contributes to innovation and economic strength. By pooling knowledge and resources, Dutch and German companies not only strengthen each other but also the region as a whole.”</p><h1>INDUSTR_I4.0: Digital Transformation in the Border Region</h1><p>The INDUSTR_I4.0 small projects fund supports SMEs in the Dutch-German border region in making the transition to digital technology. No complicated theory, but concrete applications such as AI, IoT, and digital twins. A total of €10 million is available through 2027 to help entrepreneurs with their innovation plans.</p><p>The INDUSTR_I4.0 Small Projects Fund is implemented under the Interreg VI Germany-Netherlands program and is co-financed by the European Union, MWIKE NRW, the State Chancellery of Lower Saxony, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the provinces of Fryslân, Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, Flevoland, Gelderland, North Brabant, and Limburg.</p>

Milestone for the Digital Transition: 50th INDUSTR_I4.0 Project Awarded to NordProfil and JAZO Zevenaar