Customer Interview – FRANCISCO ALBERO SAU (FAE), Spain

In highly demanding industrial environments, process efficiency and material reliability are critical to maintaining competitiveness. At Saint‑Gobain Performance Ceramics and Refractories (PCR), we support our customers worldwide with advanced ceramic solutions designed to meet the challenges of high‑temperature industrial applications.

We spoke with Pedro Miguel Ruiz, Process Technician – Industrial Applications at FRANCISCO ALBERO SAU (FAE), who shares his experience working with Saint‑Gobain PCR, the challenges FAE faced in recent years, and how our solutions have helped improve performance, productivity and energy efficiency.

Could you briefly introduce FAE and its main activities?

FAE is a family-owned company specializing in the design, manufacture, and distribution of electronic sensing solutions for the aftermarket and original equipment manufacturers in the mobility sector and other industrial sectors, with a focus on medium and small production runs. The company creates value through an organisation focused on delivering customised solutions for its clients. It operates on a global scale and relies on advanced industrial processes to meet the high standards of quality, reliability and performance.

Within this context, Saint‑Gobain PCR acts as a supplier of advanced materials that are essential to our manufacturing processes. Our applications involve sintering parts at very high temperatures, and Saint‑Gobain PCR’s materials play a key role in ensuring the performance and durability required under such extreme conditions.

How would you describe your partnership with Saint‑Gobain PCR? What makes it unique?

Our collaboration with Saint‑Gobain PCR is based on continuous and open communication. Beyond recurring material needs, we also work closely together on new projects and process improvements.

What truly differentiates Saint‑Gobain PCR from other suppliers is the speed and efficiency of interactions. Having a responsive sales contact, quick answers, and prompt support whenever issues arise in the factory makes a significant difference in our day‑to‑day operations. This level of service and proximity is essential in an industrial environment where responsiveness directly impacts performance.

What challenges have you faced, and how have you worked together to overcome them?

In recent years, we needed to improve our processes while increasing production volumes. To support these objectives, Saint‑Gobain PCR introduced us to Light Weight Kiln Furniture, particularly 4 mm slabs.

This change was a major step forward. The thicker plates previously used reduced the number of parts that could be loaded into the kiln. By switching to lighter, thinner solutions, we were able to increase sintering capacity and overall production output.

In addition, this solution delivered energy savings and higher productivity, which resulted in a lower cost per part. The benefits were therefore both economic and operational, while also contributing to more efficient energy use.

How would you like to see your collaboration with Saint‑Gobain PCR evolve in the future?

We would like to maintain the current way of working, as it fully meets our needs and expectations. At this stage, we do not foresee any major changes, as everything is already functioning very well.

I look forward to continuing this close collaboration for many years to come, working hand in hand with Saint‑Gobain PCR on future projects and ongoing industrial challenges.

The collaboration with FRANCISCO ALBERO SAU (FAE) highlights how the implementation of Light Weight Kiln Furniture can deliver concrete improvements in production capacity, energy efficiency and overall process performance. A strong example of how tailored ceramic solutions effectively support demanding industrial applications. A concrete illustration of how we are pioneering ceramics for a better tomorrow.