“We decided to build a state-of-the-art control room. Not only for the process, but also for the people working in it,” says Peter Jansen, Project Manager at James Hardie. Operators must be able to rely on clear overview, ergonomic support and technology that adapts to their work at all times. After years of incremental expansions, the existing control room at James Hardie was due for a fundamental upgrade. Not just to keep pace technically, but above all to better support the people working there 24/7.
About James Hardie
James Hardie is an international manufacturer of high-quality building materials and a global leader in fibre cement solutions. In Europe, the company delivers durable façade, wall and flooring systems. Production continuity, safety and quality are key priorities.
From the control room, two operators monitor and manage the entire production process around the clock, responding directly to system status and process deviations.
From fragmented space to integrated design
Over a period of thirty years, the original control room had grown organically. Screens, systems and workstations were added over time, without an integrated design approach. This resulted in limited ergonomics, reduced overview and little flexibility for different users and shifts.
James Hardie aimed to create a control room that restores clarity and calm: a space that supports multiple operators, shifts and evolving requirements, while meeting modern IT and cybersecurity standards.
CREON as advisor and integrator
CREON was involved from the outset as advisor and project lead. Together with James Hardie, the focus was placed on daily operations: how operators work, which information is critical and how the space can best support them.
CREON developed an integrated design in which ergonomics, technology and spatial layout reinforce one another. For technical implementation, CREON collaborated with Tein Technology and Black Box, ensuring short communication lines and a secure, user-focused solution.
SPLIT workstations as the foundation
CREON supplied three SPLIT workstations. One is used for administrative tasks; two linked workstations provide direct oversight of the production process.
Designed for continuous 24/7 use, SPLIT allows desk and monitors to be adjusted independently, supporting both seated and standing work. Viewing distance and screen positioning can be tailored to individual preferences. A height-adjustable, ceiling-mounted video wall behind the workstations ensures clear visibility of both process data and the production line.
Custom cabinets and a pantry complete the control room layout.
A control room that supports people and process
The renewed control room delivers:
- improved overview and reduced cognitive load
- ergonomic support for long shifts
- flexibility for multiple users and future changes
- reliable and secure technical infrastructure
The result is a calm, professional working environment that supports operators in their daily tasks and provides James Hardie with a future-proof control room concept, scalable to other European locations.