Industrial manufacturers are increasingly tightening cybersecurity controls as global operations become more connected. Now, automotive supplier Ronal Group is taking a major step in that direction.

The company has consolidated remote access management across its global facilities using secure connectivity technology from Rockwell Automation, aiming to improve operational resilience while aligning with emerging cybersecurity regulations.

For manufacturers operating across multiple production sites and supplier networks, remote access is both a productivity necessity and a potential security risk. Ronal’s new centralized system is designed to address both concerns by introducing standardized governance, encrypted communications, and tighter access control.

A Unified Approach to Global Industrial Connectivity

The new implementation allows Ronal Group to manage authorized external access across its facilities through a single, consistent framework.

Under the system, external users—including vendors, technicians, and service partners—can securely access operational technology environments when required, while remaining subject to clearly defined governance rules.

Key features of the deployment include:

• Encrypted communication channels to protect industrial network traffic

• Role-based access authorization to ensure users only access permitted systems

• Centralized monitoring capabilities for improved oversight and auditing

The approach helps reduce the complexity that often arises when individual facilities adopt separate remote-access tools or policies.

According to Stefan Turi, industrial networks and cybersecurity sales executive at Rockwell Automation, secure connectivity has become a fundamental requirement for modern manufacturing environments.

“Secure and reliable connectivity is an essential component of modern industrial operations,” Turi said in a statement. “We are pleased to support the Ronal Group in strengthening its global connectivity framework.”

Addressing Regulatory Pressure and Cyber Risk

The move also reflects the growing influence of cybersecurity regulations in industrial sectors.

Manufacturers operating in Europe are preparing for stricter compliance obligations under NIS2 Directive, which requires stronger protection of critical infrastructure and digital systems.

Remote access pathways are a frequent target for cyberattacks on industrial environments. Consolidating access through a centrally managed system can help organizations enforce consistent policies, track activity, and respond quickly to potential threats.

For Ronal Group, the platform supports regulatory alignment while improving transparency across its manufacturing IT environment.

Simplifying Vendor and Supplier Access

A major challenge in industrial cybersecurity is balancing protection with operational efficiency.

Manufacturers rely heavily on third-party vendors, equipment suppliers, and service providers who require remote access to maintain machinery, perform diagnostics, or deploy updates.

According to Matthias Kratz, head of manufacturing IT at Ronal Group, the company needed a solution that could streamline those interactions without sacrificing security.

“The introduction of a harmonized solution supports our ongoing efforts to enhance operational resilience and transparency,” Kratz said. “It allows us to manage authorized external access in a structured and controlled manner while supporting our compliance objectives.”

He added that the platform’s configuration flexibility allowed Ronal to tailor the system to its operational needs and quickly roll it out to suppliers and partners.

Industrial Cybersecurity Becomes a Strategic Priority

The deployment reflects a broader trend across the manufacturing sector: cybersecurity is moving from an IT concern to a core operational priority.

As factories adopt connected production systems, industrial IoT technologies, and remote diagnostics tools, the attack surface expands significantly. At the same time, manufacturers face growing regulatory scrutiny and supply-chain security requirements.

Companies like Rockwell Automation are increasingly positioning their solutions as foundational infrastructure for secure digital transformation in industrial environments.

For Ronal Group, which manufactures wheels for consumer and commercial vehicles across multiple global facilities, the move is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen operational resilience.

“Cybersecurity is a strategic priority for the Ronal Group,” Kratz said. “We continuously review and enhance our security framework to protect our operations, partners, and customers.”

In an era where manufacturing uptime depends as much on network security as mechanical reliability, that strategy is becoming essential.

Get in touch with our MarTech Experts.