Enabling European pigment technology provider to modernize network infrastructure

Cloud migration, managed SD-WAN and SASE deployment enabled network transformation

Published: 8 October 2026

Last updated: 8 October 2026

Overview
The Challenge
The Objective
The Solution
The Impact

Overview

Our client is a leading global provider of pigments and pigment technology for coatings, corrosion protection, plastics and printing industries. Operating across multiple continents, the company maintains more than 20 production facilities, a global office presence and a network of more than 40 warehouses worldwide. The manufacturing giant was seeking an experienced technology partner to transform their legacy infrastructure through cloud migration to cloud native solutions and implementing modern managed network services architecture to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.

The Challenge

Addressing legacy infrastructure to enable global growth

With expanding global manufacturing operations, our client faced significant infrastructure challenges that were slowing their digital transformation journey:

The need for complete migration to 100% Azure for hosting applications and servers to modernize their IT landscape
Requirement for greenfield deployment of SD-WAN underlay and overlay, along with VPN and security gateway functions across all sites
Absence of centralized monitoring and management capabilities across their distributed network infrastructure
High operational costs associated with MPLS and Internet connectivity solutions
Limited visibility of critical network services including DNS, DHCP and IPAM management
Single point of failure for WAN connectivity at many existing sites, creating operational risks
Legacy network devices approaching end-of-sale and end-of-support status require replacement to maintain long-term reliability, security and operational supportability.

The Objective

Building a resilient, future-ready network

Execute complete cloud migration to Azure platform for all applications and servers
Implement comprehensive SD-WAN solution with integrated security capabilities
Establish centralized network monitoring and management across all global locations
Reduce operational costs while improving network reliability and performance
Eliminate single points of failure through redundant WAN connectivity solutions

The Solution

Comprehensive cloud migration and SD-WAN transformation

As part of the engagement, HCLTech performed a comprehensive network and infrastructure assessment exercise, aligned with the client's business objectives and delivered a robust cloud native solution with enhanced network capabilities.

Cloud migration and centralized services: Executed client's migration to Azure cloud platform integrated with Infoblox cloud services for comprehensive DHCP, DNS, IPAM and NTP management
Managed network operations: Implemented fully managed network services for the global enterprise with end-to-end run operations, ensuring seamless business continuity throughout the transformation process
SD-WAN implementation: Deployed managed SD-WAN architecture using Hub & Spoke topology across all sites, tightly integrated with FortiGate Firewall security to provide comprehensive network protection and traffic optimization
Centralized network management: Configured Azure as the central hub for managing network services across all global locations, providing centralized control and visibility
Redundancy and reliability: Implemented WAN redundancy solutions using Meraki cloud LAN infrastructure to ensure maximum uptime and eliminate single points of failure
Enhanced security integration: Integrated SASE capabilities through Zscaler, providing comprehensive security and connectivity for the distributed workforce and manufacturing operations
Provided end-to-end management and support for all network devices, ensuring continued vendor interoperability and operational continuity across the network environment

The Impact

Infrastructure modernization, cost optimization and operational resilience

100% redundancy achieved for all sites through Meraki cloud infrastructure implementation
45% reduction in on-prem hardware footprint for WLAN controller, contributing to cost savings
Centralized network management established across 30+ sites and 550+ network devices through Azure hub
Eliminated single points of failure with integrated SD-WAN and redundant WAN connectivity solutions
Enhanced operational efficiency through fully managed network services and automated workflows
Future-ready infrastructure with a comprehensive multicloud roadmap and scalable architecture for global expansion
Ensured continued support and operational management for retained network devices that were no longer covered under vendor support, maintaining uninterrupted network operations through our managed services

For more information, write to us at DF-Marketing@hcltech.com

DFS Networks Case study Enabling European pigment technology provider to modernize network infrastructure