European glass manufacturer Vetropack has completed a furnace and forming equipment investment at its Kyjov, Czech Republic site.

The process of heating up the modernised melting furnace commenced on the January 15 and the first glass is expected to be produced today (Monday).

Production was originally scheduled to start in the autumn of last year but was postponed by a few months due to the tense market situation.

The Czech site of Vetropack Moravia Glass celebrated its 140th anniversary last year.

It is a key glass packaging supplier for Central Europe, and symbolises the successful outcomes of integrating tradition with modern technologies.

With the latest reconstruction work, the site reaffirms its commitment to innovation and sustainability in a dynamic market environment.

“The path to increased sales lies in more modern and efficient production facilities,” said Boris Sluka, Managing Director of Vetropack’s Business Unit Czech Republic and Slovakia.

“While the market situation remains challenging, our proactive approach in seeking new customers has enabled us to, at least partially, supplement our production capacity.”

The retrofitted melting furnace (above) is designed to produce coloured glass and has a larger capacity compared to the previous furnace.

A visualisation of the furnace is available via this link.

In addition the investment included two servo-driven NIS glass forming machines as well as an AIS glass machine.

Mr Sluka said the two NIS glass forming machines represent a significant milestone for Vetropack.

“Servo technology offers numerous advantages, with the NIS machine standing out for its accurate control of the glass-forming process.

“As one of the most flexible and high-performing machines available in today’s market, it substantially lowers energy consumption, improving efficiency and capacity.

“Moreover, the machine improves the working environment by minimising noise and enhancing operator safety through reduced human interaction when compared to pneumatic devices.”