New Furnace Comes On Stream at Allied Glass

The new end-fired furnace, which has been designed to have a melting capacity of 265 tonnes per day, will be amongst the UK glass industry´s most energy efficient. This is thanks to the installation of a state of the art control system, supplied by STG Cottbus of Germany, which controls the burners and with additional design modifications, ensures that emissions to air are minimised, contributing to improved air quality in the locality.

Primarily to be powered by gas, with a light fuel backup, the new furnace, which was constructed by specialists Tecoglas, replaces a structure that during its 10 years continuous operation, melted over 800,000 tonnes of glass, producing approximately 1.5 billion bottles.

Allied Glass, the UK´s fourth largest glass container manufacturer, is committed to a policy of continuous investment, adding new technology to both its plants to expand and develop its production capability. Andrew Spencer, the company´s Chief Executive, comments:

"With concerns throughout the manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom, regarding energy costs and business compliance regulation, this new strategic investment has been very carefully planned to ensure that we have the ability to respond to the needs of our current and future customer base. Our aim going forward is to continually improve product quality and efficiency, whilst at the same time increasing our production capability in specialist shapes and unusual designs. With the successful completion of the first stage of the investment programme, we now feel we have made a huge step towards installing the capacity and flexibility to achieve our goal."

Andrew Spencer concludes:

"Here at Allied Glass we have all the ingredients for a sustainable, successful business and this investment programme renews our enthusiasm and commitment."