A successful conclusion to the first part of the investment cycle
Steklarna Hrastnik has planned total investments of EUR 12.7 million in 2018. The company has now made an investment of EUR 4.2 million to increase the production capacities of packaging glass by over 20%. This was achieved by purchasing the most up-to-date IS machine with a higher capacity for the Special production unit and moving one of the IS machines from the Special to the Vitrum unit. This way, Steklarna Hrastnik has not only increased its capacities but also improved the working conditions. The company has thus strengthened its position as one of the leading manufacturers of special glass packaging in the very highest quality segment, known as the super premium quality segment.
Since the start of this year, Steklarna Hrastnik has seen an increase in the demand for products with special shapes in the spirits and perfumes segment. “Our capacities are sold out until the end of October this year. With this EUR 4.2 million investment, we have increased our production capacities by over 20%, which will enable us to keep up with the global market demands in our niche segment of super premium quality products,” said Peter Čas, General Director of Steklarna Hrastnik, adding: “The investment was completed before the planned deadline. I am particularly pleased that it was implemented safely. This latest investment is the result of outstanding cooperation between our employees and suppliers, as well as a testament to their know-how. The company’s remaining investments will be aimed at further automating, robotising and digitising production. This will improve our competitive position and contribute significantly to better working conditions for our employees.”
The optimisation of production at Steklarna Hrastnik, making the most of the favourable trends in the special glass packaging segment
The company noticed the potential of the special glass packaging segment last year. To make the most of it, they transformed a lighting glass unit into a packaging glass unit (Special). This gave them room to expand the packaging glass unit and bring in the employees from the discontinued programme. The Special unit was upgraded with the most up-to-date machine with a higher capacity. The investment work also included space for an extra packaging glass line in the Vitrium unit (tableware), making it possible to bring in the six-section IS machine from the Special unit. In short, the investment was used to further update and optimise both units, as well as to maximise the utilisation of both furnaces. Today, the Vitrium unit process up to 80 and Special unit 160 tons of glass respectively.
Reducing costs by increasing production
By increasing production and making optimum use of both furnaces, the company will reduce the costs per product unit, thus boosting its yield and added value. »By optimising the production process and making maximum use of the available capacities, Steklarna Hrastnik will increase production, thus reducing the cost of energy per product unit. This is important because the company has been facing an above-average increase in the cost of key energy resources in 2018,” said Steklarna Hrastnik representatives.
This year’s investment cycle is an important contribution towards the continued digitisation of Steklarna Hrastnik and its transition to smart manufacturing.