The Saverglass Group is collaborating with BDF Industries for the machinery and equipment for its fifth production unit, a greenfield production unit in Jalisco, near Guadalajara, Mexico, a strategic position to reduce delivery times for the US and Canada, the Caribbean and Central America.

Italy’s BDF Industries has been working side-by-side with Saverglass for over 30 years, enabling the group to enhance its development of top of the range products and expansion in the area. All companies of the group, in fact, feature BDF equipment, including IS machines, furnace and forehearth controls.

USA-based Quantum Engineered Products, a company specialising in blank side forming, has signed a strategic partnership with Rondot Group. A family-owned company, Quantum is well known throughout the industry for its innovation and ability to provide solutions to customers. The brand, managed by Steven Kozora, son of founder Joe Kozora (both pictured), primarily addresses customers in the pharmaceutical industry.

Glass Futures is arranging a series of virtual events to explain how the centre of excellence will benefit industry businesses with carbon saving opportunities, while also showing how up-skilling and training will be delivered within a safe environment.

With funding now secured for a collaborative 30 tonnes/day R&D platform, together with members, the organisation is co-designing the world's first global centre of excellence and is reaching out to the global glass supply chain for the best knowledge.

Developed by Sisecam Group, V-Block Technology, which prevents the growth of microorganisms on glass surfaces, has been introduced to the market by Pasabahce, Sisecam's leading glassware brand.

The initial V product range includes various tumblers, tea glasses and saucers, mugs and bowls. Keeping the glassmaker’s signature for durability and elegance, Pasabahce V- Block products additionally offer 24/7 hygiene.

A special formula is applied during production under high temperatures, which stays active during the full life cycle of the glassware.

The V-Block products claim to contribute in the fight against the pandemic by providing protection for places especially with high contamination risk, such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, hospitals, and cafeterias.

According to CEO Andres Lopez, O-I’s glass shipments were consistent with prior year levels and operating and cost performance continued to surpass expectations for the year and fourth quarter. “The global pandemic significantly impacted O-I’s results in 2020” he confirmed, “yet business conditions improved later in the year as market conditions stabilised.”

Segment operating profit was $200 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $203 million the previous year. Operating profits in both the Americas and Europe improved on a year-over-year basis.

SORG has initiated a rebuild of Gerresheimer Furnace 2 at the Lohr plant in Germany. Last reconstructed in 2009, the furnace had reached the end of its life cycle.

The furnace building will be extended to fit the latest technology and the extended production equipment.

The furnace, regenerative chambers, feeders and exhaust system are being renewed. Approximately one billion units of type III glass in different colours, designs and filling capacities are manufactured at the Gerresheimer Lohr facility every year.

The portfolio includes tablet jars, syrup bottles, dropper bottles and acid-resistant chemicals bottles.

Bavelloni SpA has signed an agreement with Teodoro Baldassarre to open a branch in Brazil.

The subsidiary will be responsible for consolidating and developing sales of machines and tools in the local market, as well as providing on-site service support.

Teodoro Baldassarre is appointed Branch Director. Thanks to his extensive experience in the glass industry and in the Brazilian market, he will play a key role in the success of the venture.

Bavelloni provides glass processing technology and services for the architectural, furniture and domestic appliance and solar industries.

At a recent webinar attended by media representatives, trade associations and international exhibitors, the Vitrum show organisers outlined features and innovations to be showcased at the Milan event on 5-8 October.

The latest news and included a revised pricing system, based on a stand size that encourages exhibitors to display their technologies at the show and the ‘GLASS IS’ project, the themed pathway that runs parallel.

Vitrum President, Dino Zandonella Necca, assisted by Director, Fabrizio Cattaneo, also presented the Vitrum Life editorial portal, which hosts constantly updated news from exhibitors and the world of glass.

Germany’s EME GmbH has introduced the first web-based batch system for the glass industry.

Traditionally, Windows-based computers were needed to manage and control the glass production process. EME’s software development department designs and implements modules to manage the plants and machinery.

Batch handling, recipe management and predictive maintenance are core features supported by the application and used locally at client sites.