Pneumofore has been a trusted partner of Şişecam for more than two decades, supplying vacuum technology across multiple countries. In 2024, Şişecam’s Eskisehir facility, Türkiye, resumed operations of one of its glass furnaces after a major cold repair. Today, the site has reached a remarkable milestone: with five furnaces and 24 production lines, it stands as the world’s largest container glass manufacturing plant, boasting an annual capacity of approximately 760,000 gross tonnes.
Such scale is the result of deliberate investments and long-term strategic choices. It is no coincidence that the largest installation of Pneumofore vacuum pumps for hollow glass is found precisely here. Some of the company’s air-cooled pumps, first installed at Şişecam as early as 2002, continue to operate smooth – without a single overhaul in over two decades. Designed for continuous, 24/7 operation, Pneumofore’s UV Series rotary vane pumps require only minimal yearly maintenance, such as coolant and filter replacements, to maintain efficiency and reliability over decades.
Where traditional swabbing methods involve graphite-based lubricants, Pneumofore systems integrate demister vacuum filters with dual-stage filtration and discharge mechanisms, ensuring stable performance and cleaner operation. Over time, the technology has continued to evolve: the UV30 model was succeeded by the UV50, offering 2,750 cubic square metres per hour capacity with a 75 kW motor. Since 2008, Şişecam has progressively replaced liquid ring systems with Pneumofore rotary vane pumps – most often selecting the largest available models.
Recent deliveries, including those in 2024, are equipped with variable speed drives for enhanced energy efficiency and adaptability. Currently, the three major Şişecam plants in Türkiye – Yenisehir, Eskisehir and Mersin – operate 27 units of UV50 pumps. While alternative suppliers have been tested over the years, many lower-cost solutions proved unsustainable, often showing significant performance deterioration after only a few years of heavy-duty operation. By contrast, Pneumofore’s machines have demonstrated resilience and consistency, securing their role as a preferred choice for long-term investment.
As the Turkish glass industry continues its expansion in Europe, Pneumofore remains committed to delivering robust, energy-conscious vacuum solutions. These partnerships highlight not only the value of advanced engineering but also the wisdom of selecting equipment designed to endure.