GPS will be installing its IS machines and state-of-the-art technology at BG Container Glass
GPS Glassproduktions-Service will be installing its IS machines and state-of-the-art technology at BG Container Glass’ new Ratchaburi factory.
BG Container Glass Company Limited (BGC), a subsidiary of Bangkok Glass Public Company Limited, is planning to manufacture around 144,000 additional tons of container glass in 2018. To achieve this ambitious objective, the leading Asian container glass manufacturer is building a new factory, Ratchaburi Glass Industry Company Limited, in Ratchaburi Province, Thailand. BGC is also making a commitment to innovation by entrusting GPS Glassproduktions-Service GmbH with the installation of IS machines and state-of-the-art technology at its new Ratchaburi factory. IS machine specialist GPS was awarded the contract for this largescale project with its innovative, tailor-made solutions and comprehensive service portfolio. It will be supplying and commissioning five new hot-end IS machine lines and providing extended post-installation support. This new, ultra-modern and efficiently equipped factory will enable BGC to continue building its leadership in Thailand and in the Asian market.
GPS Glasproduktions-Service GmbH, offers both module adaptations and all-inclusive solutions to customers. In this project for its longstanding international customer BGC, it is again demonstrating its commitment to being a full-service provider. A new container glass factory is currently being built in Photharam District, which is located in Thailand’s Ratchaburi Province. Five new IS machine lines at the Ratchaburi Glass Industry Co. Ltd. factory will commence the heating up for its starting from July 2018. The double and triple gob IS machines at the new facility are entirely GPS-made – from servo feeder up to cross conveyor and stacker, including the control and drive system. Supplying all the equipment for the new factory is one of the biggest projects that GPS has ever undertaken, and it confirms the robustness of the German IS machine specialist. However, in a project of this size, the IS machines themselves and the implementation phase aren’t the only important aspects. GPS has to effectively collaborate with the customer, which involves in-depth discussions and idea sharing before the project kicks off, as well as comprehensive employee training, start-up support and long-term support. This overall concept, which is also being applied in the large-scale BGC project, reflects the GPS ‘everything under one roof’ philosophy. It was this quality that enabled GPS to secure the contract. The core project phase will be completed by August 2018. It’s an ambitious target considering that the project only commenced in May 2017, but GPS isn’t concerned. “We’re confident that we can close out the project on time and within budget,” said GPS CEO Rolf Themann.
GPS’s innovative strength and technical excellence have developed strongly since the management buyout almost two years ago. Very soon after becoming an independent company the IS machine expert had a genuine innovation push and registered numerous new patents. Now GPS is exploiting these strengths in the BGC project. The majority of the IS machines have modern servo technology. They also incorporate new mechanisms and processes such as the Proko gob weight control system. All modules are configured for the plant’s specific requirement situation. “We want to help BGC to move forward in its market with our state-of-the-art IS machines. We always source the optimum technical solution for the customer, whether it’s standard or custom-made,” explained Rolf Themann. The additional production capacity provided by the new factory, plus the use of ultra-modern and efficient GPS technology, will continue BGC as being the market leader.
The very latest technology facilitates growth, improves efficiency and ensures the profitable future of the container glass sector. However, for this to happen, the factory personnel need the necessary technical know-how. That’s where GPS’s full-service support comes in. To provide the machine operators with the best possible training before the IS machines are commissioned, GPS sets up a training station that is used both for training and testing purposes. BGC additionally will benefit from the long-term support that GPS provides. “We continue working with our partners after the installation of our IS machines to ensure that the customer doesn’t experience any initial problems with GPS technology. So we’ll be supporting BGC for another 12 months after the IS machines are put into operation there,” explained Themann.
In a complex project such as the equipment of a new production facility, innovation and technical excellence aren’t the only things that count. “This kind of a large-scale project involves a lot of coordination. There are fundamental decisions to be made, such as the choice of machine and the level of technology. Our customers trust us to draw on our vast experience and help them make those decisions,” said Rolf Themann, describing the project framework. GPS has been in business for almost one hundred years, so it profits from profound sector expertise, coupled with innovativeness, fast responses and exceptionally close customer relationships. Those are important decision factors for container glass manufacturers and one of the key factor in persuading BGC to choose GPS as its partner in this project. “Our customers know that GPS is a stronger and more dependable partner than ever before, that it is committed to technical and operational excellence, provides innovative solutions and delivers German-made quality products, technology and service,” said Themann, adding: “This understanding of quality and partnership, paired with our flexibility and engaging approach, earned us the trust of BGC and secured us the contract.”