Stölzle Flaconnage is currently undergoing a furnace revamp as part of a £17 million investment.
The shutdown began on July 4th and the furnace will be back in operation on September 1st. The new 175 tonnes per day furnace will pull glass on 65 metres2 and, as before, two out of the five flint production lines will be capable of feeder colouring. The rebuild is part of the company’s strategy to develop the Knottingley, UK site into a dedicated prestige and luxury spirits factory.
As well as the furnace rebuild there will also be modifications on its hot and cold end facilities. Two new modern IS machines will contribute to the quality level and increase the company’s portfolio. The upgrade of one cold end line with new inspection technology, article handling and fully automated palletising follows the company strategy to be the number one partner for the prestige spirits industry. Substantial improvements to the plant’s water, energy and compressed air supply will also be realised to ensure high energy efficiency and an environmentally friendly operation.
There will also be further developments to the company’s decoration capabilities such as new printing devices, capable of more colours as well as alternative technologies. Further automation projects will be realised as part of the company’s improvement process in order to be more flexible and competitive.