Six-figure investment

Padiham Glass has committed to a six-figure spend on further software integration, a new automatic sealing robot, a new handling equipment, in a bid to drive increased flexibility and quality through its trade offer.

Having already introduced new bar-coding systems and increased process control, the company will bring new batch-control software online early this year. This will provide new flexibility to cut and prep and sub-batch product for toughening more efficiently, increasing yields, while also introducing new flexibility in its process to supply downstream lines more effectively.

John Spiby, CEO at Padiham Glass, said: “We have an opportunity to increase our yields through more effective processing and prepping of sheet glass but also to be more flexible in how we batch glass for toughening so that we not only maximise output but also feed the lines more effectively, releasing material earlier.

“These changes, in addition to those adjustments that we have already made to our internal processes, will allow us to further improve efficiencies, building capacity and reducing waste but most importantly, supporting us in cutting lead times and introducing new flexibility to the service that we deliver to our trade customers.”

A corresponding investment in new Hegla glass trolleys, also to be delivered early this year, will support Padiham in improving handling and reducing wastage.