New start for AGC Moustier
AGC Glass in Moustier is going up a production line, but not a new one. These are the machines Site Athus in southern Luxembourg that is transferred to the Basse-Sambre. It was announced a year ago. On one side we stop production, the other one goes back and construct a new tool. Athus was losing money Moustier away from where the glass he used was produced. Tomorrow everything will be manufactured in the Basse-Sambre.
The aim, improve profitability
There will be transportation to carry the flat glass produced in Moustier to Athus where it was processed into laminated glass for the construction market. Then he returned to Moustier for packaging and shipment to the customer. It is a significant saving. With this concentration of means of production on one site AGC tries to resist the crisis that has hit the flat glass sector since 2008. With the result, excess capacity and the closure of production units across Europe. We remember that in Belgium the neighboring sites of Saint-Gobain Sekurit Glass and put the key under the door there two years ago. We also remember that AGC had arrested a closed oven Moustier no in 2012. AGC Glass Europe has also closed a plant in northern France and another in the Netherlands. Today, the group feels happy to have arrived at a better balance between supply and demand. But he dare not bet on the future.
Fewer job creation at Moustier
With the transfer of south Luxembourg activities to the Lower Sambre, 85 Athus operators will lose their jobs. But Moustier, only a small half, about 40 position will be created. Athus workers are obviously a priority. But they live near the Luxembourg border, at least 160 km. There are therefore three executives who have accepted the proposal. Two former employees of Saint-Gobain Auvelais were also hired.
The new laminated glass line should be ready in late June.
HELANTEC under new management
The two managers, Jochen Weiß and Gregor Witrofsky, who for more than 10 years have been a fixed component in the company and who have played a key role in the continuous development of the company, have jointly taken over the management of the company. Over the last 10 years new technologies have been introduced, the product spectrum has virtually been doubled and the internal quality assurance has been optimised.
The corporate structure remains intact, product development will be driven forward and direct customer support will be intensified. Initially the focus will be expanding the insulated glass business segment. Systems for monitoring various production processes for the manufacturing of insulated glass are almost ready for market introduction and additional products are in development.
"Manufacturers of insulated glass have a competitive advantage through the use of HELANTEC products; and in everyday operations they more easily meet the constantly increasing market requirements", explains Gregor Witrofsky (36).
"Custom webinars, online presentations and personal customer visits are planned for intensification of customer support. Due to the global export business and to ensure the best possible support, the network of our sales partners will be further expanded", adds Jochen Weiß (38).
The worldwide demand for insulated glass represents significant potential for HELANTEC GmbH. Thanks to experienced developers and a reliable production team the new managing directors look to the future with confidence.
Glass middle East 2016
Glassman exhibition and conference
10th 11th May 2016
Abu Dhabi UAE
GPD China
In 2016, GPD China will be held on the 9th of April in Shanghai, just before China Glass exhibition. The event will focus on the current trends in the following areas;
- glass production and processing
- use of glass in buildings, transportation and energy management
Over 300 industry experts are expected to attend.
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