“We’re now running with the stability, reliability and consistency we aimed to achieve when we invested in Glaston’s Autopilot,” David Bunting, Managing Director of Architectural Glass Products (AGP), says.
In 2020, New Zealand’s AGP selected two FC Series tempering lines for its greenfield plant in Cambridge to increase production of high-performance insulating glass units for the country’s burgeoning market for thermally efficient windows, doors and facades.
About two years later, the company decided to invest in Glaston’s Autopilot technology. The new technology was commissioned in the autumn of 2023.
Automating the glass tempering process significantly reduces the need for manual input. The machine becomes responsible for selecting the correct process parameters. The result is an efficient and repeatable production process that helps the glass processor increase production.
“One of the biggest drivers for us to add this new technology to our furnaces was to keep up with our high glass volumes with differing thicknesses and sizes as well as the move to more coated glasses. By implementing the Autopilot technology when we did, I feel we avoided bigger production issues,” David says.
After discussing with a local Glaston representative and Autopilot customers in Europe, David felt they were ready to try the new technology. The company then chose to install Autopilot on both FC Series furnaces from 2020 at the same time. AGP is currently in the process of installing a third FC Series furnace in Cambridge.
Good testimony to partnership
“It’s been quite a journey to get to this point with Autopilot. But for the past few months, our production has maintained the stability we initially targeted,” David says. “I’d say this is a true testimony of the solid partnership we have built up with Glaston over the years. With their expertise, we managed to resolve issues that came up in the early months.”
“Today, we have more process stability, more production repeatability and less variation. This is essential when running our production style,” he continues.
Easy transition for operators
David goes on to say that it was quite a smooth transition for his operators. “It’s easier for our operators to maintain stability, and it helps us run tighter operations.”
In the end, it all comes down to customers. Glaston’s Autopilot is providing everything that AGP’s customers want – high volumes with consistently high quality.