Encirc opens new, 206m2 furnace

Encirc’s new 206m2 sized furnace, which will increase the container glassmaker’s capacity by 100 tonnes a day, was opened by UK secretary of state for business, Greg Clark.

Encirc Managing Director, Adrian Curry, said: “At a time when some are uncertain about the outlook of UK manufacturing, the investment in our new furnace represents a very strong commitment to our future by our Spanish-based parent company. We pride ourselves on using the latest technology which not only minimises our impact on the environment, but also helps increase efficiency in our supply chain. This new furnace will significantly increase our capacity to manufacture sustainable packaging, while our new railhead is reducing our road transport needs by one million kilometres per year, helping us cut annual carbon emissions by 245,000 kg.”

Encirc said the container furnace, which cost GBP 40 million, was the largest in the world and built in record time. The company is celebrating its 20th year of operation and was acquired by Spanish-based glass company, Vidrala, in 2015.

It has two facilities in the UK: the other is in Derrylin, Northern Ireland, producing about one third of all glass containers in Britain.

The company, which employs more than 1,200 people, said it uses up to 90% recycled cullet in the manufacturing process. 

Glass Futures, a non-for-profit organisation, which supports excellence, innovation and training in the glass industry facilitated the visit to Encirc’s plant. 

Richard Katz, Director of Glass Futures, said: “We were really pleased by the Secretary of State’s visit and we’re sure he was impressed by Encirc’s investment which demonstrates the positive future for the glass industry in the UK.

"By bringing the best research and industry brains together, Glass Futures, with Government support, will substantially contribute to achieving the UK’s environmental targets.”