Bystronic glass B’JUMBO at Metro Performance Glass

Bystronic glass once again achieved great success after the commissioning and installation of a new B’JUMBO IG line in Auckland, New Zealand. The progressive project is part of an expansion phase at one of Australasia’s leading glass processors – Metro Performance Glass.

With a broad product range that caters for both domestic and commercial markets Metro Performance Glass has established a reputation for excellence which their customers rely upon. The B’JUMBO IG production line from Bystronic glass was the preferred choice for this installation, with its technically advanced capabilities that provide greater accuracy and faster output to cope with market demands as they increase.

As product design in the glass market diversifies, the need to invest in greater automation that can easily handle an expanding product range, that includes double glazed units, laminated glass products as well as toughened and heat soaked glass, became essential for the Highbrook based manufacturers.

Accommodating glass dimensions from min. 190 x 350mm, max. 3210 x 6000mm, the B’JUMBO system can produce insulating glass units or commercial units from 12-80mm in thickness. Using the Bystronic glass shape catalogue, customers can diversify their portfolio, enabling products to be manufactured in a variety of dimensions and styles. The system opens up new opportunities for Bystronic glass customers, particularly in the commercial sector, and makes an excellent solution in relation to the market’s desire for more dynamic design.

Geoff Rasmussen, General Operations Manager at Metro Performance Glass, needed the install to be as swift as possible with little disruption to the daily running of the factory. With the Auckland factory running 5 x 10 hour nightly shifts as well as 7 x 12 hour day shifts, the supply chain to the customers needed to be maintained during the installation.

Technically the new system had to be connected to the existing automation equipment and needed to run a very fast cycle time. Speed was of the essence when making the investment with high speed sealing an essential requirement to cater for multiple glass types including coated glasses.

As the reliability and quality of the Bystronic glass range were familiar to Rasmussen, Bystronic glass was chosen for the new Greenfields Tasmanian site. The Auckland B’JUMBO investment was slotted into the existing 17,250sq.m. purpose built glass processing facility at the company’s Head Office in Auckland.

The precision engineering and support services from Bystronic glass were key factors in making further investments for the Australasian market, with the proven technology demonstrating new business potential for Metro Performance Glass and its future market direction.

With such a major investment, achieving consistent production standards were an essential part of the decision process. The B’JUMBO was considered superior due to a number of factors including product quality, productivity, reliability and advanced manufacturing procedures.

Metro Performance Glass employs approximately 1,180 staff across Australasia which comprises four processing sites in in New Zealand and three processing sites in Australia. Providing quality glass products to window fabricators and commercial construction companies since 1986, the entire team prides itself on its first class reputation of ‘performance without compromise’.

This core principle was applied when making investments in the Bystronic glass range with communication and customer support also considered vital elements to Rasmussen.

Rasmussen comments, “During a tough economic climate that is dominated by continual change, the quality of build, reliability and support services are essential for us from a supplier. The Bystronic glass team have been great to work with as they developed a rapport and worked with us throughout the whole process, from advising and commissioning the line to training our operators on the equipment post-installation. They gave us confidence in the company as a whole, performing to the highest of standards during our transition phase, which at times had challenging moments.”

As leaders within their specialist fields, Bystronic glass and Metro Performance Glass are now raising the standards further for the industry. The new plant is making an unequivocal mark on manufacturing processes across Australasia, as the company is producing superior products at a size and level that has previously never been seen.

“Now we are operational, we are very happy with the quality of the equipment we have purchased and the impact we will have on the industry will be considerable. We have clear advantages.” Rasmussen added.

Metro Performance Glass has been at the forefront of technology and product development with a history of innovation within the glass industry since the 1980s.

“Based on achievements to date, we envisage continuing the strong connections we have with the Bystronic glass team. The products, services and technical guarantees will provide us with the reassurances we require in order to further grow our business. This expansion programme demonstrates the company’s commitment to provide complete solutions for an expanding market,” Rasmussen concludes.

As specialist manufacturers, Bystronic glass has built a commanding presence globally in glass automation over the last 50+ years. Recognised for its expertise the company has developed state-of-the-art equipment that can be integrated into modular parts of machinery to complement existing lines or can supply a complete production solution for individual manufacturing requirements.

Alan Lim, Senior Sales Engineer of Bystronic glass’ Southeast Asian subsidiary in Singapore comments, “At a time when the industry as a whole is going through considerable change and development, we are confident of excellent prospects for our customers and know that our products and services have been geared for an evolving market. At Metro Performance Glass we have installed solutions that will guarantee success.”