Machines

The Machines segment consists of Glaston’s previous business areas, Pre-processing and Heat Treatment. The new Machines segment improves Glaston’s operational efficiency, Glaston’s ability to respond to customer’s needs, supports a more integrated sales approach and eases interaction between customers and Glaston.

The Machines segment comprises tempering, bending and laminating machines sold under the Tamglass and Uniglass brands, glass pre-processing machines sold under the Bavelloni brand, as well as tool sales and manufacturing.

The business area’s customer base is global. The most significant customer segments are the architectural and construction industry, the automotive industry, the furnishing and appliance industry, and manufacturers of solar energy solutions.

Glaston is the industry’s leading supplier of comprehensive solutions due to its widest product portfolio and extensive sales and service network.

Possibilities of the solar energy

The solar energy segment represents a new possibility in the glass processing industry. Already during the past couple of years the focus areas in the product development have been products needed for the manufacturing of solar energy glass. Especially flat panels and Glaston’s bending technology have created interest among customers.

Markets for solar energy related factory solutions do exist, regardless of the economic downturn. The recession has in fact speeded up the development towards integrated solutions and higher degree of automation. Glaston’s position in this customer segment is strong, albeit customers have postponed their investment decisions.

Customers of the solar energy segment are looking for large and reliable partners, as the projects tend to be big. Typically these clients are not familiar with the glass processing industry.

Localisation of products and global customer base

The Machines segment manufactures machines in four locations: Italy, Brazil, China and Finland. Through localised production range Glaston will be better able to meet market needs and grow its operations in low-cost countries.

The Machines segment’s most significant market areas according to revenue are Europe and MEAI area (Middle East, Africa, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh). Glaston’s competitive advantages are strong technological expertise, quality, an advanced product offering, a comprehensive sales and service network as well as reliable and productive machines.

Recent segment information, EUR million