AGI glaspac invests in German Tech to build a new furnace in India

AGI glaspac, one of the leading global manufacturers of integrated container glass, announced its partnership with a Germany Tech Giant HORN Glass Industries AG, Germany. Both have joined hands to build a new furnace of 154 TPD AGI Specialty Glass Division in India for its Bhongir plant in Telangana. According to the company, the technology will cost Rs 55 crore. It is a part of the recent investment raised by AGI glaspac from its parent company HSIL, amounting to Rs 220 crore.

AGI said the plant would comprise end-fired furnaces with six forehearths for production. With the set up of this new furnace, the company's Bhongir plant will produce 154 tons of premium flint and other different colors. This high-quality specialty glass produced will cater to industries such as carbonated water, sparkling wine, pharmaceuticals, including vials and in cosmetics, such as beauty products, perfumery, nail Polish, and others.

Rajesh Khosla, president and chief executive officer of AGI glaspac, said, "Our investment in German technology is aimed to strengthen our units to make products more efficiently out of India for global markets. We thrive by the make-in-India concept, and it is important that we do not miss out on the great opportunities or technologies readily available. These technologies are to watch out for or invest in so that the products manufactured in India can compete efficiently. We are happy to have found the right technology partner in HORN Glass Industries AG, Germany."

Stephan Meindl, president and chief executive officer, Horn Glass Industries AG, said, "India is an exciting market for our company, and we are happy to collaborate with a renowned brand like AGI glaspac to showcase our leading position in the global glass market. We are confident that with our technological support, AGI glaspac's will be able to thrive by its make in India vision of manufacturing world-class level specialty glass very effectively".

According to the company, the furnace will be heated by PNG (Piped Natural Gas), with HFO backup firing. LPG will be the energy backup for the distributor and forehearths. HORN's supply scope includes the refractory planning, combustion equipment, measuring and control, boosting, a new HVR 400 batch charger for the furnace, distributor, and forehearth, as well as further furnace equipment. The entire construction and commissioning will be managed by AGI glaspac and HORN Glass Industries AG, Germany.

The Packaging Products Division of HSIL, AGI glaspac (also known as AGI), was established in 1972 and is one of the country's leading container-glass manufacturers. AGI has two state-of-the-art plants, one in Hyderabad and the other in Bhongir, Telangana. They are engaged in the manufacture of high-quality glass containers to meet the stringent and demanding quality standards of the packaging needs of the food, pharmaceuticals, soft drinks, spirits, beer, wine and other industries. With an in-house design studio, mold manufacturing, and ACL (Applied Ceramic Labeling) plants, AGI has fully integrated operations, enabling the manufacture of quality products and ensuring timely deliveries. With the Hyderabad and Bhongir plants put together, AGI melts around 1600 tons of glass in a day. With four furnaces, AGI can commit to the availability of flint, amber and green glass throughout the year. Apart from the host of the multinationals who comprise a part of AGI's Indian market, it also has a large customer base in North America, Europe, Africa and the APAC regions.