Ambev’s glass container factory in Brazil has been the subject of a major €30 million investment in recent months.
Ambev's Rio de Janeiro site received first-class training for its production personnel, as well as advanced manufacturing know-how from one of the industry’s main players.
Germany’s Heye International was responsible for the co-ordination of the project, including the delivery of three 12-section triple gob IS machines to more than double the plant’s manufacturing capacity.
The plant has one furnace of 350 tpd plus a second furnace also at 350 tpd but with more cavities, which improved its capacity utilisation.
The multi-zone central lubrication system in the machines helps to reduce the consumption of lubricants, keeping the machine cleaner. A diverse range of equipment was also supplied, from feeder mechanisms to lehr loaders.
Extensive staff training was arranged to maximise productivity, both on-site and at Heye’s headquarters in Obernkirchen, Germany.
Among the subjects addressed were production, mechanical and electrical issues, as well as specialist mould repair training.
“These training programmes were positively received by local glassworks personnel in Brazil,” confirmed Lorenzo Barquin, Global Director Glass Operations at Ambev.
The plant specialises in high volume production of beer bottles exclusively for its parent company.
