Rath has formed an alliance with Refratechnik, to co-operate in the development and production of refractory products for glass melting plants.

As part of the technology alliance, both companies will contribute their respective know-how in glass manufacturing and refractory production to combine it into a technology solution.

The two companies will be operating under the name ‘R² – The Glass Furnace Alliance’.

Rath will be the main point of contact for customers seeking the best mix of Rath and Refratechnik products for glass melting furnaces.

The alliance enables Rath to expand its technological expertise, as products manufactured by Refratechnik will be developed in close collaboration with the research and development departments of both companies.

Refratechnik will contribute its production know-how, including newly developed formulations and high-precision tolerance ranges for end products.

The glass industry will benefit from the technology alliance in several ways.

This includes obtaining the refractory solutions needed for each production step from a single source.

For example, Rath can now offer a complete concept for regenerators, including magnesia and zircon magnesia regenerator bricks, alumina wall bricks, and 1000x500x200 mm bottom blocks, etc.

Another advantage of the new partnership is that, thanks to flexible production capacities, availability can be tailored to customer requirements.

Andreas Pfneiszl, Speaker of the Executive Board, Rath Group, said: “I am pleased that with this technology alliance for the glass industry, we and Refratechnik have created a real alternative to existing mass manufacturers.

“Our two companies combine innovative strength and economic stability with uncompromising quality standards – and in future, this will be coupled with even more flexibility.”