Grenzebach at glasstec 2026: Future-Proofing Existing Glass Production Lines
- Retrofit and upgrade solutions boost performance, efficiency, and profitability across the glass production line.
- Live at glasstec 2026 (Hall 15, Booth C43): innovative handling, conveying, and cutting technologies combined with SERICY.GBS for the modernization and expansion of existing production facilities.
HAMLAR, DUSSELDORF/Germany. Many production systems in the glass industry have delivered reliable performance for decades, but evolving demands call for higher productivity, greater energy efficiency, and increased production flexibility. While high capital expenditures and an increasingly volatile market environment often limit investments in entirely new production lines, many glass manufacturers are focusing on cost-effective ways to enhance their existing facilities. Grenzebach addresses this need with comprehensive retrofit, upgrade, and digitalization solutions.
At glasstec 2026, Grenzebach will demonstrate how existing flat glass production lines can be economically adapted to evolving market requirements while sustainably improving plant availability and operational performance. Under the motto “Boost your Performance—Modernize. Optimize. Reach the Next Level of Glass Production.”, the company will showcase solutions for the step-by-step optimization of flat glass production, from the hot end through to the cold end.
Grenzebach’s trade fair appearance will focus on retrofit and upgrade concepts that enable manufacturers to enhance the performance of existing production lines without the need for large-scale replacement investments.
“Many manufacturers face the challenge of adapting their existing facilities with-out investing in entirely new production lines. This is exactly where our retrofit, upgrade, and digitalization solutions come in. They are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing production processes.”
Highlights of the Trade Show Presentation
- Production expansion with stacker cells—without production downtime
One of the key highlights is the expansion of existing stacking systems. Additional stacker cells enable glass manufacturers to accommodate new glass formats while increasing stacking capacity. Automated side lines reduce manual handling and improve overall manufacturing efficiency. Visitors will see a stacker designed for large-format flat glass, demonstrating how movement sequences can dynamically adapt to actual production flow conditions. This approach ensures smooth material handling while reducing mechanical stress on equipment. In addition, modular control and drive technology upgrade kits support the gradual modernization of existing production assets.
- Coater-handling solutions
For coating lines, Grenzebach provides end-to-end coater handling solutions covering feeding, stacking, and material transport outside the coater. These systems are tailored to process requirements and cycle times, ensuring reliable material flow and efficient plant operation throughout the coating process.
- SERICY.GBS: transforming production data into actionable optimizations
Transparent production data forms the general basis for efficient and competitive glass manufacturing. With SERICY.GBS, Grenzebach consolidates production, quality, and equipment data within a single platform. This enables manufacturers to identify optimization opportunities at an early stage, analyze quality deviations more quickly, and continuously improve production processes.
- Annealing lehr modernization reduces energy loss and stabilizes processes
With rising energy costs and increasing sustainability requirements, modernization in the hot end is becoming increasingly important. Grenzebach will demonstrate how targeted upgrades to the RET and F zones of an annealing lehr can significantly improve cooling efficiency. The result is lower energy consumption, enhanced process stability, and improved operational performance.
- Expanded hot-end service portfolio
With the integration of the New Hudson service portfolio, Grenzebach has expanded its range of hot-end services and spare parts for dross box and annealing lehrs. The offering includes roller refurbishment services as well as an in-situ cleaning process for removing deposits. Cleaning equipment and trained service personnel are available worldwide to support customer operations.
- Precise cutting processes for higher yield
A further improved cutting technology combined with the integration of the Cut Optimizer into the SERICY Glass Business Suite enables more precise cutting operations and improved yield. Manufacturers can meet production requirements more precisely while reducing material waste and maximizing resource utilization.
