Stoelzle Flaconnage will resume operations at its Knottingley, UK, plant on 22 December 2025, following a major rebuild after a fire in July halted production. The fire, which occurred on 12 July, caused significant damage to the furnace and key production equipment. All employees were safely evacuated, and no serious injuries were reported.
Stoelzle immediately activated its Business Continuity Plan, reallocating production across sister facilities in Poland, Austria, and France. UK staff specialising in spirits bottles were temporarily transferred to support training and start-up at these sites, ensuring customer orders were delivered on time and in full.
The rebuild included a new advanced furnace from Horn Glass Industries, improving energy efficiency and environmental performance, and new IS machines from Bucher Emhart Glass, enhancing process stability and efficiency. Targeted upgrades were also made to the cold-end inspection area and decoration department, while core processes such as lacquering, screen printing, and hot foil continued with minimal disruption.
Thomas Riss, CEO of Stoelzle Flaconnage, said: “The new equipment and technologies significantly increase stability and yield. We thank our team, partner companies, and local authorities for their support.” 
Dr August Grupp, CEO of Stoelzle Glass Group, added: “The rebuild demonstrates the spirit of our people and strengthens our commitment to customers as operations resume in December.”
Source: stoelzle.com with additional information added by Glass Balkan
