Glaston is highlighting automation as a key opportunity to improve glass tempering efficiency ahead of GLASSTEC 2026. According to industry data shared by the company, typical tempering loading-bed utilization is only around 37%, with furnace idling and missed loadings further reducing production capacity.
Glaston estimates that increasing bed utilization from 25% to 45% can generate annual electricity savings of approximately €40,000–€80,000 per furnace, while also improving overall production efficiency.
As part of its “Road to GLASSTEC 2026” series, Glaston is showcasing automated loading and batch optimization solutions designed to address these challenges. The company points to BestGlass in Finland as an example, where the tempering process was automated using Glaston Autopilot, AutoLoad and Batch Optimizer upgrades.
At GLASSTEC 2026, Glaston will present these automation solutions and discuss opportunities for glass processors to increase furnace utilization, reduce energy consumption and improve production performance. 
Source: Glaston with additional information added by Glass Balkan
