Metro Performance Glass stands as one of New Zealand’s leading glass manufacturers, backed by decades of experience and a workforce of around 900 employees across New Zealand and Australia. Serving both commercial and residential sectors, the company offers one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the region, from high-performance double and triple glazing to laminated safety glass, shower panels, balustrades, mirrors, and decorative printed glass. Known for its customized solutions, fast turnaround times, and high service standards, Metro continues to play a key role in advancing the glass industry in the region.

A Longstanding Partnership Built on Innovation

The collaboration between Metro Performance Glass and LiSEC dates back to the late 1990s, with the first installations taking place around 1997. Over the years, this partnership has evolved into a strong, technology-driven alliance, supported by ongoing training and technical expertise from LiSEC teams in Austria and Australia, as well as local partner Glasscorp.

Today, LiSEC’s solutions are deeply embedded in Metro’s manufacturing processes. From raw glass handling to final processing, LiSEC equipment ensures precision, efficiency, and reliability. Automated cranes and buffer systems facilitate safe material movement, while advanced cutting tables, installed at Metro’s Auckland and Christchurch facilities, deliver consistent, high-quality results that form the backbone of further processing.

Automation and Integration at the Core

Automation plays a central role in Metro’s operations. LiSEC systems enable glass to move seamlessly through production stages with minimal manual handling, reducing errors and improving consistency. Buffer storage systems further optimize workflow by managing production flow between stages, minimizing bottlenecks and remakes.

Metro’s insulating glass lines, powered by LiSEC technology, support the production of high-performance double and triple glazed units, meeting increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions, particularly in colder regions such as New Zealand’s South Island.

Equally important is LiSEC’s software ecosystem. Metro has integrated LiSEC’s GPS.order and GPS.prod systems with its internal ordering platform, streamlining production planning and job tracking. Additional tools such as dynopt optimize cutting processes, while autofab enhances plant-wide automation. This unified system reduces operational complexity, eliminates integration issues, and provides a single, reliable support structure.

Extending Performance with LONGLiFE Upgrades

Metro Performance Glass has also embraced LiSEC’s LONGLiFE upgrade program to extend the lifespan of its equipment. First introduced during LiSEC’s Virtual Fair in 2020, the program became essential as older systems based on Windows XP and Windows 7 approached the end of their support lifecycle.

Since 2020, Metro has implemented a multi-year upgrade strategy across its cutting tables, insulating glass lines, and buffer systems, transitioning to modern platforms and improving overall performance.

Key benefits of the LONGLiFE upgrades include:

• Extended equipment lifespan: Upgrading existing machinery proved more cost-effective than full replacement.
• Reduced downtime: Short upgrade periods ensured minimal disruption to production.
• Enhanced IT security: Migration to Windows 10 improved cybersecurity and compliance.
• Sustainability: Extending machine life reduced waste and supported environmentally responsible practices.
• Efficient implementation: Close collaboration between Metro teams and LiSEC engineers enabled smooth and increasingly streamlined upgrades.

Through its long-term partnership with LiSEC, Metro Performance Glass continues to stay at the forefront of industry innovation. The integration of advanced automation, software, and upgrade strategies ensures that its production lines remain efficient, reliable, and future-ready.

With ongoing investment plans and strong support from LiSEC and Glasscorp, Metro is well-positioned to meet evolving market demands while maintaining its commitment to quality, service excellence, and technological leadership.

All image courtesy of LiSEC