PCL is a group of independent construction companies that operates throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Australia. It completes more than $7 billion in work annually. According to company officials, PCL’s 100% employee ownership model fuels a culture of commitment for clients in the buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industrial and solar markets.

“As a 100% employee-owned company, this is truly a shared honor with our workforce,” says Deron Brown, PCL president and chief operating officer of U.S. operations. “Being named to Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the 16th time is a testament to the dynamic culture created by our employee-owners. Today’s labor market is more competitive than ever. Yet, together, we continue to attract top talent by offering a collaborative, supportive environment where employees can see themselves building a long-term career.”

According to Great Place to Work, which partnered with Fortune to create the list, feedback from more than 1.3 million U.S. employees is matched against HR data from participating companies. Only companies with consistently high survey responses across the 60 statements that comprise the Trust Index Survey are included on the list. Companies are also only considered for the list if they are a Great Place to Work Certified organization with 1,000 or more employees in the U.S.

This is the third year in a row PCL has been recognized as the only general contractor on the list.

Source: Fortune with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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This investment underscores the company’s commitment to technological advancement and precision in glass processing.

Enhanced performance through innovation
With a strong presence in Poland, Western Europe, the Balkans, and the USA, Bojar Glass produces over 350,000 square metres of high-quality glass annually. To meet growing demand while maintaining top-tier quality, the company continuously modernises its production processes. The recent addition of the systron 3527proHD has already delivered impressive results:

• 35 percent increase in edge processing efficiency
• 50 percent faster hole cutting

The machine’s patented water jet cutting technology ensures high precision, even for complex geometries, while reducing processing times. Additionally, its ability to grind, mill, drill and polish in a single set-up has streamlined operations and improved product consistency.

A step toward the future
The 5,000 square metre state of the art production facility at Bojar Glass is designed for efficiency and flexibility. The systron 3527proHD plays a crucial role in processing glass for tempering and lamination, making it a key asset for fire-resistant glass, balustrades, façade elements and complex structural applications.

“The proHD has exceeded our expectations in speed, precision and repeatability,” said Krzysztof Harasimowicz, Sales Director at Bojar Glass. “Its performance allows us to optimize our processes and expand our production capacity.”

Looking ahead, Bojar Glass plans to integrate further automation and Industry 4.0 solutions, connecting the systron processing centre with digital production work-flows to enhance efficiency and data-driven manufacturing.

With this investment, Bojar Glass continues to set new standards in high-performance glass processing, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation for the future.

Source: Bojar Glass with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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The conference at the Glassman Europe trade show in Istanbul, Turkiye, takes place on May 14 and 15.

It is focused on solutions for efficient glass manufacturing and includes 12 speakers from the industry.

Confirmed speakers this week include Paul Schreuders, CEO of Xpar Vision (pictured), and Erik Muijsenberg, Commercial Director of the Czech Republic’s Glass Service.

Mr Schreuders will discuss future-proofing container glass forming using actionable data. His speech will encompass how there are new possibilities for glassmaking with the use of data science and AI.

Mr Muijsenberg will highlight how the use of AI-powered batch monitoring and model-based predictive control for electric and gas-fired furnaces can help glass manufacturers with their decarbonisation goals.

Other confirmed speakers at the free-to-attend include Sefpro, Glass Futures, Fives and Iris Inspection machines.

Glassman Europe takes place at İstanbul Lütfi Kırdar ICEC, Upper Rumeli Halls.

Source: Glassman Europe with additional information added by GlasBalkan

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The bridge, dubbed “Glass Bridge: The Penn Monument for Hope,” was built by University of Pennsylvania professor of architecture Masoud Akbarzadeh and research assistant Boyu Xiao of the Weitzman School of Design, along with collaborators including Yao Lu of Jefferson University. It resides at the Corning Museum of Glass.

The bridge comprises interlocking hollow glass units without traditional reinforcements, such as steel.

“All these pieces alone, hollow glass units, might seem quite brittle—and they are,” says Akbarzadeh. “But depending on how you design to put these glass units together, they start relying on each other, and the units’ assembly establishes a path for the load to be transferred efficiently. Thus, the bridge gains strength as a whole.”

The project began in 2017 with the conceptualization and design of the bridge. Akbarzadeh says the original concept centered around using thin sheets of glass to build a “super-efficient structure.” The engineering drew on techniques that date back to the Mesopotamian age, around 4000 BCE, particularly funicular design, which harnesses compression to achieve stability and strength.

Akbarzadeh and his team designed the bridge to “channel forces along ideal compression paths.” According to a Penn release, “Every glass unit, joint and angle was optimized so that the bridge’s arch would carry the load primarily through compression rather than bending forces—a method as ancient as the Sumerian U arches, now realized through cutting-edge computation and fabrication technologies.”

Lu says that one of the earliest hurdles was solving the problem of joining the glass modules without inducing stress points that lead to fractures. Male and female key joints were initially considered, but the shapes were difficult to construct out of glass. The team eventually used structural double-sided tape. To ensure a proper balance of flexibility and rigidity, polyvinyl butyral (PVB) was selected.

“But with these connectors, every cut, every angle, every dimension had to be accurate within 0.1 millimeters,” says Akbarzadeh. “When you’re dealing with 124 separate glass units, even the tiniest misalignment can multiply across the entire span. If we didn’t maintain that level of precision, the whole structure could have collapsed under its own weight.”

The bridge’s construction occurred onsite at Corning over a period of three weeks in November 2024.

Glasbau Pritz constructed the bridge’s hollow glass units. Theile Glass provided glass milling and lamination services. Saint-Gobain manufactured the low-carbon glass. The glass laminates were made using Kuraray’s Trosifol Extra Stiff Pro, and the structural connection component featured thick SentryGlas.

Source: Glass Bridge with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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The company has announced the installation of a new hybrid furnace at its Abbiategrasso plant (near Milan), a key initiative under the EU-backed Vitrum project, part of the Innovation Fund. This ambitious project represents a substantial investment in cutting-edge technology and underscores Bormioli Luigi’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Scheduled for completion by January 2025, the innovative furnace will utilize a hybrid system powered by both methane and electricity. This design is not merely a technological advancement; it’s a strategic move towards significantly reducing the company’s carbon footprint. The hybrid approach, combined with the use of Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) glass and an optimized piping system, delivers impressive results. Initial projections indicate an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions from the hybridization process alone, with further reductions attributable to the efficient use of recycled materials and optimized energy flow.

Quantifiably, this translates to a remarkable 30% decrease in gas consumption and a 14% reduction in overall CO2 emissions when compared to traditional gas furnaces. Over its first decade of operation, Bormioli Luigi anticipates the new furnace will reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to 25,500 tons – a considerable contribution to mitigating climate change.

Beyond the environmental benefits, the new furnace incorporates advanced digitalization and artificial intelligence for process optimization and control system management. This further enhances efficiency, ensuring not only reduced emissions but also improved overall production processes.

Bormioli Luigi’s investment in this state-of-the-art technology showcases a proactive approach to sustainable manufacturing within the glass industry. The Vitrum project, supported by the European Commission, demonstrates a wider commitment to fostering innovation and environmentally friendly practices. This initiative serves as a compelling example for other companies, highlighting the viability and significant impact of investing in sustainable technologies for a greener future. The success of this project will undoubtedly pave the way for similar advancements within the industry, driving positive change on a larger scale.

Source: Bormioli Luigi with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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This specialized material, engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of flight, plays a vital role in ensuring safety, performance, and comfort for passengers and pilots alike.

From the cockpit windows that offer pilots a clear view of the world below to the transparent canopies that protect fighter pilots, aerospace glass is everywhere. But what exactly is this remarkable material, and how does it handle the demanding conditions of aviation?

Beyond Ordinary Glass: The Unique Properties of Aerospace Glass

Aerospace glass is not your typical window pane. It is meticulously crafted from a variety of glass types, often combined with layers of specialized materials, to achieve specific properties. These properties include:

Exceptional Strength and Durability: Aerospace glass must withstand extreme pressure changes, impact from debris, and even the occasional bird strike. It is designed to be incredibly strong and resistant to cracking and shattering.
Optical Clarity: Pilots need a clear view to navigate safely, and passengers appreciate the stunning views. Aerospace glass ensures optimal visibility by maintaining exceptional clarity even at high altitudes and under varying weather conditions.
Thermal Resistance: Aircraft experience drastic temperature fluctuations during flight. Aerospace glass is engineered to resist these temperature changes without warping, distorting, or compromising its structural integrity.
Weight Optimization: Every ounce counts in aviation. Aerospace glass is designed to be lightweight, reducing the overall weight of the aircraft and improving fuel efficiency.
UV Protection: Passengers and crew are exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation at altitude. Aerospace glass incorporates UV filters to protect against harmful rays.

A Versatile Material: Diverse Applications of Aerospace Glass

The unique properties of aerospace glass make it a versatile material with applications across various aspects of aviation:

Cockpit Windows: A pilot’s primary connection to the outside world, cockpit windows are crucial for safe navigation and control. Aerospace glass ensures clear visibility, protection from the elements, and resistance to high speeds and impacts.
Passenger Windows: Offering passengers breathtaking views, passenger windows must also provide a comfortable and secure environment. Aerospace glass combines strength with transparency to ensure safety and enhance the flying experience.
Windscreens: Serving as the first line of defense against debris and bird strikes, windscreens are critical for aircraft safety. Multi-layered aerospace glass with interlayer materials provides superior strength and impact resistance.
Canopies: In military and civilian aircraft, canopies protect pilots from projectiles, UV radiation, and debris while offering a panoramic view. Aerospace glass for canopies is specifically engineered for extreme durability and optical clarity.
Instrument Panels: Essential for flight information, instrument panels rely on aerospace glass to display vital data clearly. Anti-glare, anti-fog, and other specialized coatings enhance readability and ensure accurate monitoring.
Cabin Windows: Providing natural light and scenic views, cabin windows contribute to passenger comfort. Aerospace glass with thermal insulation properties, UV protection, and soundproofing capabilities enhances the flying experience.
Transparent Armor: In military aircraft, transparent armor shields pilots and crew from ballistic threats. Aerospace glass with specialized coatings and interlayer materials offers high transparency, strength, and durability for critical protection.
Optical Systems: Cameras, sensors, and laser systems used in aviation rely on aerospace glass with specific optical properties. Low distortion, high transmittance, and thermal stability are crucial for these advanced systems.
Emerging Technologies: Aerospace glass is finding its way into innovative technologies like avionics displays, head-up displays, and virtual reality systems, where specialized coatings and properties enable new capabilities.

The Future of Aerospace Glass: Pushing the Boundaries

The field of aerospace glass is constantly evolving. Researchers and manufacturers are exploring new materials, coatings, and manufacturing processes to enhance the properties of aerospace glass further. These advancements aim to:

Increase strength and impact resistance: This ensures greater safety for pilots and passengers in even more demanding conditions.
Improve optical clarity: Advanced coatings and glass compositions enhance visibility and reduce glare, improving pilot performance and enhancing passenger experience.
Reduce weight:Lighter glass contributes to fuel efficiency and overall performance improvement.
Integrate smart technologies: Incorporating sensors and electronics into aerospace glass enables real-time monitoring, self-healing capabilities, and other innovative features.

Source: GlassBalkan

The post The Unsung Hero of the Skies: Understanding Aerospace Glass appeared first on GlassBalkan.

Their appeal to the Constitutional Court sheds light on the negative effects of the current tax regime on domestic production, particularly in relation to the excise duty on beer.

The association’s call for a partial repeal of the excise law stems from concerns about stunted growth opportunities for local companies. Targeting the excise band of 200,000 hectoliters, they argue that the existing tax structure acts as a barrier to expansion, leading to increased tax burdens and a higher risk of tax evasion.

Amid claims of a 7% reduction in domestic production of alcoholic beverages within the companies represented by the association, the alleged benefits of an additional 260 million lek ($2.6 million) from the excise tax pale in comparison to the negative consequences. A 12% fall in the number of employees and reductions in profit tax and VAT from domestic revenue underline the wider and negative impacts felt across the sector.

Furthermore, the disparity in excise duty levels between Albania and the EU, as highlighted by the Beer Society, underlines an urgent need for harmonization with European standards. The failure to harmonize tax rates since 2012 raises industry concerns and highlights the urgency for equitable tax practices.

As the discussions continue, the imminent decision of the Constitutional Court has major implications for the alcohol industry in Albania. Beyond the immediate sectoral effects, potential changes in consumption patterns may reverberate across related industries, particularly in the glass bottle manufacturing sector. Increased alcohol consumption may catalyze increased demand for glass bottles, prompting processors and manufacturers to consider strategic investments to expand their capacity.

In a broader context, the intersection between excise duty, domestic alcohol production and the glass industry reveals a complex web of dependencies and outcomes. A favorable decision by the court could pave the way for a more stable and growth-oriented industry landscape, benefiting stakeholders in many sectors but directly impacting that of glass.

In summary, the ongoing discourse on excise duties in Albania requires a nuanced approach that balances industry growth with competitive tax policies. The court’s upcoming decision stands as a pivotal moment in determining the course of the domestic spirits sector and its ancillary industries, shedding light on the complex dynamics shaping Albania’s economic landscape.

Source: GlassBalkan

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HRASTNIK1860 invites both new and established brands to participate in the ‘Spirit in a Bottle’ contest, offering you a chance to elevate your brand with a free custom bottle design and sample.

A Free Custom Bottle Design and Sample – Your Path to Market Differentiation

In this exclusive opportunity, HRASTNIK1860 is ready to grant one fortunate winner the privilege of collaborating with our award-winning team of experts. From the initial design concept to the creation of exceptional glass bottles, all project expenses, including mold equipment and the first sampling, will be fully covered by HRASTNIK1860.

How to Enter the Contest

Tell us about your brand and the innovative ideas that drive your passion. Submit your brief description to us, and you might just be the lucky recipient of a free custom bottle design.

Submission Deadline: October 30, 2023

A distinguished panel of HRASTNIK1860 experts, representing various departments including design studio, marketing, commercial, and product development, will carefully evaluate the submissions. Rest assured, your brand’s exceptional potential will be recognized.

Join the ‘Spirit in a Bottle’ contest today and let HRASTNIK1860 transform your brand’s vision into a captivating reality.

Source: HRASTNIK1860 with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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