Joint solutions in automation

How important is the Gallo Glass Company for Bucher Emhart Glass?

Werner Gessner: “Gallo Glass produces the majority of its glass containers for E. & J. Gallo Winery, the world’s largest winery. A few years ago, Gallo Glass decided to become the manufacturer with the highest degree of automation on the Californian market – so as to ensure quality while also increasing production volume. Gallo Glass is an important customer for us, with whom we are driving the development of our new solutions.”
 

What is the importance of Bucher Emhart Glass for Gallo?

Nigel Dart: “We have more than 60 years of experience in glass manufacturing. We want to maintain our technology leadership in the glass industry because this allows us to meet customer demands to improve quality, increase flexibility and lower costs. Bucher Emhart Glass as a technology leader is a strategic partner for Gallo Glass. By working closely together we can improve operations and drive growth.”
 

How would you describe the collaboration between Gallo and Bucher Emhart Glass?

Werner Gessner: “We create consistency in our customer relationships by always having the same people on site with the customer. We forge parallel relationships on several levels simultaneously, with the customer and at our end. These relationships are trustful, honest and very direct. Our service engineers, for example, are in direct contact with Gallo Glass’s machine operators. The production specialists communicate with the production line workers, and our technical team communicates with the customer’s technical team. What advantage does this offer? Everyone knows at all times what they and their customers are working on.”

Nigel Dart: “When I talk to Emhart about our strategy or where the industry is heading, I like to interact with people who can make decisions and can agree on a way forward. This is what makes our relationship great: that we are linked at the right level throughout the organisation. This builds trust, we can be very open, we have a common understanding. This kind of strong collaboration adds all the value.”
 

What advantages does this intensive collaboration offer the customer?

Werner Gessner: “The customer is always kept informed of the status of our technology and developments in the market. Our customer, therefore, has the most advanced glass manufacturing machines and we provide support throughout the entire life cycle of a machine – which is essential for the customer’s ongoing operations.”
 

The customer’s perspective? 

Nigel Dart: “In the glass industry, we are looking at very long capital cycles. If we get a new furnace for example, we might be looking at a 14-year furnace life. We install equipment which has to last 14 years, so it needs to be flexible, and adaptable for changes, for example in technologies or customers’ requirements. Bucher Emhart Glass is the only supplier in the glass industry which develops these advanced types of technologies – both for forming and inspection. This and our strong relationship is why Emhart is so valuable to us.”