Siemens & Encirc enter digital tech partnership

Posted on 28 Feb 2017 by Jonny Williamson
Bottle production process at Encirc Glass.

Siemens and leading glass manufacturer and contract bottler, Encirc, have announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will see both companies enter a strategic digitalisation partnership.

Bottle production at the leading glass manufacturer and contract bottler - image courtesy of Encirc.
Bottle production at the leading glass manufacturer and contract bottler – image courtesy of Encirc.

The announcement represents the start of a technology partnership agreement between global engineering and technology marque, Siemens, and Encirc, designed to spearhead the deployment of advanced digital technologies and services across Encirc’s operations.

Encirc, part of the Vidrala group since 2015, has two sites; one in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland and one in Chester, England. With more than 33% market share, the company manufactures container glass for the food and beverage industry.

With its highly advanced contract bottling facility, 52,000sqm automated bonded warehouse and a multi-faceted logistics offering, Encirc aims to support its customers with sustainable beverage supply chain options.

The company plans to reportedly invest significantly in furnace rebuilds over the coming five years across both of its sites.  The technology deal comes into effect immediately and looks to be based on three core themes:

  • A commitment from Siemens’ Digital Factory and Process businesses to supply innovation and new product across Encirc’s two sites
  • A unique energy partnership designed to significantly reduce energy use and emissions
  • Siemens’ commitment to deliver a wholesale digital transformation project

L-R: Steve Martin, head of Siemens Glass; Fiacre O Donnell, ‎head of Strategic Development at Encirc; Adrian Curry, managing director, Encirc; Juergen Maier, Siemens UK CEO, & Mike Houghton, managing director, Siemens Process Industries.
L-R: Steve Martin, head of Siemens Glass; Fiacre O Donnell, ‎head of Strategic Development at Encirc; Adrian Curry, managing director, Encirc; Juergen Maier, Siemens UK CEO, & Mike Houghton, managing director, Siemens Process Industries.

According to managing director of Encirc, Adrian Curry, the strategic partnership with Siemens will enhance the company’s reputation as leaders in technology, innovation and sustainable manufacturing.

He added: “It represents Encirc entering a new phase in terms of digitalisation and future technologies. Further reducing our energy use and emissions will also build on our commitment to provide customers with the most environmentally friendly route to market possible.”

Siemens UK and Ireland CEO, Juergen Maier, added: “This is a landmark technology partnership which is about two central challenges – industrial digitalisation and reducing carbon emissions.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Encirc who understand this deal is a platform to showcase industrial digitalisation in the UK glass sector. We’re looking forward to joining Encirc on this important journey over the coming years.”